An MBA as a way to reorganise life and find a partner.
I graduated from a UK target a few years ago and went back to my country where i started working for a startup. Boss was an Oxford grad with the right contacts/ ex banker in London. Started off pretty strong, late hours, boss was impressed and even though the pay was less I was learning a lot/ speaking to a lot of industry folk. He recommended me to a consulting firm and I switched within a year.
Switched to a boutique consulting firm (Parthenon/ LEK / OW etc). Started off pretty good in the first 6 months but went downhill from there. Hated making ppts all day long, travelling, no girls in the office, terrible money in India. Spoke to the director after quitting and even he seemed to be pretty dissatisfied in life too; stressed out perpetually, hypertension, diabetes, etc. I quit and switched to a startup which fired me within a year due to lack of funding. Went into CRE at a top 3 RE firm (JLL/ CB/ C&W). Poor salary, boring options sheets all day long etc got to me and I quit without a backup plan but did have an offer from a Singaporean REPE fund that i didnt accept.
That brings me to today. I spoke to my uncle over a few beers a week ago. He is an investment banker (Director) at a BB in NYC and we were in Thailand at the same time. I told him that i am demotivated and dont feel like working at all. Don't feel passionate about anything and he told me something that shocked me. He said that he hated work too but was used to providing a lifestyle for his family and if it wasnt for his kids he would have quit a long time ago. He still has terrible hours; lot of travel, etc but told me that I will have to work whether i like it or not. I have spoken to numerous undergrad friends of mine who have all told me that their life at MBB is also terrible. 90% of my undergrad class went to MBB or IB / PE in london / Europe / ME and all of them post things on insta like leaving late from the office at 3 am but atleast its mayfair. Plus all of them are the biggest show offs i have ever come across; fancy restaurants, AP watches etc but no time for anything. Their whole lifestyle looks like a farce and it seems that these guys are genuinely not nice people but careerists who would throw their family under the bus if it means advancing their career.
I am now planning to do an MBA however consulting or banking is off the books. I am a pretty active guy; cyclist, swimmer, squash / tennis player and staying active makes me happy. At one point i was considering doing a masters in nutrition or something and starting something of my own. Is that doable? Also, for an MBA i dont want to target top schools like the top 15-20 where i come across prestige whores like my undergrad school. I do need to find a like minded partner tbh.
Material things have stopped making me happy anymore. Yes i like watches and have a good collection ranging from a rolex to a grand seiko but dont see the point in adding things for the sake of it. All locations look the same after a point and how many brunello cucinelli sweaters can you buy? Whats the use?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your situation reflects a broader theme many professionals face: the search for meaning and balance in life and career. Here's a breakdown of your thoughts and potential paths forward:
MBA as a Reset Button:
An MBA can indeed serve as a way to reorganize your life, expand your network, and explore new opportunities. However, it's crucial to approach it with clarity about what you want to achieve. If you're not targeting traditional post-MBA paths like consulting or banking, consider programs that align with your interests in health, wellness, or entrepreneurship. Schools with strong entrepreneurship ecosystems or niche focuses (e.g., sustainability, healthcare) might be a better fit than the top 15-20 programs dominated by prestige-driven candidates.
Exploring Non-Traditional Paths:
Your interest in nutrition and starting something of your own is absolutely doable. Many MBA programs now emphasize entrepreneurship and provide resources like incubators, funding, and mentorship for startups. Look into programs that support these goals, such as Babson College, IE Business School, or even programs with strong healthcare or wellness tracks.
Finding Like-Minded People:
If you're looking for a partner and a community that values balance and shared interests, consider schools with a reputation for collaborative cultures and diverse student bodies. Programs outside the hyper-competitive top tier might offer a more grounded environment. Additionally, engaging in extracurriculars like sports or wellness clubs during your MBA can help you connect with people who share your passions.
Reassessing Priorities:
Your reflections on materialism and the "rat race" are valid. Many professionals reach a point where they question the value of chasing prestige and wealth at the expense of happiness. An MBA can provide the space to step back, reassess, and pivot toward a career that aligns with your values. Whether it's building a business in the wellness space or pursuing a role that allows for a healthier work-life balance, the key is to define success on your own terms.
Next Steps:
Ultimately, the MBA can be a tool to help you pivot, but it's not the only path. Your self-awareness and willingness to prioritize what truly matters to you are already significant steps in the right direction.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/should-consultants-get-an-mba-8-scenarios-to-consider?customgpt=1, Tomato Jos: The “Extra” Alternative Career for Top MBA Grads, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Dietitian to Investment Banking?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/qa-consulting-pe-early-stage-startup-b-school?customgpt=1
bump
Your post reflects a lack of mental clarity.
Sad.
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