Kathy,
I too feel your pain! Granted I'm not getting my doctorate (yet!) but as far as furthering your career and earning potential, I say KEEP IT UP!!! WAY TO GO!! And KEEP LOOKING FORWARD! When you walk across that stage it will be the best day (or at least one of them) of your life! You sooo ROCK... so keep on rolling! (bad pun, I'm sorry)
Lydia