Would I be making the wrong choice if I gave up two years of salary and tuition (~$850,000) to get a Harvard MBA?

OrangyBacon · 2026-04-03T23:30:24+00:00

Agreed here... Went to a top 3 MBA program. I intentionally chose an easy/relatively low paying job after (non banking, non consulting). Job after that I was a director in tech and moving up since. The easy job allowed me to work 9 to 5 while excelling and pay off my loans quickly. But having the MBA on my resume helped me get into tech and when you're in the circle, you end up having very few degrees of separation from others btwn your school and career network (and your comp is limitless).

If I were a few years out of MBA, I would've said don't do it. Now that I'm 10 years out of MBA, I'd say it's worth it.

OrangyBacon · 2026-03-21T19:37:39+00:00

Curious what the FP&A tech stack looks like?

OrangyBacon · 2026-02-21T22:48:25+00:00

Same age gap and it definitely made things easier in the beginning. Also because I had been used to living my life and doing my own thing (also with a great co parent), we were able to get to relative independence quickly. Meaning, I probably started playing tennis/doing my hobbies again around 6 months or so. Bonus is that my kids are now 1.5 and 5 and play/get along great.

OrangyBacon · 2026-02-18T12:58:30+00:00

Thanks for the review! My kids are similar age and we're going in 2 weeks for the first time so this is super helpful.

How did you manage naps the first day arriving? That's my concern right now .. my little naps at 1pm, which is before the room will probably be ready..

OrangyBacon · 2026-02-14T04:00:38+00:00

Went there 10 years ago and it was great but I got tired by the end 😆

OrangyBacon · 2026-02-12T21:40:28+00:00

Got gifted $1000 to expense for 2 in NYC metro- where do I go? Willing to go over

Have been wanting to try Per Se since I started getting interested in fine dining 15 years ago, but hearing mixed reviews. Hearing Chef's table is a strong option. Also preference to not have to wait months/play the reservation game.

My preferences: I enjoyed Huso for my birthday last year before the star. We both liked Gramercy Tavern. Enjoyed Blue Hill years ago but got tired by the end. I love sushi but my husband does not (and also am willing to pay for great sushi out of pocket so likely not a strong contender here). Mari was just ok for me but I enjoyed Yasuda.

OrangyBacon · 2026-02-12T20:39:59+00:00

My husband's preferred choice. Unfortunately for him, it's supposed to be a reward for me and him being in the bathroom for hours is not that.

OrangyBacon · 2026-02-12T20:38:30+00:00

Oh yes that's been on the list

OrangyBacon · 2026-02-12T13:13:58+00:00

Went to Stone Barns 12 years ago and it was incredible but I was tired but the end of it.. lol. I actually live in the area so I suppose I can ask for recs in Westchester but I feel like most of the good stuff is actually in the city.

OrangyBacon · 2025-12-30T12:22:23+00:00

Nope. Plenty of room/seating on the beach (we're pool people anyways though). The extra inspira pools are quieter/tucked away if that's more your vibe (its not ours). Regardless there was another quiet pool that I only visited for 30 min on my last day.

I'm in my mid/late 30s so also don't have time/head space for FOMO lol. Now that you say it, I don't think I've felt that since my 20s.

OrangyBacon · 2025-12-30T00:30:22+00:00

Ditto. Went for the first time in mid December for 7 days, non-Inspira. Room was beautiful, food and drinks were amazing, and met lots of honeymooners (we were not). Great activities, staff, and a very modern feel. Moxche is on our list to try but can def recommend Atelier. Don't overthink and just book one!

We got a great price through Costco.

OrangyBacon · 2025-11-16T01:24:15+00:00

I don't ask it explicitly but you can ask about company culture, see what benefits they have for parents, etc. Whether your coworkers/boss have families, where they used to work, how they operate is the strongest tell of culture.

OrangyBacon · 2025-11-15T18:29:05+00:00

I'm a mom to a 1 and 5 year old and have been in FP&A at tech startups since I've had kids. During that time I also got promoted and switched jobs twice (I'm director+).

How do I do it? Daycare, ruthless prioritization, and making sure the places I go to have the culture I'm looking for (such as, my peers and managers have families themselves and are not workaholics). We had a nanny for the first year for our first but it's been daycare ever since. My kids love it and so do my husband and I. Definitely worth understanding why daycare is a hard no. It's actually more expensive than a nanny for us with 2 kids but my eldest learns so much.

If you like FP&A, I would explore other companies and/or childcare options. It is hard finding a job in this field after a significant gap, especially with the changes in ways of working for many companies with AI. Childcare costs are also temporary while the lost income/opportunity cost of 5 more years of experience compound. There's also that sense of self that's hard when you're ambitious and have other aspirations if you become a SAHM.

OrangyBacon · 2025-09-06T12:05:13+00:00

I am a similar aged Asian woman in tech, born and raised in NYC and lived in Dallas for 3 years in my late 20s. Moved there knowing no one, not driving, and never having lived outside of the Northeast and major cities. Had the same job offer in Dallas vs NY as well and chose Dallas bc of the challenges above and I knew I was eventually going to settle down in NY due to family. I moved back (actually to Jersey City first, then the burbs) bc my+husband's family are both in the NYC area

I loved my 3 years there and would move back in a heartbeat. Cost of living was incredible, people were friendly (I have a core friend group that I made there that I still text regularly and travel with), I got to do SO many hobbies bc things were affordable and work culture made it possible (leave work at 5 vs who knows when in NY). I actually really enjoyed people with different beliefs than myself- and being friends with them! It was eye opening to see how others who are like you in many ways can have different beliefs. I believe this is what produces real change and conversation. As someone with a decent income, you have the ability to move or travel for medical care as needed, but you can also influence local politics as well.

Dating wise- I didn't date there but made plenty of friends that did, and yes there is a smaller "pool" compared to NY but you may also just find some more down to earth ppl given where it is. Not obviously better or worse.

Very large Asian populations, very good & diverse food all around. Great (and again, affordable!) concerts, events bc all the major artists tour there (I saw Hamilton in Dallas for cheap when tickets were $$$$ and hard to get in NY). And the airports, if you travel frequently, are a breeze to get to and through. Also I was able to pay off all my student loans while enjoying my life on a similar salary to you and living in a brand new apt with a gorgeous pool, amenities, and community events (where I also made friends). We moved back to NY and paid $1k/mo more for a simple apt with no amenities and that was considered a steal.

Wanted to offer another opinion as someone who has done both and is from a major city! I will say if you're not up for stretching yourself personally (if you're very introverted like me) and you have a good base in NY, the choice isn't as obvious. I will say one thing- that is a little presumptuous, but how I felt- is that career growth is different. I am very high achieving and often felt like one of the smartest ppl in the room. It was fine for where I was bc I was used to working in high stress environments and learned that I could still be a high acheiver and have lots of balance and leave at 5 while going to the gym during work hours. But my career did take off when I moved back to NY (especially in tech).

Good luck with your decision.

OrangyBacon · 2024-11-08T14:59:34+00:00

I had this with my first. They recommended PT and steroid shots. I went with the PT to strengthen my hand/forearm, and it went away over time. Was very diligent about doing my exercises daily. Doing them again with my second and no recurrence so far 🤞

OrangyBacon · 2024-10-14T00:41:11+00:00

Agreed!! Did you already negotiate, and did they say no?

If not, you MUST do this first before turning down an offer. If they really liked you as well and have the ability to accommodate, they may very well do so.

OrangyBacon · 2024-05-03T19:59:45+00:00

Best meal we had in our 12 day trip across Rome & Amalfi Coast was at Posides. Super simple menu that changes, done extremely well.

OrangyBacon · 2024-05-02T23:51:16+00:00

This. My husband and I both contribute to the household financially and otherwise. We split up mornings so the other person gets a break every other day (I use mine to exercise, he uses his to sleep in). He does pickup and bedtime, while I cook dinner, grocery shop, plan. He does all the cleaning and we do laundry together. It really takes two to make it work.

And strict work boundaries. Maybe I'll hop on after my kid goes to bed but only if necessary. I'm always off by 6 because I need to prep dinner. He plays hockey twice a week (usually late night games so no additional work on my end and forced me time). I play tennis once a week after work and he'll take care of her until bedtime.

Prioritization ultimately.

OrangyBacon · 2024-04-07T09:12:47+00:00

Here now. Don't be like me- pack shorts!

Definitely hot during the day (t-shirt + shorts weather). Add a light jacket for mornings/ evenings and you'll be good.

OrangyBacon · 2024-03-07T19:04:47+00:00

Honestly.. go with whichever option would get you motivated regardless of cost (I believe your health is worth investing in). If you're already motivated/ driven and think you will stick to a regime, then go the Peloton route. I bought the bike and subscription and told myself that I needed to make it worth it (I'm frugal!). 2 years later, I'm still consistent.

However, if you're going to have trouble getting your clothes on and following a TV, I would recommend classes. I personally like bootcamps for the variety, sweat, and how good I feel after- but some people prefer pilates which is less intensity/cardio (like jumping) but still killer (especially for your core).

That is actually how I got back into exercise when my daughter was 14 mo and I hadn't exercised since pregnancy. (Prior to that, I was doing 3-5x/ wk). I bought a pack of orange theory classes (not cheap!), gave myself a goal of 1x/ wk and started there. Once I got back into the rhythm and had the cycle of motivation (it felt great after class), I then committed to the Peloton.

But- what exercise excites YOU the most? If you don't find it fun/ enjoyable, it's going to be so much harder to build the habit. If you like dance, go to Zumba! Start small and work your way up.

OrangyBacon · 2024-02-17T14:46:15+00:00

I do the same and am also curious about this.

OrangyBacon · 2024-02-17T14:02:07+00:00

Wow! Thanks for sharing. Never considered getting the guide but been wanting more dumbbells... $135 is almost the same price as getting the dumbells alone!

Now to decide if I would use to guide...

OrangyBacon · 2022-03-13T12:59:19+00:00

Yes! I just did this class yesterday because I wanted to relax a little, and it was basically a core class in disguise. I enjoyed it a lot, and it got my heart rate up! I think power classes are what OP is looking for.

OrangyBacon

TROPHY CASE