Business School or Law School? — You’re asking the wrong question!

December 31st, 2008 · Comments

I know many young and mid-career professionals who are considering going back to school during the recession. I keep hearing one question: "should I apply business school and get an MBA? Or should I go to law school and get a JD"?

To put it bluntly, if you’re asking this question, I think you don’t know what you want, and you’re asking the wrong question. Professional programs such as MBA and JD will help you get to your destination, but you need first figure out where your destination is.

Ask yourself

What makes you excited? What are you passionate about?
What are you really good at?
On Monday morning, do you have a sick feeling about going to work? Which aspect of your work give you the sick feeling? What changes can you make to your career to increase your happiness and reduce your stress?
Let’s assume for a second that you have achieved financial independence today, which career would you choose?
Fast forward 60 years, when you’re on your death bed, would you feel good about your career and how you have spent your life?

Ask yourself these fundamental questions. It’s about you, your unique strength, talent, passion, interest, and personal fulfillment. Once you can figure out these questions, you will be able to decide whether you want to apply business school or law school.

Life is too short. I knew several lawyers who were near retirement and hated their jobs for many years. They couldn’t wait to get out of their jobs. Do you want to be one of them? (Note: I’m not trying to discourage anyone from applying law school. I’m just using this as an example. )