Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 13:16 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 13:16
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
avatar
RoboMan
avatar
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Last visit: 05 Feb 2008
Posts: 11
Own Kudos:
1
Posts: 11
Kudos: 1
What is ultimate goal of life. 03 Feb 2008, 16:57
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Today I was talking to my college buddy who is applying to various B-schools this year. The chat as usual proceded from girls to what you ultimately you want to do in life. His whole idea to get into b-school is to buy lot of luxuries that follow post MBA career. His whole philosphy led me to think what are my career goals. Why do I need an MBA? What will MBA give me which I cannot get otherwise? Do I really want to do MBA for money or are there any other reasons inherent in my thoughts which are shaping my thinking towards MBA. Honestly speaking money does not matter to me (it is not that I got lots of it). I have seen so much crap in my personal and professional life that priority of things have screwed a bit. I am that point in life where satisfying and rewarding professional career is more important than anything else. Everybody has his own point of view. I am not baising my thoughts towards one view or the another. Perhaps some people have more compelling reasons for money in post MBA career than others. I want to know your views on what is ultimate goal of life.
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
What is ultimate goal of life. 03 Feb 2008, 17:38
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Money is not the aim for me.
Keeping life interesting. If I'm doing something i enjoy, then the only money i need is to live comfortably when i am not working. No extravagance needed. The goal is life? For me, the focus is a balance of raising my kids and enjoying my work.
User avatar
Praetorian
User avatar
Joined: 15 Aug 2003
Last visit: 27 Dec 2017
Posts: 2,868
Own Kudos:
1,705
Given Kudos: 781
Posts: 2,868
Kudos: 1,705
What is ultimate goal of life. 03 Feb 2008, 18:41
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Find meaning - in love AND in work. If we don't know what we want, we don't get what we want. This is true for love and in work. Often, the first step to find meaning is to understand who you are.

Work - A lot of us first pursue money, then pursue authority/power and then we realize that it is probably important to like what we do. If you want to truly live, reverse this order and you will find that authority and money will chase you. The irony, however, will be that you won't care about authority or power or money once you find meaning. I am not saying these things will not be important, but they won't be your goals anymore.

Life - Learn to live with less. This will allow you to focus on things that are important. That sweet Porsche you've been eyeing (I plead guilty) will only be a distraction. If your parents did just fine with that beat up 10 year old car, trust me, you can too.
User avatar
kryzak
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
Last visit: 10 Aug 2013
Posts: 5,452
Own Kudos:
744
Given Kudos: 14
Status:Um... what do you want to know?
Location: SF, CA, USA
Concentration: Technology, Entrepreneurship, Digital Media & Entertainment
Schools:UC Berkeley Haas School of Business MBA 2010
GPA: 3.9 - undergrad 3.6 - grad-EE
WE 1: Social Gaming
Posts: 5,452
Kudos: 744
What is ultimate goal of life. 03 Feb 2008, 19:50
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I think after this whole b-school application process, my goals in life include:

- To do something that I'm passionate about: I'm sick and tired of going to work every day doing stuff that is "interesting", but not what I love. Without the passion, I have a hard time motivating myself to work hard at it and love it.

- To make enough money so I never have to worry about $$ again: I don't need to get filthy rich (though I wouldn't mind :P), but I want to have enough money that I can have the mobility to move wherever I want, travel wherever I want, and buy whatever I want (within reason). I probably won't go out and buy a 40-ft yacht or a Ferrari, but if I want that nice Audi S5 or move to NYC and rent a place in Greenwich Village, I don't want to worry about finances too much.

- To be able to travel and work with a very diverse group of people: I really enjoy learning from people who are different from me. How the different cultures evolved and sometimes merged/fused is fascinating to me. Part of the reason I wanted to look into international business.

- To have a good group of quality friends around me: Friends (and lovers) are the pillars of my life, so I definitely want to maintain and build a lasting relationship with those who I care about.

- To have enough money and influence to give back to the world: River's noble goals inspired me to include this as my ultimate goal in life too. I do hope that some day I can be so rich (like Bill Gates) that I can use the money to influence legislation (lobbying, not bribing, peeps :P) or donate to organizations out there that will help change the world for good.
User avatar
mantymooney
User avatar
Joined: 28 Aug 2007
Last visit: 18 Mar 2008
Posts: 12
Own Kudos:
4
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 12
Kudos: 4
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 06:29
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
In the words of Stephen R. Covey:

To live

To love

To learn

To leave a legacy (the primary driver behind me deciding to apply to Business Schools).
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
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 08:01
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
kryzak
I think after this whole b-school application process, my goals in life include:

- To do something that I'm passionate about: I'm sick and tired of going to work every day doing stuff that is "interesting", but not what I love. Without the passion, I have a hard time motivating myself to work hard at it and love it.

- To make enough money so I never have to worry about $$ again: I don't need to get filthy rich (though I wouldn't mind :P), but I want to have enough money that I can have the mobility to move wherever I want, travel wherever I want, and buy whatever I want (within reason). I probably won't go out and buy a 40-ft yacht or a Ferrari, but if I want that nice Audi S5 or move to NYC and rent a place in Greenwich Village, I don't want to worry about finances too much.

- To be able to travel and work with a very diverse group of people: I really enjoy learning from people who are different from me. How the different cultures evolved and sometimes merged/fused is fascinating to me. Part of the reason I wanted to look into international business.

- To have a good group of quality friends around me: Friends (and lovers) are the pillars of my life, so I definitely want to maintain and build a lasting relationship with those who I care about.
Show more

I like all of your life goals above, so I'll copy them, kryzak. but I'll add one more.

- To be original enough that I don't have to steal other's life goals. hahahaha

ps- I esp like the "To have a good group of quality friends around me"
User avatar
pandeyrav
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jul 2007
Last visit: 10 Nov 2010
Posts: 273
Own Kudos:
16
Posts: 273
Kudos: 16
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 08:10
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
thats a very deep question.. i have thought often about it and have realized that as i change, times change, my goals will change. But what should not change is my need to know that my life was worth something to people other than my immediate family. I often think that 5 years after i am gone, if there are 5 people in this whole wide world other than my family who still remember me and miss me and say that i was a nice guy, i would consider my life well spent. and that is my goal.
User avatar
rajpdsouza
User avatar
Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Last visit: 22 Oct 2008
Posts: 334
Own Kudos:
7
Posts: 334
Kudos: 7
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 08:21
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
My goal is to enjoy life to the fullest. I think that pretty much emcompasses everything. Family, love, money, luxuries, hobbies, etc. Whatever I end up doing, I want to be doing it to the best of my abilities and enjoying the hell out of it.
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
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 11:47
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Goal of life??? Yes I think we all want to be successful, but what we consider a success is what differentiates us. I am sure that many MBA students view success as a seven figure salary in the not too distant future. While I don’t begrudge people for having this view, it definitely isn’t mine. That said I don’t think many grads from top MBA programs will not be at least somewhat financially successful. Most of us will make over 100K first year out, probably well over that. So in reality even those not chasing the big bucks will still be in the top 5% of earners. Obviously if I am being paid a huge salary and bonus in 10 years it means I am much more likely to be able to have the impact that I hope to have…since it will signal I am being rewarded for my success.

Personally, I could happily live my life the way I am in terms of luxuries and lifestyle. I have an amazing wife, we have a nice house, drive pretty nice cars, can afford vacations (well could before grad school came along), and overall I live the American dream. The real reason I am pursuing an MBA is not to add 3,000 more square feet to the size of my house or to buy an Audi S8. I want to do something that matters. I firmly believe my post MBA career goals will benefit the world, not so much making rich people richer but my children (if I have some) will have a world better than it otherwise would be.

Yes there are some global warming deniers, but they are starting to be viewed in the same light as holocaust deniers. Since agreement on global warming is pretty much on the same level of scientific agreement on evolution, we are starting to see a rising of interest in combating it. My career goals tie in with the need for huge supplies of energy that don’t produce carbon dioxide. I am not foolish enough to think that I will be the next Al Gore in terms of my impact but I would like to think if I am successful enough in my career that I could wield some influence that could make a difference.

That said you never know where the world will take you. For all I know I could go from a goal of working in strategic management at a utility to a big bank providing financing for new plants. Either way I just hope to leave a legacy my hypothetical children could be proud of.
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
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 13:21
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
“We all die. The goal isn't to live forever; the goal is to create something that will.”
- Chuck Palahniuk

For me, obviously, it's the money. Living and working in Manhattan, you learn to streach a dollar. I am not greedy by any means but I would like to have some nice things in life. After all the hard work is done, you would like to see that you struggled for years in schools, taking exams, for a reason. My parents came to this country in the late 60s so my goal is to live up to their dreams and expectations. After all, they moved here to make a better life for their kids. It would be absolutely wrong for me not to make that happen and take advantage of this opportunity.

My other reason ties with number one : When I eventually have kids, I want them to live worry-free. Worry-free in the sense that, they don't NEED to work during high school or college like I have done, they don't NEED to worry about bills, etc. That is to say, I'm definitely not going to spoil them, but would prefer that their academic pursuits are unobstructed by work and bills.

Again, by putting the money first, I am in no way implying that I'd run out and get a Ferrari or a huge house, etc. I simply want that 'comfort level' that comes with having a decent amount in savings. My ultimate goal, like you asked, is to live off interest. But with the rates as low as they have dropped in the past couple of weeks, I think I have to consider a plan B. =/
- tsd

PS - and this is sort of an aside - I have come to find out that a very large majority of the people who live in my building (in Time Square) are graduates of various top and ivy league schools. I have seen tons of people with Chicago GSB sweatshirts, Wharton, Yale, Columbia, Harvard et al. I have been very motivated by seeing such established people in my building. It just makes me work that much harder at achieving my goals.
User avatar
solaris1
User avatar
Joined: 05 Aug 2007
Last visit: 09 Aug 2011
Posts: 1,431
Own Kudos:
223
 [1]
Given Kudos: 22
Concentration: General Management
Schools:NYU Stern '11
Posts: 1,431
Kudos: 223
 [1]
What is ultimate goal of life. Updated on: 04 Feb 2008, 13:51
Originally posted by solaris1 on 04 Feb 2008, 13:49.
Last edited by solaris1 on 04 Feb 2008, 13:51, edited 1 time in total.
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This is getting deep :)

Wow...I had no idea there were actual apartment buildings on Times Square! (btw, it's Times Square - after The New York Times).

And if you can already afford an apartment on Times Square (you're still a student, no?) why do you need an MBA? :-D
avatar
livehard
avatar
Joined: 13 Oct 2007
Last visit: 11 May 2009
Posts: 88
Own Kudos:
16
Posts: 88
Kudos: 16
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 13:51
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
My goal in life is M7.
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
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 13:57
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
There are actually several condo buildings located in Time Square - and a few more within a 1 block radius.


solaris1
And if you can already afford an apartment on Times Square (you're still a student, no?) why do you need an MBA? :-D
Show more

To get a larger apartment :lol: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

LOLOL - I'm just kidding.
User avatar
solaris1
User avatar
Joined: 05 Aug 2007
Last visit: 09 Aug 2011
Posts: 1,431
Own Kudos:
223
Given Kudos: 22
Concentration: General Management
Schools:NYU Stern '11
Posts: 1,431
Kudos: 223
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 14:03
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Touche. And more power to you :)

TimeSquareDesi
There are actually several condo buildings located in Time Square - and a few more within a 1 block radius.


solaris1
And if you can already afford an apartment on Times Square (you're still a student, no?) why do you need an MBA? :-D

To get a larger apartment :lol: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

LOLOL - I'm just kidding.
Show more
User avatar
kryzak
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
Last visit: 10 Aug 2013
Posts: 5,452
Own Kudos:
744
Given Kudos: 14
Status:Um... what do you want to know?
Location: SF, CA, USA
Concentration: Technology, Entrepreneurship, Digital Media & Entertainment
Schools:UC Berkeley Haas School of Business MBA 2010
GPA: 3.9 - undergrad 3.6 - grad-EE
WE 1: Social Gaming
Posts: 5,452
Kudos: 744
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 15:06
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
riverripper
... or to buy an Audi S8.
Show more

the R8 is nicer :P

but well said river. I forgot to add that part in, where if I do become filthy rich, at least I can do more in terms of help the world, similar to what Bill Gates is doing. I will add that as my 5th goal in life then. Thank you for reminding me. :) Maybe I can help you with your goals someday? (I'm quite interested in energy too, just have no background in it).
User avatar
Darden2010
User avatar
Joined: 30 Mar 2007
Last visit: 22 Jul 2020
Posts: 493
Own Kudos:
30
Schools: Darden '15
GMAT Date: 12-07-2011
Schools: Darden '15
Posts: 493
Kudos: 30
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 15:16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Did you guys write about these goals in your admission essays? I kind of wrote about big 'dreams' in my essays and lately I have been having doubts if I approached the essays well because my goals are kind of too unreachable .... but I am a dreamer :)

My ultimate goal in life ties to the region of the world that I am from. But my short term goal is to achieve work-life balance post MBA, be sucessful and have a great family at the same time :) .... yeah I know wishful thinking since I want to go in consulting
User avatar
toDoorNot
User avatar
Joined: 12 Aug 2007
Last visit: 08 Feb 2009
Posts: 324
Own Kudos:
6
Posts: 324
Kudos: 6
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 15:19
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
~ some small island in caymens, with pristine beaches and blue blue sky.. with a Pina colada in one hand and a book in another, goggles and suntan :)

I want to travel the world and end up in the small island.
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
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 16:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
kryzak
riverripper
... or to buy an Audi S8.

the R8 is nicer :P
Show more

If I could afford it I would get an R8 tdi if they end up making it not just as a concept. At least I could justify it as the most fuel efficient supercar there is.
avatar
Steel
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 15 Jan 2008
Last visit: 26 Apr 2011
Posts: 347
Own Kudos:
41
Given Kudos: 1
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 347
Kudos: 41
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 16:09
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
The time and means to have 10 days skiing a year in Colorado (for me and my family).

The family that skis together stays together.

Everything else is gravy.
User avatar
kryzak
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
Last visit: 10 Aug 2013
Posts: 5,452
Own Kudos:
744
Given Kudos: 14
Status:Um... what do you want to know?
Location: SF, CA, USA
Concentration: Technology, Entrepreneurship, Digital Media & Entertainment
Schools:UC Berkeley Haas School of Business MBA 2010
GPA: 3.9 - undergrad 3.6 - grad-EE
WE 1: Social Gaming
Posts: 5,452
Kudos: 744
What is ultimate goal of life. 04 Feb 2008, 17:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
riverripper

If I could afford it I would get an R8 tdi if they end up making it not just as a concept. At least I could justify it as the most fuel efficient supercar there is.
Show more

Yeah, I don't think I'll get an "S" model until the TDI's come out. I'm not going back to the sub-15 mpg cars again. Plus, none of us can really drive to the potential of our cars anyway, as I learned at a driving track event. :)
 1   2