Is there ever a better motive than spite! I have never regretted it, even when the thesis was a grind at the end. I love history. If I had gone back to building work I think I would have been sad not to be using it but not for having done it. No wrong choice, just different options

I am just finishing my MA, after a 24 year gap since undergrad and I have really really enjoyed it. While I know i would enjoy it and get a lot out of it for myself, I am not sure I can justify the tradeoffs. Not that I need to decide right away or anything; just on my mind at the moment.