lost incoming m7 student seeking real advice
hi all i'm a long time lurker of this sub and feel like i still haven't gotten much clarity for my specific situation, so I'd greatly appreciate targeted advice.
24M, US citizen, NYC
I currently work as a software engineer at a tech company (non FAANG), making around $170k with 2 yoe. I did my undergrad in CS at an Ivy and secured a deferred admit to an M7 MBA program. I've technically said "yes" to showing up this fall (class of 2028) and am more of less 99% committed to going, but that 1% hesitation warrants discussion. to be upfront the cost of the MBA is not really a concern i have good savings, good scholarship, and will receive some support from family which I'm extremely grateful for. i'm trying to get to the bottom of whether it truly is worth it for me and what opportunities it can offer me.
i hate hate hate being a software engineer. i know there's a million posts and comments discouraging people who already make my salary and have the tech lifestyle from leaving for an MBA. i understand the opportunity cost is high, but i truly just hate the job and culture and everything about engineering. it's not for me. it's so mind numbingly boring and it makes me want to scream every daily standup meeting and code review. i've always been product/business minded and a "people person". i really want more agency and growth in my career and to be blunt i do want to make a lot of money, and i want to feel like that my salary can scale. i know i'm already making good money but SWE salaries start high and stagnate really fast and have a much lower ceiling for the average engineer (I am very average).. and that entire model is changing with AI and these large tech companies deflating after years of overhiring/overpaying. i don't think a career in tech is as lucrative or even guaranteed today as people here seem to think.
i want the MBA for the pivot and reinvention, and i've been seriously considering pursuing investment banking as it's the most predictable/structured way for someone entering a top MBA without prior experience to put themselves on track for true wealth and good exit opportunities. before people jump down my throat, i know IB is absolutely brutal i've read all the posts and heard all the warnings and I by no means glamorize or idealize it. i'm young, single, and truly willing to put in the hours and grind. and what I do "like" about that path is that you're only expected to do 2-3 years and then you can move onto bigger and better things ideally. but of course i still feel hesitant and intimidated, i just don't quite understand the alternatives. it seems like outside of banking and consulting the career pathways are less structured and there's less formal recruiting, and if i want to have a chance at IB I'd have to start prepping this summer and be ready for recruitment first thing in the fall. so i'm at a bit of an existential fork in the road where i don't know what to focus on these next few months and whether i actually will pay tuition & show up in the fall or not. should i just really suck it up as a SWE and bide my time? the thought of doing that feels unbearable. do i full send IB and then wake up in a few years balding and miserable and alone? surely there's something in between? i just feel young and restless and confused. i would really appreciate input from those in similar shoes or the experienced uncs that know better. thank you <3