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Subject Topic: I HATE PUBLIC ACCOUNTING!!! (Topic Closed Topic Closed) Post ReplyPost New Topic
  
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OILANDGOLD
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Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 18:06 | IP Logged  

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!



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FAR - 95
AUD - 98
REG - 95
BEC - 87
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cpablue2012
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Posted: 07 Feb 2012 at 23:15 | IP Logged  

Your story sounds almost identical to mine.  I graduated from a major university, got my masters, passed the CPA exam (96, 88, 98, 95), and worked for a Big 4.  Like you, I was not happy.  I am in the process of going back to school and changing careers, but I also contemplate whether it is public accounting that I disliked so much or accounting in general.  I really enjoyed accounting in school, but I came to dread going to work every day.  I don't really have any words of wisdom other than to say that I am much happier now, but I wanted you to know that you are not alone.  Best of luck sorting it all out.  
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acaden
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Posted: 08 Feb 2012 at 02:14 | IP Logged  

It's not dumb at all. Remember this: you can always go
back, if it comes to that.

That's the nature of our job - it's so intolerable they
always need qualified people willing to do it. And as a
Big 4 alumnus, you have the stamp of approval.

If you're not busy racing up the ladder to nowhere, what
possible downside could come from your plan? Go for it.    
We'll all be jealous.
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OILANDGOLD
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Joined: 04 May 2010
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Posted: 08 Feb 2012 at 15:17 | IP Logged  

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.



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cpanightmare
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Posted: 28 Feb 2012 at 19:57 | IP Logged  

Hey,
I am going through something very similar.  I passed all my exams with high scores and took a job at the big 4 at the beginning of January.  It has been an absolute nightmare, hence my username.
I'm in Audit right in the middle of busy season.  No one wants to coach or help you.  People are so impatient and overall expect you to know *removed*, immediately.  I go home pretty much every day either homicidal or in tears.  I have absolutely no life.
Not sure wtf I was thinking going into this career, but, I'm sticking it out because I have no idea what else to do and I worked my ass off to get to this point.  How sad...
On a side note, the managers and senior managers say the same *removed*.. they hate their lives.  Only person who is thrilled is the partner because he's making tons of $$$.
Anyways, oilandgold, I admire your resolve to get the F out of accounting.  go for it, it's not worth it to be this miserable.
good luck to everyone.


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