What’s going on, y’all. I’m writing this entry with a big smile on my face because today was the second warm day in a row here in Chicago. That may be a weird thing to be happy about, but y’all weren’t here on those days when the temperature was in the -20′s a few months ago. Walking outside and not needing a coat here is amazing. I know that it’ll probably get ridiculously hot soon, but I’m loving the few days of Springtime weather that we’ll see in 2009. Even better, the folks outside just looked happier now that the sun has started shining brightly. Now, I can understand why the folks here rave about the months of June, July, and August and this probably won’t be the last time you guys see me raving about it too

OK, on to the rest of the entry…the message below is from a reader who found my blog recently and reached out to me to let me know about its impact. I’m posting this reader’s email because of her story of “rejection” and making a fantastic recovery from it. She shares her own story from school through early career into her impending matriculation at a top business school and also includes some notes about her desire for work-life balance as she continues her career, which really jumped out at me. Although she didn’t ask any questions for me to answer, I thought her email might serve as an inspiration to some of you out there. And, when I raised the idea of posting it to her, she was cool with it, so here we go. I hope her message inspires some of you as much as it inspired me. Also, don’t forget to check out the two quotes she included at the end of her message.

By the way, I REALLY liked reading this email because the reader used a couple of the phrases that I regularly drop into my entries. After hearing over and over how unprofessional I sound on here at times, I couldn’t help but smile when seeing the reference to “bringin’ the thunder”…bet you won’t find to many other B-school related blogs with that kind of lingo, huh? hahahaha! Gotta love it!

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BC wrote:

“Dear Marquis,

First off, I want to say thank you. I discovered your blog only days ago, but I have already read 99% of it, and it has been an amazing read. Insightful, humorous, and chockfull information I only WISH I knew about back when I was applying to business school.

Second, don’t worry, this is not a “question email,” I know better than to badger a busy man. You’ve given such great advice to a lot of people, some who quite frankly don’t seem to deserve it – you’re a better man than I.

Rather, this is a private response to your recent musings on the work-life balance. I wanted to give you congratulations on your [latest position], for seeming to find your equilibrium, even if it meant moving to the cold-azz city of Chicago to do it. You’ll notice from my email that I too, am moving to [Chicago], and as a Los Angeles native, I already foresee the pain I will be in in a few months.

To give you a bit on my background, I graduated university with my BS in Business Admin when I was 16 with big ambitions, much like you mentioned, of being a “baller,” making heaps of money and taking care of my family and those that are needy. As the typical ultra-competitive Type-A “must have it all and now,” I applied to both Harvard (this was back in 2002, before the 2+2 came out) and Stanford b-schools, and got rejected flat out. I do have to mention, that GSB was kind enough to give me an interview, before the rejection. It was discouraging to say the least, but I set out to gain the most work experience possible and make myself an attractive candidate, and somehow, along the way of these 7 years, my ideas of “success” have changed significantly.

Even more so than the valuable corporate experience I’ve gained, I feel like I’ve matured and the way I view the whole world has changed. Before, I would have been pitching a fit that I didn’t get into Harvard or Stanford, but now, I see that some things aren’t meant to be, and maybe, just maybe, for somebody like me, the awkward “child prodigy” with the quantitative analysis down pat, I can gain more from Kellogg’s teamwork and collaboration focus. I’ve been living in China for the last 2 years, working as the operations manager of an MNC startup subsidiary, and let me tell you, my eyes have been opened up to the disparity that exists in our world. Sometimes, I feel so grateful for what I have already, it feels like anything else I can accomplish is just gravy.

I guess my point is this, that as a “child prodigy,” (somebody else’s label, not mine) I always thought my future was carved in stone, that I MUST be a millionaire by the time I’m 30, MUST be a CEO, MUST be jetsetting, well-traveled, speak 7 languages, etc etc… And really, I now realize, that I don’t have to do any of it. I can be happy anywhere, as long as I know I’m utilizing my potential, and making a difference. Furthermore, I don’t want to do any of it, if it means sacrificing my health, or my sense of myself. Of course, it would still be nice if I was a millionaire (I’ve got a few more years, gotta make them count!) but somehow it’s no longer as important because I know now I can make enough money to support myself, and buy me the things that make me happy… Really what more would I need, and what would I do with it, except give it away? Yes, I would one day like to set up a competitive school for bright, impoverished children, and yes, I will need a good deal of funds to do that, but I will never be able to reach my goals if I get an ulcer or god forbid a heart attack from the stress of my job, and furthermore, I would be doing my mother a disservice after her hard work raising me.

Anyway, I know I’ve still got to get through business school, and if I’m lucky, maybe a good “finishing school,” job where I know the times will be rough, but ultimately, I hope to be in a position similar to yours. So just know you’re a role model for just one more person (out of the thousands who email you), and because of your story, I am even more inspired to make the most out of and enjoy every minute of my journey.

Sorry it turned out to be such a long email, but you touched on such a good point and overall you’ve told such a great story that I felt compelled to reach out. Thanks again, and best wishes. Maybe I might run into you some day in Chicago. I’d like that.

Regards,
BC

PS. If on the off chance you choose to “reprint” this email, please keep me & my blog anonymous. Many thanks.
PPS. There will be ups and downs for all of us, just remember that the quest for balance is an ongoing one and sometimes there are no right & wrong answers. Just gotta roll with the punches. My 2 favorite quotes: 1) The best way to predict the future is to create it. 2) “I’ve learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.”
PPPS. I’d also like to thank you for introducing me to what is now one of my favorite phrases ever, “bringin’ the thunder.” Please continue to keep bringing it. “