[Anonymous]

I have just recently started at a Big Four, in which I was very hestiate to work there. I knew it wasn’t for me but I took the offer anyway due to the resume recognition. However, I am regretting my decision a few months in and feel I would be better off in private doing somehing that I enjoy. I am struggling in devising a exit strategy since I want to leave in a few months rather than sticking it out. Also, I am not sure how to approach my early absence to prospective employers as well.

[Anonymous]

What is it that's preventing you from sticking around for at least a year? Perhaps it's something you can change.

[Anonymous]

What is it that's preventing you from sticking around for at least a year? Perhaps it's something you can change.

[Anonymous]

To be honest, it isn't something so major. I guess I am rushing to leave since I feel it was a mistake to join a big four in the first place. I would stick it out a year but the only issue is that it cuts into busy season and I wouldn't want to leave in the middle of busy season. But is it just as bad to leave a few months before busy season?

[Anonymous]

To be honest, it isn't something so major. I guess I am rushing to leave since I feel it was a mistake to join a big four in the first place. I would stick it out a year but the only issue is that it cuts into busy season and I wouldn't want to leave in the middle of busy season. But is it just as bad to leave a few months before busy season?

[Anonymous]

Where are you located? I'm dying to get into the Big 4 😀

[Anonymous]

Where are you located? I'm dying to get into the Big 4 😀

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat. Work for a CPA firm but knew going in it wasn't for me. I'd much happier in private but I also knew it was great experience and a big plus on my resume. I'm thinking I should be there two years before I leave but honeslty don't think my sanity will hold out this long. (it's been a year) I'm also interested in opinions on this – how long should someone stay at a firm before leaving?

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat. Work for a CPA firm but knew going in it wasn't for me. I'd much happier in private but I also knew it was great experience and a big plus on my resume. I'm thinking I should be there two years before I leave but honeslty don't think my sanity will hold out this long. (it's been a year) I'm also interested in opinions on this – how long should someone stay at a firm before leaving?

[mla1169]

If resume recognition was your goal, you'll need to stick it out. If that no longer matters to you by all means start looking but be mindful that such a short stint may be troublesome for future employers who will wonder if they'd even get a year out of you.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

If resume recognition was your goal, you'll need to stick it out. If that no longer matters to you by all means start looking but be mindful that such a short stint may be troublesome for future employers who will wonder if they'd even get a year out of you.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Mr.NiceWatch]

I am in the same boat… been with a big four for almost 7 months now and can't wait to get out. Its a great place to work, but the workload is insane. Sometimes I stop and look at my life and how sad it has turned out to be. I literally work 60 – 70 hours most of the time. The idea of working 9 – 5, 5 days a week is a a foreign concept for me.

Journey begins in July 2012.

FAR - 87 (8/7/2012)
REG - 89 (11/19/2012)
AUD - 95 (1/17/2013)
BEC - 81 (2/26/2013)

[Mr.NiceWatch]

I am in the same boat… been with a big four for almost 7 months now and can't wait to get out. Its a great place to work, but the workload is insane. Sometimes I stop and look at my life and how sad it has turned out to be. I literally work 60 – 70 hours most of the time. The idea of working 9 – 5, 5 days a week is a a foreign concept for me.

Journey begins in July 2012.

FAR - 87 (8/7/2012)
REG - 89 (11/19/2012)
AUD - 95 (1/17/2013)
BEC - 81 (2/26/2013)

[Spock]

@ Mr.NiceWatch: Which state/city are you located and do you work audit? I am getting ready to intern at a big 4 in financial services audit and I am trying to get a better idea of why so many people loath the big 4 lifestyle. I'd appreciate any input you might throw my way.

[Spock]

@ Mr.NiceWatch: Which state/city are you located and do you work audit? I am getting ready to intern at a big 4 in financial services audit and I am trying to get a better idea of why so many people loath the big 4 lifestyle. I'd appreciate any input you might throw my way.

[Anonymous]

I went from private to Big 4 and love it. I think for most people its the work life balance. Most of the people on my team hate it and hate every single day they are at work. It kinda scares me to think that I might be one of them someday. Try to learn as much as you can before you leave because you dont want to be looking for an entry level position all over again, its competitive out there.

[Author]

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