Had a couple of girlfriends in the pass with PHDs, they called a PHD - Piled Higher and Deeper and like being a professional student. I looked at it as a sign of strong work ethic to achieve something or doing well in academics. The only problem is if you don't love what you are doing , then it may miss the purpose in life or in mastering life.

A PHD may show a sign in too many indoctrinated camp from political thinking, or over programed society.

I won several international awards instead of degrees or academic papers. Kind of thought an artist teachers were the one who couldn't do the art. It's one in a million that can be an artist after 4 decades. Had to look at it as One third legistic, 1/3 business and a third Art product. Do what ever it takes, to be what ever you want to be. First step is being honest with yourself. Don't harm along the way.