[SOX with sandals]

Hi Everyone,

I’d appreciate any feedback and thoughts.

I became a licensed CPA this past October, and since, I’ve felt a bit lost, and oddly, still burned out even. So much pressure and time has gone into becoming a CPA and working in public from family, university professors, peers, and so forth. Now that I’ve finished my CPA I feel a bit lost. I currently work in B4, and have about a year and half of experience in public under my belt altogether. By all respects, I have a great job, work with great people, and a weight has been lifted since passing my exams. Like with my professional life, I don’t have anything to complain about in my personal life.

That being said, I’m still left with the internal question of “what’s next?” I’ve focused so much time and energy to get to this point, that I feel like I’ve ignored the big picture with what I want to do with my career, personal life, and so forth.

I know busy season is upon us, so I don’t have much time to dwell on the issue, however, has anyone else felt this way? What have others done to find their next goal and to stay motivated every day?

I appreciate any thoughts. Thank you so much!

[felixsphone]

First off, congrats! It's a long and draining process. Try to set a new goal. I found out I'm done on 12/18 and I have just been playing world of Warcraft. It has been getting old but it's something to do – I'm unemployed and do not work for B4. I know I have more important things to do but I haven't set that next goal. I think what you're going through is normal.

[12tang]

Concentrate on personal development. One of the most important things in life is your ability to navigate around people and identify with those around you. I've been on a kick for the past few years on studying people, natural behaviors, personality types and so forth. It's all interesting and very useful information. All of that can be used in any area of life, especially business. Aside from that, set your goals. Do you see yourself staying with your current firm? If so, when do you plan on attaining a managerial position? If you don't plan on staying, decide on which industry you'd like to work. It's all about goals, so set some short-term and long-term. It's okay if you have a sudden change in direction that you didn't see coming; that's life. But the good news is any experience you picked up on the way will stay with you. Work on yourself so that you may kill it in your career, wherever you decide to work. This is what being a professional is all about. It doesn't stop at a test or a new position. It never ends. Hope that helps.

Using Becker self-study
FAR: (82) 175 hours - 1st attempt
BEC: (XX)
AUD: (69) 45hrs of study - 1st attempt
REG: (XX)

[DM]

@SOX With Sandals – congratulations on getting your license number. You are now a part of one of the most secure jobs in the world. This certification will travel far with you in your career. What industry do you service? Commercial or financial services?

I spent 4 years at Big4 in NYC. The longer you stay at your Big4, the more exposure you have to client IT systems, more FS lines and footnotes, more M&A & equity transactions, more regulation, more exposure to interacting with client management. These are all factors that enhance your resume and future earnings potential. Now you are done with CPA, really get into the Big4 services and beef up your experience. IMO 1.5 years in big4 isn't enough, yet. Some people will get their MBA after 2-3 years, others may get their CFA if in financial services. Almost everyone keeps the CPA and moves into private.

[Author]

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