OK, so

[Paul B.]

It sounds like you really wanna go through with the PhD program, but I say EFF IT. Sounds like there's some shenanigans going on if they're making you pay for the first two years. Not really... I just wanted to say shenanigans.

Regarding the whole depression thing, how does your friend figure you'll be happy at the end of year 1? It's more likely that you'll be miserable, considering you don't want a high stress job. A PhD program at U-Chicago spells high stress.

I said eff it and make that documentary. You'll get a lot of satisfaction out of that as long as you take a more optimistic approach to it, rather than saying it won't make you rich or whatever. Don't settle. I worked with Morgan Spurlock (creator of Super Size Me) and a bunch of my pessimistic co-workers doubted him. He's a millionaire now because he didn't settle for second best. The potential is there with poker. Just say EFF IT, and do what you love.