Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a dilemma and would really value some honest perspectives. I’m currently working as a software engineer, earning around 30 LPA (base), and overall life is pretty comfortable. I stay with my family, have a flexible setup with a few days of WFH, and the workload is quite manageable since I have a strong grip on the codebase. I also spend time outside work building things on my own, so I’d say I’m in a good place both financially and skill-wise.
At the same time, I’ve received an admit from IIM ABC (all 3), and I’m seriously considering IIMB as I’m from blr and get to stay closer to family. My long-term goal isn’t really a traditional job switch, I’m much more interested in building something of my own. The reason I’m even considering an MBA is for the network, exposure, and the kind of leverage/credibility it might give early on, especially when it comes to meeting the right people or even fundraising down the line.
The part I’m struggling with is the trade-off. If I stay in my current role, I’ll continue earning well, learning fast, and I also have the time and ability to build products on the side. On the other hand, going for the MBA means giving up ~2 years of earnings (which is not small), stepping into a more uncertain path, and not really knowing where I’ll land after, especially since I’m not approaching it from a placements perspective. Financially I’ll be fine in terms of basic needs, but obviously I won’t be accumulating wealth during that period.
I think what’s really pushing me is the ambition to do something at scale. I’m less interested in linear growth and more in exponential outcomes, even if that involves risk. But at the same time, I can’t fully tell if the MBA is actually a meaningful accelerator for that, or if I’m better off continuing in tech and building directly. I don’t hate or love tech, I’m just good at it. I can build products easily, but have no idea of how to build a business around it. I know an MBA is not going to teach you that directly, but the access it gives is something i can leverage. Since I’m not from an IIT, i think an IIM tag is going to make the fund raising or any other aspect of initial business building much more easier.
Would really appreciate thoughts from people who’ve been in similar situations, especially If you’re an IIM A/B/C alum (or similar). But open to all perspectives, especially honest ones.