Embarking on a Ph.D. journey in Economics/Finance can be a heavy commitment. For most of us, it can take up to 5 - 6 years, which means heavy opportunity costs. Of course, a Ph.D. commitment can also be highly rewarding if you love to do teaching and research.
In this page, I would like to share a couple of links/books that motivated my choice to do a Ph.D. and my thoughts that motivate me when the going gets tough. I hope the information here can also help you make a more informed decision or benefit you in other ways too. Comments are welcome!
80,000 Hours
Why an economics PhD might be the best grad degree - 80,000 Hours (80000hours.org)
Is a Ph.D. suitable for me?
Academic research - Career review (80000hours.org)
Other philosophical ideas that justify doing a PhD in Economics (or other closely related discipline, such as Finance, Public Policy, etc) are explored in the following books:
1.) "The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism Is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically", by Peter Singer
Amazon Link
2.) "Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Help Others, Do Work that Matters, and Make Smarter Choices about Giving Back", by William MacAskill
Amazon Link