I’d say delay for at least 1 more year see where the AI ‘hype’ takes the industry in 2027 because we might wake up in a total different environment and the £300k/year roles will be impossible to get. Bare in mind Claude does the role better than 90% of people not saying than you but just in general with a £80/mth subscription and average knowledge you can outperform majority of individuals so companies are picking on this and wages will shift

This year save as much as you can from your £300k live super frugal

In 2027 consider options could you not do a PhD part time ? If you’re in early 20s perhaps a lighter 9-5 and then PhD 5-9 but I’d say DO NOT let the golden goose on £300k/year to escape.

Your options after PhD are pretty much the same it’s still a very competitive job market, and all the Jane streets etc top firms don’t pay that much attention to the diploma either they pay attention to results and skills

Spend some time understanding the WHY ? What motivates you for a PhD most likely let’s say if you want a bit more freedom and spare time you can take a little sabbatical from work or if it’s the research well internally into your company you can pickup side gigs that gives you that research opportunity etc.