It seems a consensus on this board that the majority of jobs post-MBA are not family friendly. I would greatly appreciate some assistance in thinking through some coming decisions for applications. I have decided that IB, MC, and VE/PC (even if the switch w/o experience was even possible) is likely to create so much stress on the family life that I do not believe the benefits will outweight the burden in my situation. I look at General Management, and it appears to be more in line with what I would like to do. Now I realize, that 90% of my decision is very personal, and I do not expect someone to come in and make the decision for me. What I am looking for is additional questions, perspectives, and in general, other ideas, that I may not have considered which could be very helpful in analyzing my current situation and just what is available post-MBA. At this point in my search, I'm sure I don't have a completely accurate perspective of what is available post-MBA. It is horribly difficult to attempt to make a decision with the little information I currently possess that will set me on a path that I cannot see fully at this point. Personal considerations: 1) Law school debt + MBA Debt will require a substantial income in order to pay off those loans and have the quality of life I want to give my family. 2) Family. I want to be able to spend as much time with my family as possible. This makes me very torn because I believe that when I set out to do something, I want to do/be the very best. This is why I've always gone above and beyond in the things I do. EC's during UG, Law school. Volunteering for the Chamber of Commerce. Like everyone else on here, I do not settle for mediocrity. I see value in being there to coach a baseball team, or be that dad that takes my daughter to gymnastics practice. I also see the value of setting and example to my children that you go for your dreams and you work like mad to make those dreams become reality. It's great to teach your kids that there is truly nothing impossible for them. 3) Friends are in Oklahoma. I realize I can always make new friends and do quite easily, but no matter how you look at it, when you make friends that you are very close to, it's not easy to leave those friends and go to a new place regardless of how awesome the opportunity is. 4) How much more "upside" is there to a top MBA? (This question implies that there IS more upside.) I have looked at attending the University of Oklahoma and because I'm really interested in General Management, I've already ruled out the main career choices that require the top-tier MBA programs. You're not going to go to a BBB with an OU MBA, and you're not going to get hired by Bain or McKinsey (technically possible, but I wouldn't bet anything of value on it happening). Since I've already decided that working for one of the Consulting groups is not #1 on my list of desired careers, I probably can get a job I would enjoy with an OU MBA, but then there's falling into the stereotype of "just a guy that got a regional law degree and regional MBA". The screening companies count on of the top b-schools isn't done at OU. There are outstanding students at OU and these outstanding students could do just as great of a job as students at top schools, but the outstanding students at OU have to work so much harder to show just how outstanding they are. Employers don't give the student the benefit of the doubt such as "_____ got into Wharton, so we know she's got to be one of the best." It's more like "_______ went to OU. It's a good school. What makes this person special that we should take a look at her?" It's not a foot in the door, it's more of at least having the opportunity to ring the door bell and make a first (and maybe last/only) impression. I guess I could strip my questions/concerns down to the following question: If I do apply to a top b-school, attend, and graduate, am I going to be disappointed with the number of opportunities for jobs that I would like and that fit what I want for my family? Will I have to sacrifice time spent with family to take a job that will pay what I need in order to pay loans and support my family in other ways? These are not simple questions, and I believe it is nearly impossible for someone to be able to state one simple answer to the questions and concerns I have posed because I'm not able to fully communicate everything about my life that I must consider. What I am asking for is different perspectives. What I am not asking for is "Do this because it's better to make a ton of money and let your kids go to the best schools. They'll understand when they're older." Yes, I know they'll understand, but I've met some people, one in particular, that never did forgive his father for never being home. When I say never, I mean never. I've actually never met his dad. I was at his house for a 4th of July party and his dad was flying to Brazil for business. The guy was 22 when I met him, and he said he could count on one hand the number of birthday parties his dad actually attended for him, and as for Christmas, it was about 50% chance he'd actually be at home on Christmas. He chose work first, but the guy's house and material possesions are unbelievable. He lives in the Pacific Palisades. I really appreciate anyone that gets through this long post. I hope any discussion this generates will be beneficial to me and to others.

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Family + Post-MBA Career = Oil + Water

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eresh

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04 Aug 2009, 19:14

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jallenmorris

This is a very scare thread for a 28-year old with a wife and 2 kids :shock:

solaris1

This is a very scary thread for a single 26-year old :shock:

Not scary, but I find it disappointing. I wish there were family friendly jobs with high pays.

togafoot

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04 Aug 2009, 21:15

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Finding a role with the life balance is the tricky part, but at least it helps you to narrow the scope of your search.

Travel may well be unavoidable (I travelled a lot in my last role), but the company were flexible in terms of time off in lieu. So the company culture is a key criteria in the job hunt.

terp26

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become a dermatologist

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Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.

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