I’m currently working as a corporate lawyer in London and seriously considering applying for an MBA. I’m 32 years old and originally from Southeast Asia, but I’ve been living in the UK for several years now.
My situation: I work at a boutique law firm doing corporate transactions and M&A work. The pay is decent (around £125k) and the hours are manageable compared to big firms. However, I keep thinking I chose law for the wrong reasons. What I really wanted was to work in investment banking or private equity, but I got pushed into law due to family expectations and prestige.
Why I want an MBA: I see it as my chance to finally break into finance. I’ve always been interested in IB and PE, and an MBA seems like the best way to make that career switch happen.
My concerns: The biggest issue is that I’d need to do the MBA in America since finance recruiting from business schools in the UK is pretty limited. This means leaving my wife behind for two years (she’s also a lawyer and has a good job here). We want to start a family soon and she’ll be approaching 40 by the time I finish. I’m also worried about being older than most other students and whether banks will want to hire someone who’ll be 35/36 at graduation.
Advantages I have: I’m an Australian citizen so visa issues shouldn’t be a problem with the E-3 visa. I can also afford the cost without taking on debt.
Has anyone here made a similar career change later in life? Is it worth the risk or should I just stick with what I have?
The math here doesn’t add up beyond just personal sacrifices. You’re making £125k with decent hours - that’s solid pay most MBA grads can’t touch right away. IB means 80-100 hour weeks, which is a massive step down from your boutique setup. Career switchers from law to finance usually take 20-30% pay cuts in their first post-MBA roles before climbing back up. You’ve already got M&A experience that finance employers actually want. Ask yourself if two years of school, time away from family, and brutal IB hours really match your long-term goals - or if you’re just buying into the finance career hype.
Look into other paths that could get you into finance without turning your life upside down. Plenty of corporate lawyers move in-house to investment firms, PE shops, or corp dev roles at big companies. You’d get deal exposure and financial analysis while using your legal background. With your M&A experience, you could join a firm’s PE practice or target funds that actually want someone with legal skills. Legal training plus transaction experience is hot right now. Before you commit to an MBA that’ll wreck your finances and relationship, spend six months networking hard in London’s finance scene. Hit industry events, reach out to alumni in PE or IB, see what lateral moves are actually out there. You’ll keep your current stability and test real employer interest. If networking shows you really need the MBA, at least you’ll know it’s worth the sacrifice.
your wife will be 40 when you graduate - that’s prime fertility years you’re losing. I’ve watched couples try long separations like this, and most don’t make it. what about part-time or executive mba programs in london instead? sure, recruiting won’t be as strong, but you’ll still have a marriage when it’s over.
Honestly mate, I switched from consulting to tech at 34, so I get it. Age isn’t the killer you think it is - yeah, you’ll be older than most MBA students, but banks love the maturity and work experience you’ve got. What worries me is the family stuff. Two years apart from your wife while trying to start a family? That’s brutal. Have you thought about networking into IB roles directly? I know it’s tougher without the MBA, but you’ve got M&A deal experience that could open doors. Maybe hit up some headhunters first before you blow up your life like this?
lol you’re having a textbook midlife crisis disguised as career planning. Finance looks appealing from the outside, but IB will destroy you at 35 - those 22-year-old analysts will outwork you while you’re crying into your third Red Bull at 3am. And leaving your wife for 2 years to chase this fantasy? That’s relationship suicide. Stick with law. Maybe lateral to a bigger firm if you’re bored, but don’t burn everything down because of FOMO.
Your M&A background is gold for finance! Plenty of people pivot successfully at your age. Just focus on what gets you excited - that passion will push you through whatever comes next.