Reflections on a Three-Year Investment

My newly earned degree is nearly a month old.

Three years ago, when I started back at school, I couldn’t have imagined where I would be at the end of this journey.  I was completely unsure as to why I was going to business school – except for the fact that my better half thought it was a great idea, and I was bored out of my mind.

Going into the program, I was already a manager.  I had a pretty good job, great staff, and a house to call a home.  Life was pretty much good.  But I wasn’t content.

Coming out of the program, I’m still a manger with the same pretty good job, staff and home.  Life is still good even in these uncertain economic times.  But I’m still not content.

So what did all this debt get me that I couldn’t have otherwise learned on my own for free?

A lot.

Lesson #1: My core won’t let me be content. I’ll always be driven by a “what’s next?” curiosity.  Before I even finish one project, I’m already trying to figure out what to do next.  Being in classes and working in teams, I’ve learned how to make this impatience work for me.  As well, I am aware of how to make my personality work in harmony with other personality types.

Lesson #2: It isn’t just about who you know. The old adage goes: “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”  For me, it’s about how you interact with people – whether you know them or not.  How can I interact with people so that I get the most benefit from a relationship? What do I have to offer to someone, and how do I optimize what they have to offer me?

Yes, I use people and I want people to use me.  But all for the betterment of each other.

Lesson #3: My hobbies can work for me. I used to always say that I’d never make my hobbies into a career because then I’d start to hate it.  I don’t believe that anymore.  I think making a career out of my hobbies is what will gain me the most in life.  I’ll be more motivated to become better at what I do, have more time to do the things I want, and even be rewarded for it by making a living out of a passion.  It’s OK to mix work with pleasure.

Lesson #4: It’s just time and money. The past three years has taken a lot of time and money away from my regular life, but in the end, I am better off.  I lost three years with family and friends – but it’s three years that I got to focus on myself, and an investment in becoming a better wife, daughter, sister and friend (I hope).

Being too busy, I’ve not been able to maintain some friendships and have had to pass-up some great opportunities.  But the friends that are meant to be are still here today, and greater opportunities yet unknown await somewhere in the future.

In one of the first conversations I ever had with Paul, he asked me if I’d ever redo anything in my life – any major regrets?  I said, not a single thing.  I still hold by that answer… I’ve done some stupid things as everyone does, but I wouldn’t be who I am without having had those experiences to learn from.

On second thought, I would do one thing over… I would do the FEMBA 09B experience all over in a heartbeat.

In our last class together in Lake Arrowhead, we all shared about our hopes for the next five years and what experiences in our lives would help get us there.  This was a powerful moment for all of us.  I don’t remember what I said in my speech anymore… something about living separate lives with Paul for a better future, a desire to nurture the entrepreneurial bug inside me, and finding the guts to make my passion my career.  I think.

I don’t remember what I said because I was so lost in, and touched by, the encouragement and words of gratitude that my classmates my friends gave me.  If ever I’ve been humbled, it was that moment in the mountains – the same foggy mountain that Paul and I drove up on our wedding night.

The friends that I’ve made are worth more than the tens of thousands of dollars it cost to be able to add the three letters to my name.  I have a group of girlfriends with whom I’ll always share a bottle of wine.  A business partner and “brother” that I’ve never had.  And many a couple-friends that Paul and I will undoubtedly double, triple, quadruple date with for the rest of our lives.

I finally feel grown up… finally feel that I’ve come into my own.

Perhaps it’s crossing that 30 mark that did it too.

Or the two gray hairs I found a couple weeks ago.

Whatever it is, the MBA has really opened my eyes to a whole new world.

And because the one thing that the past three years hasn’t taught me is how to say “thank you” in person to those who really helped me through it all… I say thank you here.

To Paul.  My parents.  My sister.  My in-laws.

THANK YOU… and HOOAH!