Last visit was: 23 Apr 2026, 21:00 It is currently 23 Apr 2026, 21:00
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
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
greatmightypoo
User avatar
Joined: 21 Sep 2017
Last visit: 08 Mar 2019
Posts: 28
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 3
GPA: 2.63
WE:Marketing (Other)
Posts: 28
Kudos: 2
Freelancing vs Full-Time Job (but Subordinate role) 03 Feb 2018, 09:12
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Got laid off last month when my company radically switched business models. Applying R3 in a few weeks. I screwed up my unemployment by not declaring my severance (wasn't sure if I was getting it) and will likely lose it, so now need to find some income fast. In this weird spot where I can't get a job in what I was doing quickly, and would need time to build up my UpWork and get reliable freelance work. Getting a lot of interviews for my work, but it's all a crapshoot with very long and thorough processes. Still working for my old job but as a very limited freelancer.

However, I can get work probably very quickly if I downgraded my role to a subordinate level. I know though that any downgrade is really bad as a MBA candidate, especially already having career progression and having a poor GPA.

In terms of what B-schools mind least for a candidate, what do you guys recommend: freelance for now even if I get less income in the short-term so I can keep my title and consult, or get the ASAP subordinate job through an agency? If I did the latter, how bad would it hurt me getting into an T-40 MBA program like Kelley? Thanks!



PS: I know I have another thread asking about whether I should even consider keeping trying the GMAT and maybe even giving up on the MBA dream altogether. Might decide to do either, but I also have another decision I need to make soon. Lots of last minute audibling now but that's life.

PPS: I don't think waiting another year to be a more desirable candidate by being employed is a valid goal, even if that's conventional advice. What's to say I won't get laid off my next role? Or I work for a dysfunctional company? Or they don't let me go when asking for MBA recommendations (like my job before my last)? There's never going to be a good time if I'm looking for all the stars to align. It's a valid mindset when you're working for a F500 company with stability and actually believe in personal growth, but when you're stuck working for mid-size to small companies and F500 is unobtainable, every job is a crapshoot no matter how good you are...
User avatar
ARINGO
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 07 Mar 2012
Last visit: 23 Apr 2026
Posts: 3,259
Own Kudos:
1,447
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1,939
GPA: 4
Products:
My Reviews
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,259
Kudos: 1,447
 [1]
Freelancing vs Full-Time Job (but Subordinate role) 08 Feb 2018, 06:48
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
greatmightypoo
Got laid off last month when my company radically switched business models. Applying R3 in a few weeks. I screwed up my unemployment by not declaring my severance (wasn't sure if I was getting it) and will likely lose it, so now need to find some income fast. In this weird spot where I can't get a job in what I was doing quickly, and would need time to build up my UpWork and get reliable freelance work. Getting a lot of interviews for my work, but it's all a crapshoot with very long and thorough processes. Still working for my old job but as a very limited freelancer.

However, I can get work probably very quickly if I downgraded my role to a subordinate level. I know though that any downgrade is really bad as a MBA candidate, especially already having career progression and having a poor GPA.

In terms of what B-schools mind least for a candidate, what do you guys recommend: freelance for now even if I get less income in the short-term so I can keep my title and consult, or get the ASAP subordinate job through an agency? If I did the latter, how bad would it hurt me getting into an T-40 MBA program like Kelley? Thanks!



PS: I know I have another thread asking about whether I should even consider keeping trying the GMAT and maybe even giving up on the MBA dream altogether. Might decide to do either, but I also have another decision I need to make soon. Lots of last minute audibling now but that's life.

PPS: I don't think waiting another year to be a more desirable candidate by being employed is a valid goal, even if that's conventional advice. What's to say I won't get laid off my next role? Or I work for a dysfunctional company? Or they don't let me go when asking for MBA recommendations (like my job before my last)? There's never going to be a good time if I'm looking for all the stars to align. It's a valid mindset when you're working for a F500 company with stability and actually believe in personal growth, but when you're stuck working for mid-size to small companies and F500 is unobtainable, every job is a crapshoot no matter how good you are...
Show more

I really would need a lot of more information about the company in question, about you etc. in order to figure out what the best course of action for you. There are just too many question marks at the moment. Is there any chance you fill out the Contact Us form on our website (https://aringo.com/mba-process-registration/) so one of our representatives could contact you for a chat?
User avatar
greatmightypoo
User avatar
Joined: 21 Sep 2017
Last visit: 08 Mar 2019
Posts: 28
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 3
GPA: 2.63
WE:Marketing (Other)
Posts: 28
Kudos: 2
Freelancing vs Full-Time Job (but Subordinate role) 08 Feb 2018, 17:31
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Aringo
greatmightypoo
Got laid off last month when my company radically switched business models. Applying R3 in a few weeks. I screwed up my unemployment by not declaring my severance (wasn't sure if I was getting it) and will likely lose it, so now need to find some income fast. In this weird spot where I can't get a job in what I was doing quickly, and would need time to build up my UpWork and get reliable freelance work. Getting a lot of interviews for my work, but it's all a crapshoot with very long and thorough processes. Still working for my old job but as a very limited freelancer.

However, I can get work probably very quickly if I downgraded my role to a subordinate level. I know though that any downgrade is really bad as a MBA candidate, especially already having career progression and having a poor GPA.

In terms of what B-schools mind least for a candidate, what do you guys recommend: freelance for now even if I get less income in the short-term so I can keep my title and consult, or get the ASAP subordinate job through an agency? If I did the latter, how bad would it hurt me getting into an T-40 MBA program like Kelley? Thanks!



PS: I know I have another thread asking about whether I should even consider keeping trying the GMAT and maybe even giving up on the MBA dream altogether. Might decide to do either, but I also have another decision I need to make soon. Lots of last minute audibling now but that's life.

PPS: I don't think waiting another year to be a more desirable candidate by being employed is a valid goal, even if that's conventional advice. What's to say I won't get laid off my next role? Or I work for a dysfunctional company? Or they don't let me go when asking for MBA recommendations (like my job before my last)? There's never going to be a good time if I'm looking for all the stars to align. It's a valid mindset when you're working for a F500 company with stability and actually believe in personal growth, but when you're stuck working for mid-size to small companies and F500 is unobtainable, every job is a crapshoot no matter how good you are...

I really would need a lot of more information about the company in question, about you etc. in order to figure out what the best course of action for you. There are just too many question marks at the moment. Is there any chance you fill out the Contact Us form on our website (https://aringo.com/mba-process-registration/) so one of our representatives could contact you for a chat?
Show more
TBH I don't really have money for consulting. Unemployment has been a pita and I gotta pay rent. Hope you understand...
User avatar
VeritasPrepDozie
User avatar
Veritas Prep Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Aug 2014
Last visit: 04 Apr 2018
Posts: 2,760
Own Kudos:
341
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 2,760
Kudos: 341
Freelancing vs Full-Time Job (but Subordinate role) 11 Feb 2018, 20:30
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Your first priority is to be able to pay your bills. Before you can worry about getting into b-school you need to make sure you can financially survive. So I would proceed in the fashion that best allows you to do that. There are instances at many companies where titles mean different things at different companies so the career progression may not be as overt as it may seem.

It seems like your finances are a real concern so my advice focus on paying your bills first and getting into b-school second
avatar
butterwhicker
avatar
Joined: 24 Nov 2018
Last visit: 04 Apr 2019
Posts: 1
Posts: 1
Kudos: 0
Freelancing vs Full-Time Job (but Subordinate role) 24 Nov 2018, 01:44
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Vulpith matches freelance and agency talent with businesses around the world. Clients can quickly, easily, and securely outsource projects of any size. It's the most cost effective way to accomplish your business or professional goals online. Vulpith is built on cutting-edge blockchain and cloud technologies for safe and secure freelancing.
User avatar
ARINGO
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 07 Mar 2012
Last visit: 23 Apr 2026
Posts: 3,259
Own Kudos:
1,447
Given Kudos: 1,939
GPA: 4
Products:
My Reviews
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,259
Kudos: 1,447
Freelancing vs Full-Time Job (but Subordinate role) 30 Nov 2018, 04:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
greatmightypoo
Aringo
greatmightypoo
Got laid off last month when my company radically switched business models. Applying R3 in a few weeks. I screwed up my unemployment by not declaring my severance (wasn't sure if I was getting it) and will likely lose it, so now need to find some income fast. In this weird spot where I can't get a job in what I was doing quickly, and would need time to build up my UpWork and get reliable freelance work. Getting a lot of interviews for my work, but it's all a crapshoot with very long and thorough processes. Still working for my old job but as a very limited freelancer.

However, I can get work probably very quickly if I downgraded my role to a subordinate level. I know though that any downgrade is really bad as a MBA candidate, especially already having career progression and having a poor GPA.

In terms of what B-schools mind least for a candidate, what do you guys recommend: freelance for now even if I get less income in the short-term so I can keep my title and consult, or get the ASAP subordinate job through an agency? If I did the latter, how bad would it hurt me getting into an T-40 MBA program like Kelley? Thanks!



PS: I know I have another thread asking about whether I should even consider keeping trying the GMAT and maybe even giving up on the MBA dream altogether. Might decide to do either, but I also have another decision I need to make soon. Lots of last minute audibling now but that's life.

PPS: I don't think waiting another year to be a more desirable candidate by being employed is a valid goal, even if that's conventional advice. What's to say I won't get laid off my next role? Or I work for a dysfunctional company? Or they don't let me go when asking for MBA recommendations (like my job before my last)? There's never going to be a good time if I'm looking for all the stars to align. It's a valid mindset when you're working for a F500 company with stability and actually believe in personal growth, but when you're stuck working for mid-size to small companies and F500 is unobtainable, every job is a crapshoot no matter how good you are...

I really would need a lot of more information about the company in question, about you etc. in order to figure out what the best course of action for you. There are just too many question marks at the moment. Is there any chance you fill out the Contact Us form on our website (https://aringo.com/mba-process-registration/) so one of our representatives could contact you for a chat?
TBH I don't really have money for consulting. Unemployment has been a pita and I gotta pay rent. Hope you understand...
Show more

That is totally understandable. But we actually offer free and non-binding consultations before you sign up for anything.

But in order to advise you there is a lot of questions that need to be answered, for example: how old are you? Could you postpone your application although you really don’t seem to want to? What exactly would your title as a freelancer be? Could you spin it somehow or take on specific projects that would make you more attractive to business schools? Etc.

In general, any downgrade is a big issue for an MBA candidate. So you need to already think about how you can spin it so it won’t look as bad as it possibly could. But in order to think of a solution for that, a lot of detail is needed of course and I understand that you might not feel comfortable sharing all that on a public forum, hence my recommendation to contact us off the board. But it’s possible that you can get some good ideas here as well of course!