Hey there, fellow go-getter! Let’s be real: you’re here because something’s tugging at you. That little voice whispering, “What if?” Maybe you’re staring at your career path, wondering if there’s more. Maybe you feel the world changing fast, and you want to stay ahead. Or, maybe, you’re just ready for a challenge that lights a fire inside of you. You might be at that decision point wondering if you really can work full-time and get your MBA. Well let me tell you, I’ve been there. Going back to school, while working full-time, was one of the biggest leaps I’ve ever taken. It was scary, exciting, and, yes, sometimes a bit crazy. But let me tell you, it has been worth it. I’m here to show you how you can do it too, without losing your mind along the way.

Feeling like it’s too late to work full-time and get your MBA?

Let’s cut to the chase: no, it’s absolutely not too late. Age is just a number, especially when it comes to learning. Think of it this way: you’re not just bringing your books to class, you’re bringing real-world experience. You’ve seen things, you’ve done things, and that’s gold in an MBA program.

mba and work

For me, it was the spring of 2023 and I was 27 years old. The voice inside my head was saying “if you don’t go now, you never will” so I set a personal goal to graduate before I turned 30. My 28th birthday came in August, and two weeks later I began my MBA journey on pace to finish within two years. Fast forward to now, a few months away from 30, but also a few months away from graduating (which will happen first, by the way). It feels so good to be able to look back at the goal I set for myself and know that I will soon achieve it. I used age as my motivator, but for you it can be anything!

Whether it be after your kids start school, before you settle down, after you buy a house, or any other reason under the sun. The point is, it is never too late. Sure, balancing work, life, and school is a challenge. But who doesn’t love a good challenge? Plus, adult learners are often more focused and driven. You also aren’t alone, more and more adults are considering going back to school in recent years. According to American InterContinental University, of those students who were age 25 and over—meaning adult learners, made up about 33.7 percent of the postsecondary student body. All the more reason to, ditch the “too late” mindset, and start planning!

What are the benefits of going back to school for an MBA?

Okay, let’s talk perks. An MBA isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a toolkit for success. It opens doors you didn’t even know existed. First, you’ll gain new skills. You’ll learn how to think strategically, analyze data, and lead teams. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the keys to climbing the career ladder. Second, you’ll expand your network. You’ll meet professors, classmates, and alumni who can become lifelong mentors and friends. You might even meet people who work at the same company as you if you are part of a tuition reimbursement program through your employer! Trust me, this part really helps with the group projects you get thrown into. Third, you’ll boost your earnings potential. According to Earnest, an MBA can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities. Personally, I was able to leverage my MBA for a recent promotion at work and I can’t wait for the endless benefits it brings me in the future. If these benefits don’t inspire you enough to work full-time and get your MBA, maybe understanding the tradeoffs will help.

What are the tradeoffs of going back to school for an MBA?

Now, let’s be real about the not-so-glamorous side. Time is going to be your biggest challenge. You’ll have to say no to some things. Late nights, early mornings, and weekends spent studying? Yep, that’s your new reality. You’ll have to make sacrifices. Social events, hobbies, even sleep might take a backseat for a while. The summer I decided to go back to school, I got engaged the month before the semester started. If you thought I was already crazy for working a full-time demanding job and going to school part-time at night, I took it one step further and also decided to plan a wedding! There were a lot of tradeoffs that I had to make, most weekends I was home studying and every day after work I was catching up on my assignments but if you manage your time effectively, it is possible. September 27th 2024 was the best day of my life when I became a “Mrs.” and it goes to show that you really can do it all if you set your mind to it. Juggling work, school, and life can be overwhelming. But here’s the secret: it’s all about how you manage it.

If I decide to go back to school for my MBA, how can I manage to stay sane?

This is where the magic happens. Here are my top tips for surviving (and thriving) while you work full-time and get your MBA:

mba and happy
  • Tech is your friend. Embrace it! Leverage AI tools like Gemini or ChatGPT to help with research and writing. Explore online learning platforms and collaboration tools to make your life easier. Automation is your friend. By no means am I endorsing plagiarism here, but I am talking about inputting that lengthy finance formula into ChatGPT and having it breakdown what it means. If it’s been 10+ years since you were in school, AI and tech are your friends and will really help you along the way. Work smarter, not harder friends.
  • Master your mindset. Your mental health is non-negotiable. Schedule time for self-care. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or just taking a walk, make it a priority. Learn to say “no” to things that don’t serve you. Build a strong support system. Share your struggles and celebrate your wins. I am here to remind you that you have to take breaks. You have to get outside. Do something that makes you feel good, like get your nails done or take an art class. You have to take a day off here and there. You will show up best when you are feeling best, but allow yourself the grace and time to take a break when your body needs it.
  • Level up your career. An MBA isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s about transforming your career. Use your newfound knowledge to tackle real-world problems at work. Network like crazy. Attend university events, connect with professionals or professors on LinkedIn, and build relationships that can open doors. 
  • The future is yours. The world is changing fast, and an MBA can help you stay ahead of the curve. Learn new skills, adapt to new technologies, and become a leader in your field. Remember, you’re not just getting an MBA; you’re investing in your future. Speaking of the future, it can be unpredictable. I watched my friend with 10 years of experience get laid off from her job, and her MBA helped her get a new one within a few months. In this job market, an MBA helps you stand out, and get back on your feet.

So, are you ready to take the leap as you work full-time and get your MBA? It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. You’ll gain knowledge, skills, and confidence that will transform your life. You’ll prove to yourself that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. And you’ll join a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about learning and growth. Your future self will thank you.