My company is starting to emphasize having the MBA degree. I had already decided not to get such a degree--even though I would find the information useful and fascinating--because I can't justify spending $90K-$100K on a degree when I could retire early instead.
My company has a training program. In the first year of the program, the MBA was preferred and not required. I could not apply because I had not been working there long enough. Once I reached the time requirement, I looked up the program and saw it had been changed to
require the MBA. So, now I will miss out on it again and perhaps forever--this time because I do not have a certain degree--even though my work has made millions of dollars for the company.
Obviously, as one without the degree and as one who has made millions for the company, I am not in agreement that the MBA is indicative of future success in a person.
I think I am no longer like others around me, because I am choosing to step off the treadmill in 3-6 years. I feel a bit strange about this, but I can live with it.
To me, the MBA requirement sends the message that I will not be considered for a larger role without the degree. That has not been explicitly stated, yet it seems to be where we're heading.
I am pretty sure there is no changing the head honcho's mind about the degree requirement. It has been decided that "more people with MBAs" is where the company is going even though some with MBAs from respected schools are not seen as valuable by their coworkers.
Interestingly, the Goog (the place in CA) is heading in the other direction and de-emphasizing degrees....
A few questions:
- Do I want a larger role? This seems like the desire of one who plans to work beyond another 5 years. Maybe I should be fine where I am and wait out the next 3-5 years.
- Should I be looking for a job that emphasizes performance over a degree?
- As a fiscally responsible person, I've made the decision that the MBA degree, while interesting, would not serve my main goal of financial independence. I am happy I will be FI. In the short term, however, I'm finding my decision hard to swallow
- Is it time to leave? I'm looking for other opportunities. In general, where I am is a fine organization and my department is run by smart people. I realize that alone is not easy to find in other jobs, so I sometimes think I should just suck it up and stay where I am.
The good news is that it's not like I will be fired for not having the degree. It's just that the direction the company is moving in indicates that it will no longer be the place for me down the line. And the main question I need to solve for is whether that matters or not.
I'd appreciate any insights, suggestions, or advice. Thanks!
**updating to correct a typo