Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 23:53 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 23:53
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
VictoryMBA
User avatar
Joined: 26 Oct 2007
Last visit: 03 Jun 2011
Posts: 607
Own Kudos:
27
Given Kudos: 13
Location: The High Seas
Schools:Tuck, Yale (ding), NYU, Columbia, Duke (int)
Posts: 607
Kudos: 27
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 09 Nov 2007, 17:57
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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.
User avatar
rhyme
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 02 Dec 2024
Posts: 5,909
Own Kudos:
3,172
Given Kudos: 7
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
WE:Business Development (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
Posts: 5,909
Kudos: 3,172
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 09 Nov 2007, 17:59
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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.
User avatar
riverripper
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 10 Apr 2007
Last visit: 20 Aug 2022
Posts: 4,306
Own Kudos:
806
Given Kudos: 5
Location: Back in Chicago, IL
Concentration: General/Operations Management
Schools:Kellogg Alum: Class of 2010
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
Posts: 4,306
Kudos: 806
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 09 Nov 2007, 18:26
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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.
User avatar
kidderek
User avatar
Joined: 24 Aug 2006
Last visit: 13 Jul 2019
Posts: 1,960
Own Kudos:
364
Posts: 1,960
Kudos: 364
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 15 Nov 2007, 07:23
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
riverripper
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.
Show more


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.
User avatar
TimeSquareDesi
User avatar
Joined: 25 Jul 2007
Last visit: 07 Feb 2011
Posts: 375
Own Kudos:
39
Given Kudos: 148
Location: Times Square
Schools:Baruch / Zicklin
Posts: 375
Kudos: 39
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 15 Nov 2007, 10:25
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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
User avatar
hvcruiser
User avatar
Joined: 12 Nov 2007
Last visit: 15 May 2009
Posts: 7
Posts: 7
Kudos: 0
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 17 Nov 2007, 11:16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
TimeSquareDesi
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
Show more


if someone could work 300 hours per week i would be very impressed :wink:
User avatar
togafoot
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Last visit: 29 Jul 2014
Posts: 983
Own Kudos:
145
Given Kudos: 10
Location: Hong Kong
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Technology
Schools: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) - Class of 2010
Schools: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) - Class of 2010
Posts: 983
Kudos: 145
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 19 Dec 2007, 05:57
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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.
avatar
drMBA1
avatar
Joined: 01 Apr 2007
Last visit: 08 Oct 2008
Posts: 23
Posts: 23
Kudos: 0
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 20 Dec 2007, 06:56
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Some companies prefer married people because they won't just resign easily because of family commitments.
User avatar
dabots
User avatar
Joined: 18 Sep 2006
Last visit: 28 Apr 2014
Posts: 955
Own Kudos:
34
Location: Chicago, IL
Schools:Chicago Booth 2010
Posts: 955
Kudos: 34
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 20 Dec 2007, 07:11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
drMBA1
Some companies prefer married people because they won't just resign easily because of family commitments.
Show more

Yes, watch The Firm.
avatar
Diplo
avatar
Joined: 07 Jan 2008
Last visit: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 19
Own Kudos:
19
Posts: 19
Kudos: 19
Life after B-School...Married vs. Single...who gets farther? 09 Jan 2008, 22:43
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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.