[Anonymous]

Im not trying to come off as a jerk but I constantly hear people crying about the hours and pressure at the Big4. I’m sure that a lot of the people posting these complaints to this bulletin board are most likely ages 23 – 27 who’s only work experience probably consists of internships, part time jobs, and/or campus/summer jobs so they’re probably experiencing their first grown-position. I start at a Big4 firm next month and have read lots of complaints about the hours and the work environment. I’m entering public accounting after serving 6 years in the military where we would spend months at a time away from our families to work 12-16 hour days, 7 days per week in countries where the locals would love to put a bullet in our skulls. The lucky months where I was allowed the be in the US, we still would pull 50-60 hours per week easy. So when I repeatedly read these posts about the stress and long hours of public accounting I just shake my head. Public accounting is a dream compared to being shipped off to the desert for several months to be shot at 24 hours a day. Give me a break.

[alboreland]

I'm confused how you can assume Big 4 employees in big cities come from money. I'm sure some do just like any random person, but how can you put everyone in that category?

[jeff]

EA – I hadn't checked it in a few days…I believe we are now Linked 🙂

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[Anonymous]

First and foremost, I apologize to everyone I offended. Rereading my original comment I can easily see why so many would be offended at my observation. Truth be told I spent a good portion of yesterday slaving over my Becker material and was unwinding a little last night with a glass of Johnny Walker. I ended up drinking and posting and created this controversial (and somewhat politically charged) thread without giving much thought to how it might make others feel. Of course I would never articulate this kind of opinion in the real-world and instead hid behind the anonymity of the internet to make a snarky comment which reflects poorly on my part. At anyrate, I apologize. I'm just like many of you on here, preparing to begin a new career while trying to knock out my final section of the exam. 3 down, 1 to go!

[Anonymous]

**Bob Ross was the best!!!!

Every year when the Christmas JCPenny catalog came out, I'd circle and write my initials next to his painting set…I never did get one of those painting sets…but I loved watching him bang out immaculate masterpieces in like 30 mins on PBS :)…those were the days.

[Vlakmir]

I don't believe I said everyone in the big 4 in big cities come from money. I said MANY people that are FROM the big cities (ie; grew up there) and WORK in the big 4 are from money. Words make sentences, sentences convey meaning. Let's not misquote me?

I can only think of one person, maybe two in my internship class from a city (most of them) that didn't come from a wealthy background. Also, our definition of wealthy is likely quite different. My idea of wealthy is, your parents are able to pay for your schooling / rent while you are in school.

My roommates had their paychecks sent back to their houses they were still renting in their college towns while they got annoyed I couldn't pay rent early because I had to wait for my paycheck.

Is this true for everyone? I'm sure it's not. But it was certainly a majority of my start class. I guess I assume that wording my post correctly would convey my own experiences rather than qualifying everything I say with “in my experience”, because that's the whole point of a forum – discourse based on experiences?

CPA 33-

Don't worry about it. I think it is really easy to read text and assume the worst rather than give the poster the benefit of the doubt that what they are saying isn't so lighthearted / just a rant / just a thought / etc. There is certainly a level of truth in the idea that young kids at the big 4 complain a lot.

REG - 92
AUD - 90
BEC - 82
FAR - 82
BISK Review Materials
DONE! /Happydance

[mla1169]

Not sure if any of you follow George Takei on FB (but you SHOULD), he posted a link to this artist the other day. Thought it was Bob Ross-Esque

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DavePollot

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[teeteenounouche]

It's ok CPA33! I have been known to get a little snarky before score releases 🙂 Good luck and thank you for your service!

Florida:
AUD: 73, 81! Thank you Lord!
BEC: 73, 77! Thank you Lord! and WTB
REG: 71, 82! Thank you Lord! and A71
FAR: 72, 78! Thank you God and my Mommy in Heaven!

CPA Excel, Ninja Notes & Audio, Wiley Test Bank, CPAreviewforfree

[Anonymous]

Pretty sure my cpa trench experience > your military trench experience. Come at me bro.

[Anonymous]

@mla1169 Mr. Sulu is the best! Never a dull moment when he is on your news feed!

[Anonymous]

Thanks Jeff!

You're more efficient than the word EFFICIENT -:)

[joelseph]

“Public accounting is a dream compared to being shipped off to the desert for several months to be shot at 24 hours a day. Give me a break”

When it's midnight on a Wednesday in March and you've been checking boxes for 70 hours a week for the last 6 months come back and revise this quote. Prepare to HAVE NO LIFE.

FAR: 84 on 4/4/13
AUD: 91 on 7/27/13
BEC: 72 on 11/11/13, 82 on 01/03/14
REG: 80 on 02/27/14

[D]

Props to OP for coming back to redeem himself.

Great job on your 3 down, 1 to go!

I can totally understand the snarkyness… I've been that way for the past 1.5 years… someday I'll pass this thing and be a little more pleasant. 🙂

----------
AUD - 74, 77! (1/2016)
BEC - 80! (5/2016)
REG - tbd (8/2016)
FAR - tbd

Study materials: NINJA MCQ/Audio/Notes

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"
----------

[MintsRGood]

We are all entitled to get drunk and let off steam from time to time. It happens to the best of us!

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[Author]

Replies