To MBA or not MBA, for some, that is the question.

I decided when I was 35 that I wanted an MBA by the time I was 40. I thought with a MBA I could start to run what I called a "real business." My four kids were ages 6 to 10 so I saw this very small window between "not babies" and "not teen-stuff" (whatever that was going to mean).

I started it and found it really hard. I was in a room with way smarter people. I struggled. Math is not my thing. Finance, accounting, more accounting. I hired a coach because I needed guidance on this path. Was this the right fit for me? They surprised me with a Zen comment: "does it make sense right now?" Yes. "Then do it until it doesn't make sense." Oh. Good point.

The MBA changed my life. I pushed through difficulty and learned how to think differently. I learned a ton from those around me.

I don't disagree that the MBA is a worthy cause. However, I also don't believe it is for everyone. Especially if your business, family, and life is not at a place where you can carve the time and the resources for it.

So, before embarking on the journey as I did, think about whether you need a MBA, or whether you just need to hire someone that has one.

If my knee hurts I can hire a physio, or I can go to physio school and heal thyself. Sounds like the very long way of solving pretty much any problem you have.

I can tell you as a business coach that if it is business knowledge you seek, hiring a coach will be cheaper and faster than getting a MBA. Both will take you on a journey, and both will have immense rewards. However one (coaching) is a lot easier to stop if it isn't working, and doesn't require a GMAT. Just sayin'.