B School Dilemma

Hi All,

I previously wrote this thread: //www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/got-into-wharton-mba-need-help

Not to keep bothering y'all with my life problems, but I just wanted to get some new perspectives, particularly from folks who have done Top 5 MBA programs.

My employer genuinely wants to keep me. I have a promotion (would get it even if i weren't leaving), a pay raise to a total comp of 350-375k for this year, career track on way to learn 600-800k in 3-4 years. I have great work/life balance.

It's making the decision very hard. I paid the tuition deposit just to keep the option, but I kept wondering about the realistic value of the Wharton degree. In any case it's likely going to take me a few years to get back to the 400-500k pay level two years later at my current gig, even assuming that i land a nice post MBA gig at a PE/HF. I do think i have a shot, but there's a chance I don't land as good of a position as I think I would.

There's a huge personal component to the preference of taking a break, establishing a new network, experiencing new things, etc etc, but I'm having a hard time quantifying what im leaving behind vs what i could potentially get if I go.

I've spoken with quite a number of people and have gotten mixed views. Please kindly share yours.

Thanks!