I'm just finishing my PhD thesis in CS now. Like you, I don't want to work in academia. Was it worth it? It's a tough call.
I greatly appreciate the time and relative freedom that my PhD has given me to develop, but not all of that development will be applicable out there in the real world. I think most people moving from PhD study into industry have to make something of a sideways leap, and you can't expect the same level of remuneration as you'd find in a job you're qualified for (i.e. research).
In my recent job-hunting, I've had a really hard time convincing potential employers to trade my overeducation against my inexperience. Recruiters, who often just match acronyms on a CV/resume, are particularly tough in this regard. One told me that, despite me having a PhD, he would only put me forward for roles that said 'new graduate' or 'no experience required'.
You can combat this, however. In my experience, there's time when doing a PhD to do some extra-curricular stuff—to work or to develop personal projects. These will help you to look less like the kind of narrow-minded, misanthropic pedant that people expect from a PhD student.
In summary, the only thing a PhD will qualify you for is research. Having a PhD, as prestigious as it is, is only as useful as you make it, so your choice of topic and extra-curricular activites are essential. If you're considering a PhD because the jobs your ideal job isn't open to you, consider whether taking the sideways step into PhD study is really the most direct route to the job you want (read: it probably isn't).
One more thing: be aware that your relationship with your advisor is crucial. Quitting because you can't stand them two years into your PhD means starting over, so choose wisely. Don't choose them based on the person you want to be, choose based on how they fit with who you are now.
I greatly appreciate the time and relative freedom that my PhD has given me to develop, but not all of that development will be applicable out there in the real world. I think most people moving from PhD study into industry have to make something of a sideways leap, and you can't expect the same level of remuneration as you'd find in a job you're qualified for (i.e. research).
In my recent job-hunting, I've had a really hard time convincing potential employers to trade my overeducation against my inexperience. Recruiters, who often just match acronyms on a CV/resume, are particularly tough in this regard. One told me that, despite me having a PhD, he would only put me forward for roles that said 'new graduate' or 'no experience required'.
You can combat this, however. In my experience, there's time when doing a PhD to do some extra-curricular stuff—to work or to develop personal projects. These will help you to look less like the kind of narrow-minded, misanthropic pedant that people expect from a PhD student.
In summary, the only thing a PhD will qualify you for is research. Having a PhD, as prestigious as it is, is only as useful as you make it, so your choice of topic and extra-curricular activites are essential. If you're considering a PhD because the jobs your ideal job isn't open to you, consider whether taking the sideways step into PhD study is really the most direct route to the job you want (read: it probably isn't).
One more thing: be aware that your relationship with your advisor is crucial. Quitting because you can't stand them two years into your PhD means starting over, so choose wisely. Don't choose them based on the person you want to be, choose based on how they fit with who you are now.
All the best.