By
Antonio Cerda
MBA Graduate, Self Employed, USA

Life After an MBA

In November 1998 I wrote a short opinion article for this page. At that time I was planning to start an MBA. Now I have finished it – and I am back in the world of work - in the 'new', e- Economy. Now I have now discovered about life after an MBA. Those of you who are now thinking about this path might be interested in this glimpse of what the future might hold for you..

This is certainly a great time for ambitious MBA graduates to be in business. The new economy is apparently full opportunities for them. Career possibilities seem boundless. This is perhaps why there are now so many new business start-ups, and entrepreneurial activity is in fashion. The obstacles seem small also - but in my experience it is not all that it seems

The boom in entrepreneureship is making some organizations feel uncomfortable. . Consultancy organizations are finding it difficult to keep talented young people. Big organizations, especially those in the 'old' economy, are having to change their recruitment and reward systems etc. But there are also consequences for the individuals.

For MBAs seeking to get into the 'dot.com' world, I have found that insecurity and 'pain' are often preliminaries for success. Many would-be entrepreneurs, often straight out Business School like me, continue to live like students whilst they strive to become e-Commerce tycoons. They try to raise funding for their idea – and in so doing give up most of their business to their investors. They are then tied in – often with little or no remuneration – with the hope of major equity benefit at some time in the future. They live in cheap apartments, drive old cars, live off family and savings and have business offices in living rooms or in cheap areas of town.

Such people – and I am one of them - tolerate suffering now in order hopefully to benefit later. And that suffering might be severe. Business time now intrudes irresistibly on what was time for leisure, family or self. Lap top and mobile telephone use are the clear evidence. Work is now done – and expected – anywhere, anytime. Time will probably show that broken relationships delayed marriages and family life are amongst the prices often paid. And, excepting for the few who 'make it' and the opt out, that suffering will probably continue, as success at any level in the new business world, extracts a high price

Whether you work for yourself, or for an organization, work - for those who aim to succeed in the new business (not just the new economy) world - is increasingly stressful and intrusive. It is different to the world I left when I went to Business School. But some organizations are now recognising these issues. Some are combating them apparently by attacking 'presenteeizm' ie staying late in the office, and obliging staff to take their holidays . But for many people – like me- this misses the point. We don't want to be prevented. We want to succeed on our own merits – and get rich, or if we are work for someone else we want our sacrifices to be recognized and rewarded – so its not only people like me who have to adjust to the pressures of the new world – but employers also.

Some of us choose to participate in this demanding and unforgiving work world. We are prepared to sacrifice now, for future reward. Others , who take jobs in an organizations , get caught up in much the same situation.. Of course it is an exciting time time to be in business – if you or your employer can recognize and deal with the consequences. I hope that I can, and that you will do so also – but be prepared.