Checking off the next box on the application
Have you known that you needed.. no WANTED to do something, but you're petrified to start it?
In our house, we refer to that as "the Steve your mother wanted." That's the Steve that would have played it safe.
I love the chance to step out and do something that is totally not me. I don't go hiking... but I did it last year. I don't like heights... but I went zip lining. I don't like traveling by myself... but I got on a plane, went to Guatemala for two weeks and lived with a family that spoke no English.
I hated school.. with a passion. So now I've been going strong at this job for nine months, I'm about to turn 40 and what have I decided would be a great idea? To get my MBA.
Seriously, WTF am I thinking? I've spent the last two day going to MBA open houses; examining traditional programs as well as the Executive MBA programs. My problem is that I really liked the first one I saw...which it turns out is the most expensive program around.
Last night, I went to the Wharton Executive MBA informational reception. This is like taking a woman to the Ferragamo section for her first pair of shoes.
Holy crap, was it impressive. And for the first time, I was totally passionate about getting this MBA. OK, true I haven't really taken into consideration the GMAT (which I haven't done a standardized test in 18 years) or the price tag (we bought a rental townhouse 5 years ago in Arlington, VA for less money than this tuition). But I actually felt like I could do it.
I look ahead at this hurdle before me and want to shrink in fear, but at the same time, I know it will make me stronger. (And richer, would be a nice benefit, dear future hiring companies.)
Not that I need talking into it, but am I crazy to pursue this at 40?
In our house, we refer to that as "the Steve your mother wanted." That's the Steve that would have played it safe.
I love the chance to step out and do something that is totally not me. I don't go hiking... but I did it last year. I don't like heights... but I went zip lining. I don't like traveling by myself... but I got on a plane, went to Guatemala for two weeks and lived with a family that spoke no English.
I hated school.. with a passion. So now I've been going strong at this job for nine months, I'm about to turn 40 and what have I decided would be a great idea? To get my MBA.
Seriously, WTF am I thinking? I've spent the last two day going to MBA open houses; examining traditional programs as well as the Executive MBA programs. My problem is that I really liked the first one I saw...which it turns out is the most expensive program around.
Last night, I went to the Wharton Executive MBA informational reception. This is like taking a woman to the Ferragamo section for her first pair of shoes.
Holy crap, was it impressive. And for the first time, I was totally passionate about getting this MBA. OK, true I haven't really taken into consideration the GMAT (which I haven't done a standardized test in 18 years) or the price tag (we bought a rental townhouse 5 years ago in Arlington, VA for less money than this tuition). But I actually felt like I could do it.
I look ahead at this hurdle before me and want to shrink in fear, but at the same time, I know it will make me stronger. (And richer, would be a nice benefit, dear future hiring companies.)
Not that I need talking into it, but am I crazy to pursue this at 40?
Labels: MBA
posted by Anonymous at
5:24:00 PM
10 Comments:
Absolutely not. Education is wasted on the young. Go for it - I would, if I could afford it.
Check into grants or loans. I don't know what you do for a paycheck now, but would they pay for a portion of this?
I don't think I've commented here before, although I read you pretty regularly. Anyway. Hi.
I earned my MBA back in 1990, when I was young and dumb. Oops, did I say that? I meant to say back when I was young and energetic.
It's never too late to go back to school. I know that I'll probably have some sort of training or further education in my future after the kids are grown and I have to return to the workplace.
I would only give one piece of advice, based upon my own experience with an MBA program... Make sure you are relating it to your career. That's the only way it really works well. If you are just looking for a career change, like you're a plumber wanting to get into the corporate world, forget it (go to law school instead). But if an MBA degree will be a valuable complement to your job and career, then go for it!
I wouldn't personally do it because an MBA would not earn me any more money or be positive in other way. But if you feel like it's a good idea, go for it!! I think it's great that you're going outside your comfort zone to do different things. It keeps you young! I highly recommend that to others even though I could be better at it myself.
Nice weekend
AD
What an adventure! Good luck and do not get discouraged. You can not go wrong with an MBA from Wharton.
Say hello to the Trumps for me.
Go for it! 40 is not too old. That is why they offer the executive MBA program anyway.
Let me know how it goes. I'd love to go back and get my MBA someday. I hear the Wharton program is phenomenal.
An education is something that no one can ever take away from you. Money spent on learning and bettering yourself is never wasted.
It's never too old, especially if you're looking to make a career move in the next couple years. And Wharton...impressive! There's one or two Wharton grads in top positions in the country...you could do worse than that network.
Of course, if your goal is to become a veterinarian I'd reconsider...
you're rolling with the cream of the crop here, and that can never be bad. you age is only a number. go for it- absolutely
I think that you're insane and that you should absolutely do it. I've thought of going for a master's degree, although not an MBA, and it scares the crap out of me. I think that doing anything that scary is insane, but that the only way to get through that fear to to go straight through the fear itself and get to the other side in one piece, which I'm sure that you'll do. You'll be great, and I can't wait to read all about it.
p.s. If you were smart enough to buy a townhouse in Arlington five years ago, do you really need an MBA?
Building on the 'business psychology' degree? Now, what was that whole program again? Go for it, dude . . . it isn't as if you have college tuition for your kids looming in three years or anything like that. Please, please don't get your Ph.D before either of us. I would hate to have to refer to you as Dr. Steve. Cheers from London!
Ava and the Flyer
You are never too old for school. I am still trying to finish my bachelors (which i am THIS close to) and I see many people of all ages going for some degree or another. But i totally understand. I have recently decided that once i am done with this degree, i am going for my Masters. I am starting to get a little worried about the GMAT and the costs as well. Right now i pay for school with Pell Grants, but you cant get those for master's level courses...arghh... I say go for it and Good Luck!!!
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