I went to grad school with the hope of increasing my earnings (whether it's worked I cannot say).  

I'm actually curious as to why you WOULDN'T do something to increase your earnings.  

Just so you know I"m not being facetious: my opinion, plainly stated, is that every investment you make in yourself should be for the purpose of increasing your economic value.  Any course you take or skill you develop should be for one reason and one reason only: to further your career and make more money.  There are only 2 numbers in life that count: the one on the scale and the one in your bank account.

So I'm curious as to why you'd throw away the best earning potential