I (24M) graduated last May with my non thesis Master's in physics in the USA. I also was doing astrophysics research (observations, star formation) during this time and I am currently finishing up a summer research position (theory, stellar physics) in Europe. I do not have anything lined up next as I want to seriously consider my future and I understand the long, and demanding commitment of a PhD. Is it worthwhile for me to pursue a PhD in astrophysics even if I do not want an academic career?

The thought of doing multiple postdocs, navigating a difficult academic job market, moving different locations, having not job stability and making just a little more money than the PhD stipend does not seem appealing to me, let alone the pressure to publish. Ultimately, I would like a job a with a better life-balance, six figure USD salary, and something more permanent after a PhD, that can still be intellectually stimulating. I have flirted with the idea of DS or quant jobs.

However, part of me wants to do a PhD because - I would like to experience what it's like to have a first author paper and participate in a conference - up to this point I am used to the research life and environment, there is not guarantee I will like industry if I switch to it (the grass is greener on the other side) - I am really interested in stellar physics (this is clearer after my current internship) and would love to push the boundaries of our knowledge in this field (we only live once and I am still young without any major commitments) - I have a lot of wanderlust and perhaps doing a PhD in a foreign country and traveling to conferences can help satisfy it - according to AIP, the salaries of PhDs are greater than bachelor's and master's,

Bachelor's: https://ww2.aip.org/statistics/new-astronomy-bachelors-and-masters-what-comes-next

PhD: https://ww2.aip.org/statistics/new-astronomy-phds-what-comes-next

These doubts have been playing in my mind for the past 48 hours. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.