@ Whyme – Thats a good point. Like I mentioned in my original post, I think the biggest con to working regional or mid-tier is not having that name on your resume. I really believe it helps get your foot in the door with potential future employers.
My intention wasn't to insult the Big4 @BaseballCPA, so I apologize that it came off that way. I don't have any dealings with the Big4, so I can't speak to anything they offer other than no overtime (from what my friends told me they get paid) and a great resume booster. It may, very well, be true that all of my perceived “pros” are also “pros” of the Big4, but someone else will have to list those from their personal experience.
One of the partners at our firm came from AA before they got dismantled, while another one of our partners (who was just named CEO) has been here his whole career (which is my goal – to become partner and make a career at this place). Maybe the true answer is that is just depends on what you are looking for. There will always be someone to look down on what you do whether you go Big4, industry or stay mid tier. There is always someone making more money, doing better, seeming happier or whatever.
I just turned 25 in January, so I still have a lot of time to figure this out. All I know for sure is that my wife and I want to be happy. I will do everything I can to make that happen, and right now that is working here.
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