It is true a phd isn't needed for every professional job - that is probably more important for people going into a research field - but there are plenty of careers where further professional qualifications are required, although they may not require 4 years work. Also for example I am friends...
This is a bit more of a general question I think - the difficulties posed by having a career alongside a family. I don't think there's a single answer that suits everybody. It certainly seems that getting a science job is difficult for most people in most areas and the work is hard, but I think...
Other than the equation being the work of Ludwig Boltzmann, and him being a bit of a big cheese in the field of statistical mechanics I can't help. I've done a quick google and I can't find a list of Boltzmann's publications, but maybe this was something of his?
"Warning: may result in loss of scalp and penis" - Voiceover for hair restorer advert
"I'm going to the back seat of my car with the woman I love and I won't be back for ten minutes!" - Homer
and a video because I can't work our how to type what Sideshow Bob says...
Wow, some great choices here I'd not encountered before. I'm going to cheat a little and give you two because they're really short...
The Octopus, Ogden Nash
Tell me, O Octopus, I begs
Is those things arms, or is they legs?
I marvel at thee, Octopus;
If I were thou, I'd call me Us.
... and...
A man takes his Rottweiller to the vet. 'My dog is cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for him?'
'Well,' says the vet, 'let's have a look at him.' and he picks up the dog and examines his eyes, then he checks his teeth. Finally, he says, 'I'm going to have to put him down.'
'What...
Sorry, but I'm about to widen your search still further. 'Quantum Mechanics' by F Mandl. I like it, it explains things well, but it takes a lot of reading. The Eisberg and Resnick is really good, but I find it hard work, and it is expensive. I use it as a reference, whereas the Mandl I can...
I'm in a similar situation too, and trying to get my head around the language. A book I have found useful is 'Thinking in C++' by Bruce Eckel. There is a free electronic version of this online.
Good luck, and persevere!