Wondering if bba is a good option for me.

So I don’t have any particular passions in life. I come from a single parent household and I just need to find a job in a flexible field where I’ll be able to get a job and advance in my career. The things I value in à job are having a good work life balance, being high paying after a few years, tje ability to work remotely. Also if I quit I wanna be able to find a job easily. I’m going into a bba program next year but I’m pretty scared cuz the first two years or so have a lot of statistics and stuff like microecon, etc I’m not good with word problems and I dread maths so I’ve been panicking a fair bit. I’ve seen ppl who have 2 year college degrees making a lot but I’ve already wasted 2 gap years trying to figure myself out. I’m just wondering if it’s good to push thru the pain so that I can have a good career later on. Any advice (I’m in Canada going to attend Laurier/schulich)

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, pursuing a BBA can be a solid option for someone in your situation, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Career Flexibility and Job Security

  • A BBA is a versatile degree that opens doors to various fields like finance, marketing, HR, and operations. This aligns with your goal of having a flexible career where you can find jobs easily if you decide to switch roles or industries.
  • Programs like Laurier and Schulich are well-regarded in Canada, and their alumni networks can help with job placements and career advancement.

2. Work-Life Balance and Remote Work

  • Many roles in business, especially in fields like marketing, HR, and even some finance positions, offer opportunities for remote work and better work-life balance compared to more demanding fields like investment banking or consulting.
  • If work-life balance is a priority, you might want to steer towards less intense career paths within business, such as corporate roles or industries like tech.

3. Math and Statistics Concerns

  • It's true that the first couple of years in a BBA program often include courses like microeconomics, statistics, and other quantitative subjects. However, these are foundational and designed to give you a broad understanding of business concepts.
  • If math and word problems are a challenge, consider seeking extra support through tutoring, study groups, or online resources. Many students struggle with these courses initially but improve with practice and support.

4. Long-Term Payoff

  • While it might feel daunting now, pushing through the initial challenges of a BBA can lead to a high-paying career after a few years. Fields like finance, tech, and consulting often reward professionals with strong earning potential and career growth.
  • Compared to a 2-year college degree, a BBA generally offers more opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential in the long run.

5. Alternative Paths

  • If you're still unsure about committing to a BBA, you could explore shorter programs or certifications in high-demand fields like tech (e.g., coding bootcamps, data analytics) or trades. However, since you've already taken two gap years, completing a BBA might be the more straightforward path to achieving your goals.

Final Thoughts:

If you can push through the initial challenges, a BBA from a reputable school like Laurier or Schulich can set you up for a stable and rewarding career. Focus on leveraging the resources available to you (career services, alumni networks, tutoring) and explore fields within business that align with your values, such as work-life balance and remote work opportunities.

Sources: Be wary of greener grass; there are always tradeoffs..., MBB vs Quant at IBank, Am I Thinking About an MBA Wrong?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/dilemma-quantitative-finance-vs-finance?customgpt=1

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