Four reasons not to do an MBA
We’ve spent plenty of time spruiking the benefits of studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and while there are plenty, that doesn’t mean it’s the right move for everyone. Depending on your ambition, you might be better off taking a different path, so we’ve pointed out a few reasons you could skip the MBA.
There are other waysto upskill
In the past, formal courses such as postgraduate or masters degrees were virtually the only way for professionals to upgrade their skillsets in a way that would appeal to employers. The attitude has shifted in the last few decades, with work experience and freelancing highly valued and a vast array of online resources and short courses that allow employees to improve and enhance their knowledge in particular areas.
MBAs are expensive
Cost has always been a barrier to pursuing a MBA. As of 2025, the average fee for an MBA in Australia is estimated to be around AUD $57,000 - $65,000 depending on the university and program type, with top-tier business schools potentially charging significantly higher fees (around AUD $112,500 for a full-time MBA). This is a very significant financial investment, especially for someone who is already qualified at the bachelor level, and consideration must be made about whether it will be worth the money at the end of the course.
It’s a difficult balancing act
If you’re fiscally comfortable enough to work part-timewhile you study an MBA, great. However, the reality is for many people, they have to work full-time simultaneously to offset the cost of the degree and this can mean plenty of early mornings and late nights when you would normally be off the clock. There’s also the strain on the family – especially for those with children – and your social life can take a hit too.
Reinvest the energy into your next career goal
Many people take up a MBA in a bid to land a specific position (normally in senior management) but don’t realise a piece of paper doesn’t automatically qualify them for the gig. If you have your mind set on a particular role, channel the time and energy (not to mention the money) you were planning on committing to your MBA and use it to excel in your current job and prepare yourself for the next step in your career journey.
