I did it out of personal interest, I enjoyed it, and it was totally worth it, even though it was exhausting combining it with my (downsized) freelance activities. After that I went bask to my professional activities thinking it didn't have impact on my career after all. But one year later I got a proposal to do some research at the university with a professor of which I had followed a course. And now, I'm working at a spin-off of that university. In dramatically change my career path, even though it wasn't the goal.
Personally, it was the thing to do and I have no regret. But that depends of course on your situation, motivation, interest, opportunities, expectations. I hope you make the right choice!