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

Question

A few weeks ago my boss and I had lunch, and he decided to probe my personal life. He wanted to know my long term goals, 5 year plan, if I wanted to get married, have kids etc. He seemed to place a lot of importance on getting married, because it signified that you were responsible, stable person (of course there are exceptions, but we're talking about b-school crowd). How do bosses see single vs. married people once you get into the upper levels of companies? Do they really care? Stupid topic I know...but it's friday, and I seem to be the only person left in the office, and I'm kinda bored.

rhyme · Answer

I dont think they care....

Granted, if you are in consulting and are married, there may probe a bit deeper into your interest level during an interview, but its not a big deal either way.

riverripper · Answer

I think it depends on the company and industry. Being single would be an advantage in some where hours and/or travel are extensive, such as banking and consulting.

kidderek · Answer

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.

TimeSquareDesi · Answer

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

hvcruiser · Answer

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

togafoot · Answer

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.

drMBA1 · Answer

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

dabots · Answer

Yes, watch The Firm.

Diplo · Answer

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.

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

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