Decisions Decisions

Now comes the big thing – actually making a big decision in my life!

First decision point: Do I want an MBA at this stage? Now before anyone questions that this should have been the first decision and not the last, I agree. But being the ultimate procrastinator, I had pushed this decision point forward at every stage. I had been thinking of a global MBA for the last 2-3 yrs and everytime I had ‘decided’ to continue in my present career and think abt an MBA later, as it might not make much sense at this stage for me.

What was different this time? Well, for starters, I ‘decided’ not to take this call on “Should I” first. The action plan was to let me get the “Can I” first! So I gave the GMAT… got a decent score, and decided to apply. Once again, I pushed the key decision beyond the point when I actually get in, which fortunately (or unfortunately ) I have, and its high time I get onto this decision now!

What options do I have? I have been exploring the entrepreneurship option for a while now, but procrastination keeps winning. So I’ll drop this for the moment. Second option is a senior manager / principal role in another large consulting firm – these guys have been pursuing me for a couple of months now. But I’m not feeling motivated enough to continue in consulting, funnily enough, despite a good opportunity. Then there are some options in PE/VC firms whom I’ve been in talks with – but these things never fructify quickly. And a few options moving back to industry. One good one is something thats recently come up. India strategy head on a USD 30 Bn enterprise seems good.

So… I’m even more confused now – Do I or dont I take the LBS plunge?

To put things into perspective, LBS was one of my top 3 choices initially when I started out (the other two being H/W) – but with M having an option to transfer within her job to the US, I didnt focus much on it. Things have changed since then…

Second decision point: M has got a very good offer in India – good enough to pursue even if I move to UK/US. Its a USD 100K+ paid in India in INR, so too hard to refuse, esp since its a C-level job too. To add to the complication, her current employers (who had given her the US transfer option, should I get admission) are now offering her a UK transfer. but that will prob be a similar-to-current level, and the previous option is much better. So should I / shouldnt I go for LBS?

Third decision point: And then there’s Columbia… are they procrastinating their decision too? Anyways, I’m sure that, ceteris paribus, I’d take LBS over CBS anyday. The problem is that life isn’t ceteris paribus So while I was hugely positive about CBS till last month – bcoz of M’s career options close to NYC, now I’m not so sure. So should I just withdraw my application, and remove this unnecessary diversion in my already complicated decsion process? What if they were to offer me a free ride? Highly improbable? Yes, but theoretically possible…

Decisions, decisions… the good part is right now, I have only LBS and this is already so complex. Good I didnt get a Wharton/etc admittance to screw my mind!