The classic definition for MBA is Married But Available. This refers to executives who are married to one organisation and whose degree makes them marketable to others. Marriage itself is a market, with competitive and comparative advantages. Hence work:life balance could be described in economic terms. It’s sometimes unwise to be clever.
Excuses for getting married
- You are in love, and don’t know if it will ever happen again.
- You are loved, and don’t know if that will ever happen again.
- You want to receive empathy from your subordinates, so that you can get them to work harder.
- You need to regulate your hitherto erratic social life, in order to be a more productive corporate team member.
Excuses for getting divorced
- Your married life was interfering with the business cycle, especially year-end reporting.
- You had some extra cash, and didn’t know what to do with it.
- You did the maths, and discovered that two really can’t live as cheaply as one.
- You wanted to have an affair, and your spouse wouldn’t let you.
Excuses for doing an MBA
- You wanted to understand the latest management thinking.
- You wanted to meet like-minded aspirants, and develop a network of soul mates, fellow travellers and high achievers who could help you reach your goals.
- Your career has stalled.
- You really wanted to do a DBA, but didn’t have the grades.
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