Guys,

Let me give you my story in a few sentences, then ask your advice. I graduated from a major university, got my Masters, passed the CPA (98, 95, 95, and 87), and have now worked for one of the Big 4 for 18 months. I have hated this job since day one, and each day my hatred grows. I'm not happy -- but am curious if it is because of the culture and life of a Big 4 accountant, or the very nature of our industry and the work that we do. I plan on giving industry a shot, and seeing if accounting truly does just suck altogether, but before I do that, I am quite urged to do something for me. I am going to make it through busy season (out of self respect), but when it's over, I am planning on quitting, moving out to Cali, taking a job as a barista, learning how to surf, and perhaps doing a little "finding myself" along the way. My question: is this dumb? How much will this hurt my career? If I don't even like my career, then is it really hurting it? At the same time, I've worked so hard for this, to be set up for life (so they tell me), is it foolish to waste it? WOULD LOVE TO HEAR y'all's thoughts!

Hey CPA Blue, you said you're in the process of either going back to school or changing careers. Can I ask what you are thinking about doing? What are you doing right now?

Thanks guys for your advice! Much appreciated. I thihk the cool thing is though, no matter what you guys say, I'm still going to do this. This job freaking sucks and I'm not happy. Life is too short to live like this.