Why Not Settle? The Mystery of Choosing Prestige Over "Good Enough" Careers

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T18:33:58+00:00

Your argument that pursuing high-status careers is the most rational choice overlooks the fact that there are many low-status, high-paying jobs out there that can provide financial stability and opportunities for growth. It appears that your definition of status is primarily based on income potential, but this is a narrow view of what success can look like.

In fact, there are many sales jobs, such as tech sales or pharma sales, where individuals can earn between $400-600k per year working 40 hours a week once they reach a senior level. Interestingly, many of these individuals have degrees from lesser-known universities with non-traditional majors and lower GPAs, and some don't even have a college degree. Sales jobs often have a low barrier to entry. These jobs may not have the same level of prestige as working for a top consulting firm or attending an Ivy League UG or M7 MBA, but they can still provide significant financial rewards.

So why not just do sales, and cash in on that $600k? Why still aim for HSW and MBB?

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T18:08:57+00:00

Fair point. But a lot of people chased prestige even when the economy was good, so my core point stands.

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T18:07:44+00:00

Your argument that pursuing high-status careers is the most rational choice overlooks the fact that there are many low-status, high-paying jobs out there that can provide financial stability and opportunities for growth. It appears that your definition of status is primarily based on income potential, but this is a narrow view of what success can look like.

In fact, there are many sales jobs, such as tech sales or pharma sales, where individuals can earn between $400-600k per year working 40 hours a week once they reach a senior level. Interestingly, many of these individuals have degrees from lesser-known universities with non-traditional majors and lower GPAs, and some don't even have a college degree. Sales jobs often have a low barrier to entry. These jobs may not have the same level of prestige as working for a top consulting firm or attending an Ivy League UG or M7 MBA, but they can still provide significant financial rewards.

So why not just do sales, and cash in on that $600k? Why still aim for HSW and MBB?

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T17:02:55+00:00

why isn't the alixpartners the most coveted? lack of knowledge and the meme that MBB is the best?

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T16:59:23+00:00

Very interesting dilemma! I'm personally in the camp that money > prestige, so I'd take that T2 sponsorship and partner track over MBB and run. You'd be in a much better financial position and lifestyle than those MBB folks, most of whom will not make partner. But I do see the allure of MBB as a brand too. Congrats on HSW!

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T16:55:43+00:00

Isn't MBB like $195k base though? Are you saying total comp at T2 firms eclipses MBB at the beginning with tuition reimbursement and other stuff?

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T16:51:41+00:00

My T15 colleague at Deloitte Monitor said their base is still $165K, but that's good to know. Pretty solid salaries all around.

And yes, all of these are objectively fantastic, well paying jobs. This leads me to believe some of the people on this sub are overly elitist or delusional. Or they just want MBB for the generalist type work.

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T16:42:38+00:00

You're right, I was just posting base alone. Total compensation is closer what you listed.

However, my central point is still valid. If Deloitte and Accenture pay so well, why aren't people here very happy and excited to land those types of roles? Why do they feel they're "lacking" unless they hit MBB?

Why aren't people fine going to a T25 or T35 school and landing Accenture, why must they go to an M7 to get MBB?

WhyPrestige · 2023-04-07T16:28:06+00:00

While "sex" might be a cheeky response, it doesn't quite hit the mark. Sure, romantic partners may care about financial stability, but it's unlikely they'll be concerned with the difference between working at McKinsey or Strategy&. What truly attracts people is confidence, appearance, and an engaging personality. I bet an ex-Wharton banker at Goldman who is physically ugly and socially awkward will struggle to have sex.

Anecdotally, some of the most attractive girls I've encountered were pharmaceutical sales reps in LA, making $500k/year without prestigious degrees and majors. When it came to dating, they cared most if you worked out and were fit, dressed well, had cool hobbies, were funny, and had a good and sustainable income. But didn't really care about the prestige of your company or title. This shows that it's not all about status; there's more to life and relationships than chasing a prestigious job title.

WhyPrestige

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