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| image from http://politicsandsociety.usc.edu |
Ok, so I'm having a dilemma.
Last year, feeling disillusioned with my career, I sought advice from a number of girlfriends. The overwhelming answer received was - get an MBA. An MBA will make employers take me more seriously, get me promoted and, of course, entitle me to demand big bucks.
So I applied and was accepted.
As I didn't want to exit the workforce for a few years, which I see as a career-limiting move, I signed up for the Executive MBA - study evenings/weekends while continuing to work.
Having just finished the first subject (Statistics...eeekk) I'm left asking myself WHY. Why am I doing this? Not because the subject was difficult (yes) or boring (no) but why is this necessary? Do I actually want to advance my career by managing more and more staff? (not really). Do I want to keep climbing the ladder at bigger and bigger firms - who demand more and more of my life? (not really). Will the financial outlay (approximately HKD220k) lead to financial rewards?
Regarding the financial - Management have already said our company no longer reimburses managers who undertake MBAs. Yet 80% of the participants in my Statistics subject were being sponsored by their companies. Another girlfriend suggested I stop the course until my company decides I need those skills and will pay, or until a new employer pays. But if I wait for someone else to pay am I demonstrating lack of initiative?
Do I really need to formalise this learning in the classroom or is the 'school of life' more valuable?
I don't know.
Mint.com has a good blog post this week on The Myth of Grad School, and it's made me stop and ask a lot of questions.
I've put my studies on hold for a few months as I'm getting married in 6 weeks and really could do without the stress! But will I go back again after the honeymoon?...I don't know!
If anyone has any thoughts to share on this I'd love to hear them.
