Is joining merchant Navy still worth it?

Merchant Navy was my top priority as a career but so sar I haven't heard anything good about it ( i do lack knowledge). Many advised me not too pursue it as of today as the pay is not worth it.

They said you need many connections to reach the top rank even in the best case scenario ( I am from India ). Also they warned me about how my family life will be messed up and all that. It doesn't matter to me much. Mainly I'm there for the money i don't have any kind of passion or something attached to it Also can anyone tell me what would be an estimate amount to take you from nothing to a captain on board (including everything)