PHDs - tell me about your experience

[2Fast]

Been working for ten years plus and thinking of a career change. I work in finance and since every friggin market is blowing up these days I might be out of a job in 6 months, so one of my backup plans (and longer-term desires) is to go into teaching, either by geting a PHD or (another) Masters - preferably in strategic management or finance, but I'm kinda open. I've also been thinking about the teaching English abroad route but frankly think it might get pretty old/boring after awhile and I will want something more in the end, so that's why Phd came to mind.

In particular I would like to hear thoughts on:

-how long did it take?
-overall workload
-money situation (stipends, total expenses, etc.)
-additional hours grading papers/doing TA stuff
-job situation (inverted pyramid hierarchical structures at Universities, chances of jobs)
-room & board
-healthcare coverage
-colleagues - how are they?
-time off (2 months in summer right? how great is this really?)

In particular I think I'd like to study abroad, preferably Europe or maybe even South America so wondering if anyone has any experience there.

Thanks!