LPM, for what it's worth, I didn't realize about the other stuff based on your post. I can see what you mean, so I retract my statements
It's true though, the chances of going back to school once you stop are very slim, so I do recommend going for the masters immediately afterwards if you can work it out. Even if it's just taking one or two classes at a time. You don't have to go for the masters full-time - it'll just take a bit longer that's all, but it will probably be less stressful.
As for "pretty much everyone" getting a Bachelor's, that really isn't true. I don't have the numbers with me at the moment but I think it's actually as low as around 30-40% or something like that. Of course, pretty much everyone who wants to earn a decent middle-class living does get a Bachelor's. Anyway, the point is that if you want to go based strictly off of statistics, a Masters is not necessary. The number of people with Masters degrees - however many it may seem there are - is actually relatively quite small. However, it's definitely a very good thing to have, and if you plan on getting it, I'd stay in school to at least some degree until you get it, even if it is only one class at a time.