Returning to School for an MBA: Lessons from a 40-Year-Old, Full-Time Employee and Parent

Returning to School for an MBA: Lessons from a 40-Year-Old, Full-Time Employee and Parent

At 40 years old, while balancing a full-time job and raising kids, I made the decision to return to school and earn my MBA. This journey was challenging but deeply rewarding. Along the way, I gained insights that I hope will guide and inspire anyone considering going back to school.

Choose the Right Program for Your Life

MBA programs come in all shapes and sizes—fully on-campus, completely remote, and hybrid options in between. Choosing the right program isn’t just about academics; it’s about aligning with your lifestyle and responsibilities.

I opted for a 100% online program to maximize flexibility and use travel time for coursework. While this approach worked for me, I missed the benefits of in-person classes, such as richer interactions with professors and peers. If my schedule had allowed, I would have chosen in-person classes for those experiences. Online programs also come with challenges, such as distractions at home and fewer opportunities to build alumni networks. These are trade-offs to consider.

Programs also vary in their scheduling models. Some require synchronous attendance, while others are asynchronous, letting you work at your own pace within deadlines. Make sure the program structure matches your needs, and think long-term: if your job or life situation changes, can you still meet the program’s requirements?

Research the Degree

Not all degrees are viewed equally. Some universities differentiate between online and in-person degrees, which may matter to potential employers. I chose a program where the online degree was identical to its in-person counterpart, ensuring it was seen as equally credible in the eyes of future employers. This alignment was important to me, as I wanted a degree that carried the same weight regardless of the format.

Reputation also matters. Colorado State University stood out for me due to its highly regarded online MBA program and the respect I have for its alumni. Ask yourself:?Am I proud to display this degree on my resume??If the answer is yes, it’s likely the right choice.

Be Prepared for Loneliness (and Get a Dog!)

Pursuing an MBA while working full-time and raising a family can feel isolating. Late nights and long hours are common. For me, my 135-pound dog became an unexpected source of comfort and routine, snoring on the couch in my office as I worked. Before starting, discuss this commitment with your family to ensure everyone understands the sacrifices involved.

Prioritize Your Responsibilities

When I began my MBA, I set clear priorities: my family and job came first, followed by school. This hierarchy helped me navigate conflicts like work deadlines, kids’ activities, and social obligations. Remember, this intense juggling act is temporary.

Embrace Technology

No MBA program today operates without technology. Whether it’s e-books, online portals, or AI tools, you’ll need to adapt. For me, this was a huge advantage. Unlike during my undergraduate days, where textbooks were the sole resource, I could now access videos, articles, and forums to deepen my understanding.

Additionally, collaborating with tech-savvy classmates introduced me to tools I now use professionally. Embracing technology not only enhanced my studies but also improved my career skills.

Use Your Experience to Your Advantage

As one of the older students in my program, I was initially apprehensive. However, my work experience turned out to be a tremendous asset. It allowed me to connect real-world scenarios to academic concepts and brought valuable perspectives to group projects. Just as importantly, working alongside younger classmates gave me fresh insights into other generations.

Closing ThoughtsEarning my MBA has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling accomplishments of my life. I’m deeply grateful to my family, friends, and colleagues who supported me along the way. A special thank you to the students, professors, and team at Colorado State University for fostering an environment where I could grow both personally and professionally. Your encouragement and camaraderie made this journey truly unforgettable