Another article on the true value of an MBA

[Basket Weaver]

Interesting read:

MBA Mows Grass To Make Ends Meet - Yahoo! News

[BrandeX]

Frank, who now makes about $45,000 a year mowing grass, says he doesn't mind the job itself -- his clients have been very respectful to him, and one of them even helped him overhaul his resumÃ.

He has more issues than just employment if he has an MBA, and needs someone to help him write a decent resume.

I'd be interested in the city he lives in if he can make double what I am (here in a developing country, but in a semi-professional position) by just mowing lawns.

[MISin08]

If the dude can make $45K mowing grass in this economy, I would say the MBA did him some good.

[Rhashad]

He was a upper-manager at Lowes, mowing grass is still his field of work. Like a previous poster said, "if he's making 45k" doing it in the first year, he's using the MBA.

[15%Luck]

I've been doing commercial lawncare since I was old enough to hold a weedeater...it's not all that bad of a way to make money.
45K isn't too shabby for a mow mammal either.

[P00057870]

Working at a technical school in Florida, believe it or not -- these days-- this is a story we have heard similar to what others are living through. The difference is how you deal with it and this guy and his family is doing well with the "dealing" and adjusting part.

I can tell you stories of an Engineer (with a degree) whose job was computer/CAD based and his company completely outsourced his job to India. He is taking a 12-month practical nursing program, where he can get licensed and get a job paying about $19 an hour and then work toward his RN.

I ran into 2 twin brothers who had BS in science and had been teaching in our public school system. They were "surplussed" last June when all of the teacher cuts took place -- as property prices have fallen, so has the tax base, not to mention people are leaving Florida and moving home to live with other family members, etc. Both of them were looking into the health courses as well.

I've had students who were laid off from American Express and were used to making $50,000 a year and can't get a job.

Bottom line is no degree, MBA or otherwise, will protect you from a down market -- but having other skills you can fall back on will help you get through to the other side of the tough times.

[bat21]

When I was in High School back in the middle ages, when Pac-Man was biggest thing around, we did a "Biology Class Experiment" it was recycling aluminum cans for a semester. Every weekend I spent about 2 hours looking for cans with a classmate. We were paired up, we ended up collecting and making over 5,000+ in under 4 months.Our teacher said a family of Vietnamese had made over 50K in one year collecting cans in the mid 80's in the San Diego Beach areas.

But I do not believe they had a MBA. just motivation and self reliance and a good work ethic:patriot:

[P00057870]

Always! Some have more drive and many who come from other countries where there are no opportunities will realize it and work harder and work together as a unit.

[Basket Weaver]

Working at a technical school in Florida, believe it or not -- these days-- this is a story we have heard similar to what others are living through. The difference is how you deal with it and this guy and his family is doing well with the "dealing" and adjusting part.

I can tell you stories of an Engineer (with a degree) whose job was computer/CAD based and his company completely outsourced his job to India. He is taking a 12-month practical nursing program, where he can get licensed and get a job paying about $19 an hour and then work toward his RN.

I ran into 2 twin brothers who had BS in science and had been teaching in our public school system. They were "surplussed" last June when all of the teacher cuts took place -- as property prices have fallen, so has the tax base, not to mention people are leaving Florida and moving home to live with other family members, etc. Both of them were looking into the health courses as well.

I've had students who were laid off from American Express and were used to making $50,000 a year and can't get a job.

Bottom line is no degree, MBA or otherwise, will protect you from a down market -- but having other skills you can fall back on will help you get through to the other side of the tough times.

I agree, my MBA has proven to be about worthless in helping me land a decent job. Either the employers think you want a fortune for a salary or they think you are overqualified...of course I live in a smaller town, if we were to pack up and move I'm sure we would find something better...but at a cost.

I have decided to use my knowledge/education to open my own business and work for myself. Actually the idea of working for someone else turns my stomach...I guess its just knowing they are getting rich off of my efforts. I am in the midst of building a 3,000 sq. ft shop and outfitting it with equipment. I figured I would buy the stuff for myself anyways because its also my hobby. We'll see how it goes! Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.