Hi guys. I am really happy to see those disscussion about Big 4 in the US. I am a Big 4 (not in the US) alumnus and just relocated to Maryland last year. However I am kind of shocked to know that the situation working in Big 4 US seems exactly the same in my country per those postsn above. Long working hours with others under high pressure (that's easy for people to get mad when they are stressed. Horrible), sacrificing a lot of private time, even healthiness (never a good idea).  After working in Big 4 for 3 years, I agree with wetbandits and allegro-cpa, it's absolutely a good experience to start your career from Big 4. You will learn way a lot. I also like the title- Big 4 sucks-as exphysio mentioned, those are all true, no matter where Big 4 is. I don't know much about how it looks like to work in Big 4 US but now I kind of know the picture-pretty much the same as what I had experienced before. So frustrating. I thought it might be some different, maybe it is, it's even harder in US. At least my manager never said anything  ugly or bad-month on me.

I am looking for a job after I passed CPA exams. Think to get a job in a small-size or mid-size firm. Wondering if it's a good decision or not. Good luck for myself and all of you guys.

by the way, I hate being "flexible" when it comes to eat habits.

I have to add my two cents in this.

I've always worked in the private sector, and actually, some of the largest ones in the Nation (Financial Industries).  Through the years I've made many friends in Public, as well as working with those who had worked in Public.

The fact that Public "overworks" people might be true, but if you think that that doesn't happen in "corporate" or in the Private sector, you're delusional!  Also, now that it's NOT required to have two years of Public, I really feel that that industry will change and will have a lot of people hesitant to work there knowing that it's a difficult environment and low paying.