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I am 24 years old(F), work in the Ministry of External Affairs and my salary is 93k pm as of now in Delhi. I recently returned from a posting in Europe, though the pay during foreign postings is quite decent, i am contemplating about preparing for CAT and pursuing an MBA because i feel that my current job has little room for growth. My parents are strongly against me leaving a secure job for the uncertainty. They believe that corporate jobs can be soul-sucking and offer extremely poor work-life balance. However, I want to study further and level up my career. So to all the corporate people: is my parent's paranoia about corporate jobs overblown or proportionate? What advice do you have for me? my profile is decent, 9/9/9 and 3 yo work experience (even though it's in government still work ex nonetheless)
5 Replies
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I’m from the private sector and I’ll be honest, the concerns your parents raised aren’t unfounded. Many corporate jobs do have demanding cultures, and there’s pressure to constantly “prove” your worth. That said, it’s not all soul-sucking. Good companies have started offering better work-life balance, hybrid setups, and L&D opportunities. But unlike government jobs, you need to be proactive in designing your career. If you're okay with that ambiguity and want higher ceilings, corporate is worth the shot. If you get into a top B-school (IIM A/B/C, ISB, XLRI etc.), the ROI is absolutely worth it.
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I’m in a central government job too (Ministry of Finance), and preparing for CAT 2025. I completely relate to your conflict. Everyone around me calls me crazy for even thinking of quitting. But I realised, at the end of the day, it’s my career and my regret if I don’t try. You already have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Europe, and clearly you’ve achieved a lot by 24. Why stop now? Worst case, even if you don’t crack CAT, you still have valuable work ex. You can rejoin the civil services route, go for international fellowships, or even lateral into policy consulting. Don’t let fear dictate your choices.
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I left a 25 LPA role in a Big 4 firm for my MBA, not because the job was bad, but because I felt I was capable of more. That mindset is key. If you're thinking of doing MBA just to escape boredom at work, then reconsider. But if you want strategic roles, leadership positions, and the ability to pivot industries in the future, MBA is the best bet. At 24, you have time to fail and bounce back. Your work ex is very respectable. With 9/9/9 and international exposure, you have great odds. If you're clear about your why, don't let your parents’ fears stop you. Instead, involve them in the journey and show them how well-planned your transition will be.
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I interned at MEA and saw the pros and cons up close. If you feel stagnated already at 24, imagine how you’ll feel at 34. People often romanticise “stability” without realising it can come at the cost of intellectual and career stagnation. With your global exposure, I feel you’re naturally suited for roles in international business, consulting, or even development consulting (UN, WTO, etc.). Your profile + government experience can help you stand out in B-school placements. An MBA will be risky, yes, but it could open doors that your current track never will. Talk to people 10 years ahead of you in both career paths, that might give you clarity.
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I left a well-paying PSU job to pursue an MBA, so I resonate with your dilemma. Your foreign posting and work with MEA are rare and impressive, that gives your profile a unique edge in B-school applications. But I’d advise you to deeply reflect: Do you want an MBA for better money, faster growth, or a shift in role/industry? Because post-MBA, the corporate ladder is steeper, hours longer, and job security is definitely lower than the government. That said, the growth trajectory and international opportunities in consulting/strategy/leadership roles are far higher. So your parents aren't entirely wrong, but their fears are based on a generalised idea of corporate life. With your profile and maturity, you’ll likely do well if you plan smartly and execute diligently.
