Here's a revised version of some of my previous posts:
* If you speak the language of ROI and opportunity costs, then you probably shouldn't do it (go for a PhD in physics).
* If you speak the language of following your passion and not wanting to look back with regret decades from now, then you probably should do it.
* As I've posted many times, my perspective is that a PhD in physics does not necessarily have to be a means to an end, it can be an end in itself. This is in stark contrast, e.g., to going to medical school.
* You said you are about to start community college. That will take at least 2 yrs. Then you will need to complete a BS physics program. That will take at least 2 more yrs. After that, a PhD physics program. That will take ~6+ more yrs. So ~10+ yrs total.
* If after 10+ yrs, you accept, "Well, I've accomplished what I set out to do (complete a research project that I was passionate about and that I found satisfying in and of itself). Now it's time to move on to the next phase of my life, regardless of whether it's related to my PhD research or not." Then OK. But, if after 10+ yrs, you lament, "The likelihood of landing a long-term career as a researcher in physics is slim. Damn, I've just wasted 10+ yrs of my life. Why, oh why, was I so stupid." Then NOT OK.