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Priya Patel: The Earning-More, Living-Le...

Ellis, Lillien, Kl...

Case

Priya Patel: The Earning-More, Living-Less Dilemma

Ellis, Lillien; Klopfenstein, Amy

G-0665 | Published March 23, 2026 | 8 Pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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This case explores the dilemma of Priya Patel, a recent MBA graduate who is struggling to balance her personal, professional, and financial responsibilities. After Patel receives her dream job, she and her spouse swiftly purchase a house in an expensive neighborhood and enroll their children in an elite private school. Meanwhile, Patel’s spouse quits his job to pursue his long-deferred dream of entrepreneurship. However, the Patels soon discover that they are spending more than they earn each month. Patel takes on freelancing assignments to supplement the family’s income, but the additional work strains her health, reduces the amount of time she can spend with her family, and harms her performance at her day job. At the same time, she must navigate the mounting caregiving costs for her mother-in-law. Students must determine what trade-offs Patel should accept to balance her personal and professional commitments.