From F-Bombs to Academic Bombshells: My MBA Journey and What It Taught Me
Let me start by saying it loud and proud: Cnty-effin-sh*t-bollocks. God, that feels good!
Why the profanity? Well, it’s been a while since I could write freely. Over the last two years, I’ve been neck-deep in academic writing while completing my Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). And trust me, you can’t drop c-bombs in your thesis (I checked). So yeah, apologies for the radio silence. I’ve been trying to play grown-up, doing grown-up things like analysing quantum mathematics and crafting critical arguments. Spoiler alert: I’m not the academic type.
In fact, my math anxiety got so bad I had to strip it back to the basics, learning from children’s math books designed for 11–12-year-olds (thanks, Singapore). Imagine being floored by a kid's math workbook and realising it's on par with university entrance exams like the GMAT. Confidence = shattered.
From Chatham Lad to MBA Grad
Let’s get real—higher education is well out of my comfort zone. Coming from Chatham, Medway, I never imagined I’d be grappling with advanced math or critical thinking. Numbers? They’re my nemesis.In fact, my math anxiety got so bad I had to strip it back to the basics, learning from children’s math books designed for 11–12-year-olds (thanks, Singapore). Imagine being floored by a kid's math workbook and realising it's on par with university entrance exams like the GMAT. Confidence = shattered.
To rebuild, I signed up for the Spine Race, a brutal 160-mile slog from Northern England to Scotland in the dead of winter. Yeah, running through ice and pain seemed easier than GMAT prep. Ironically, after months of grueling math studies, I didn’t even need to take the GMAT to get into my program. Middle finger firmly raised at SMU.
Between osteopath sessions for my thoracic spine and physio for chronic hip injuries, my MBA turned into a money pit of medical expenses. Even standing became a problem. Barefoot on tiled floors at home? Hello, heel pain. I eventually figured out standing on a yoga mat helped. Later, I discovered the magic of a yoga wheel to mobilise my back. If you’re chained to a desk, do yourself a favor: get a yoga wheel.
Pain: The True Cost of an MBA
Oh, the pain. Literal pain. My back, hips, and elbows completely rebelled against the hours spent hunched over a laptop. As a personal trainer, I’m used to moving all day, so desk work was torture.Between osteopath sessions for my thoracic spine and physio for chronic hip injuries, my MBA turned into a money pit of medical expenses. Even standing became a problem. Barefoot on tiled floors at home? Hello, heel pain. I eventually figured out standing on a yoga mat helped. Later, I discovered the magic of a yoga wheel to mobilise my back. If you’re chained to a desk, do yourself a favor: get a yoga wheel.
To survive, I developed a routine: 45 minutes of work followed by 15 minutes of stretching, scrolling, or walking. I even started studying at the gym (the irony, right?). Birkenstocks became my new best friends for standing support.
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| Mobilising the Thoracic spine |
Life on Hold
Would I do it again? Hell no. Completing my MBA didn’t just impact me; it affected my then girlfriend, my son, my friends, and my clients.Relationships: Sundays with my girlfriend? Gone. Saturday Xbox time with my son? Also gone.
Social Life: Nights out with mates? Forget it.
Work: Client appointments had to be rearranged, affecting my income.
Even my beloved Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu took a backseat. Hyrox training became my saving grace because it fit around my schedule. But even when competing in Hong Kong or Korea, I spent more time studying in hotel rooms than exploring.
Social Life: Nights out with mates? Forget it.
Work: Client appointments had to be rearranged, affecting my income.
Even my beloved Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu took a backseat. Hyrox training became my saving grace because it fit around my schedule. But even when competing in Hong Kong or Korea, I spent more time studying in hotel rooms than exploring.
When I finally hit "submit" on my dissertation, I was so drained I couldn’t even celebrate. Instead, I lay on the floor, listening to emo music and wondering, Now what?
What’s Next?
The MBA was supposed to:1. Prove something to myself (and anyone who doubted me).
2. Help secure permanent residency in Singapore (still TBD).
3. Open the door to new career opportunities.
But here’s what I’ve learned: I can’t sit in front of a screen all day. Silence is torture; I need music or movement. My body isn’t built for desk jobs, and I value my freedom too much to give it up.
2. Help secure permanent residency in Singapore (still TBD).
3. Open the door to new career opportunities.
But here’s what I’ve learned: I can’t sit in front of a screen all day. Silence is torture; I need music or movement. My body isn’t built for desk jobs, and I value my freedom too much to give it up.
For now, I’m focusing on what I love: training. With the Hyrox World Championship in Chicago coming up in June, it’s game on.
Final Thoughts
Was the MBA worth it? Yes and no. I’ve learned time management, prioritisation, and the art of critical thinking. Most importantly, I’ve learned to appreciate different perspectives without judgment—a skill I believe the world desperately needs.If I pass, this will be my proudest achievement, even more than my craziest endurance races. That said, I have newfound respect for people juggling studies, families, and full-time jobs. Would I recommend it? Sure—but know what you’re signing up for. For now, I’m happy to be back in the gym, dreaming of my next ridiculous race. Life’s short—might as well make it epic.
If you're busy and getting ready for your next Hyrox, reach out on my WhatsApp +65 88145641, to see how I might be able to help get the most from your training.
Keep it real folks.
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