Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther?

Conversely, companies might prefer a married people b/c they have more to lose. I guess it's similar to the gov't trusting a 20 millions dollar jet to a married person than a single person.

Ultimately, I don't think it plays much of a role.

In very high-profile roles, it definitely makes a diff. if you are married or not. This is also dependent on your coworkers and their status as well.

A company will always play the "dedication" card when it comes to work. IE, if you are married and have young kids, they can say you know what, John is too busy, he can't put in the time required for project whatever.

This is obviously not right but when have companies actually listened to and practiced corporate responsibility? Stating that they are 'equal opportunity' is simply a formality in their eyes. When it comes down to it, they want someone that can put in 300 hours per week (if need be) to finish a project. When it comes to someone that has a family and has obligations to that family (pick up the kids from school, take care of them, etc etc etc), they will most likely lean towards someone that does not have these "restrictions" - someone single - someone who can come to the office for 300 hours this week to finish project whatever.

FWIW,
- tsd

if someone could work 300 hours per week i would be very impressed

Completley disagree. It all depends on the manager and the company culture. I travel extensively in my role, however i have and do say no when it doesn't fit into my family schedule.

A good company should treat its workers well and understand that a motivated, suitabally challenged and happy workforce, is a productive workforce. This means a work/life balance is essential.

Some companies prefer married people because they won't just resign easily because of family commitments.

Yes, watch The Firm.

I know many consultants who are married, but the number of those who have kids is significantly lower. As long as you display a high level of commitment during the interview and show that you know exactly what you're getting into, I highly doubt that being single or married makes a difference in the recruiting process.

What's much more important is that your partner (girlfriend, wife, husband etc.) has a clear understanding of what the job demands and that she is OK with this sacrifice. It's very important that you show a strong commitement to your relationship if you want to make it work. Don't sell your partner rainbows and unicorns and have them wake up to an unexpected nightmare - I imagine that losing your wife is by far the bigger loss than accepting a less demanding job.