[snel0075]

Hey all,

I now have about one year of experience in a Big 4 accounting firm (tax), have completed the CPA exam and the associated experience requirement, and I am now reassessing what I want to do from here. I knew coming into my current position that it would be a means to an end rather than a long and prosperous career. I do not enjoy the work and I despise the focus on chargeable hours and putting work before life.

Currently, I have a couple job possibilities out there: one in tax compliance for a bank (this would be more of what I do now without the focus on hours) and the other is to be a business systems analyst. This could be more interesting because I am a technology hobbyist, but who knows for sure.

If I were to pass up on these opportunities and cease working for my current firm to go work abroad and travel for some time (probably about six months), how might that affect my job search upon returning home? I guess what it comes down to is how would an employment gap in my resume of six months to a year affect my ability to find a new job in the future?

There is nothing that I want to do more than go on a long-term international trip. I have the means and the motivation, but I’m justifiably hesitant because of the required risk. Does anyone have any similar experience or words of wisdom?

B - 86
A - 87
R - 81
F - 81

DONE.

[finne]

I'm interested in hearing people's thoughts on this too. Once I get a few year's accounting experience under my belt, I would love to take some time off to travel. I'm also curious about how taking a gap would affect future employment.

Thanks for bringing this up, snel0075!

REG - 85
AUD - 99
FAR - 89 - w/ NINJA Audio and Blitz
BEC - 91

Using Wiley - books and test bank - 6 months - all 4 first time

[finne]

I'm interested in hearing people's thoughts on this too. Once I get a few year's accounting experience under my belt, I would love to take some time off to travel. I'm also curious about how taking a gap would affect future employment.

Thanks for bringing this up, snel0075!

REG - 85
AUD - 99
FAR - 89 - w/ NINJA Audio and Blitz
BEC - 91

Using Wiley - books and test bank - 6 months - all 4 first time

[ruggercpa2b]

If you have the gap then future employers will definitely want to know what you were up to during that year. Another thing to think about is what the job market will be like a year from now. It could be easy to bounce back or it could take a while. There are some people on the forum now that are having a hard time finding a job.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[ruggercpa2b]

If you have the gap then future employers will definitely want to know what you were up to during that year. Another thing to think about is what the job market will be like a year from now. It could be easy to bounce back or it could take a while. There are some people on the forum now that are having a hard time finding a job.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Gerg, CPA]

do it

FAR - 1/26/2012 - PASSED (78, but Lost credit), re-do 11/27/2013 - PASSED (87)!
AUD - EPIC FAIL, 71, 69; 68; 5/25/2013 - PASSED (85)!
REG - 10/1/2012 - 72; 7/1/2013 - 73 UGH, 10/1/2013 - PASSED (85)!
BEC - 2/28/2013 - PASSED (82)!
Licensed CPA!

Used Becker self-study materials (just this for FAR original & REG #1), WileyTestBank, NINJA notes/audio, and Roger cram course for AUD #5, REG #3 & FAR reboot. CPA!

[Gerg, CPA]

do it

FAR - 1/26/2012 - PASSED (78, but Lost credit), re-do 11/27/2013 - PASSED (87)!
AUD - EPIC FAIL, 71, 69; 68; 5/25/2013 - PASSED (85)!
REG - 10/1/2012 - 72; 7/1/2013 - 73 UGH, 10/1/2013 - PASSED (85)!
BEC - 2/28/2013 - PASSED (82)!
Licensed CPA!

Used Becker self-study materials (just this for FAR original & REG #1), WileyTestBank, NINJA notes/audio, and Roger cram course for AUD #5, REG #3 & FAR reboot. CPA!

[Never_Give_Up1]

You could always line up employment for a few months to a year later. Granted most places that are like that is public accounting hiring for the next year. But if you want to travel, do it. You will always look back on your life wondering what could have come from going on it and what experiences you missed out on. Always trust your gut. Live you life with no regrets, and when you come back from your trip with nothing lined up, move to a state that has a very low employment rate and hiring is strong. Then explain you wanted to travel before you got to much into your career.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Never_Give_Up1]

You could always line up employment for a few months to a year later. Granted most places that are like that is public accounting hiring for the next year. But if you want to travel, do it. You will always look back on your life wondering what could have come from going on it and what experiences you missed out on. Always trust your gut. Live you life with no regrets, and when you come back from your trip with nothing lined up, move to a state that has a very low employment rate and hiring is strong. Then explain you wanted to travel before you got to much into your career.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[acamp]

A manager I worked with had

“Traveling in the Southern Hemisphere” and dates on his LinkedIn, I imagine in his resume as well. If you are upfront that you went traveling for a year, I dont think its the end of the world

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

A manager I worked with had

“Traveling in the Southern Hemisphere” and dates on his LinkedIn, I imagine in his resume as well. If you are upfront that you went traveling for a year, I dont think its the end of the world

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Keely]

Go travel! You will always be able to find another job. It may take awhile, you may have to explain the gap in your resume, so plan your finances accordingly for the extra time it may take to find another job, but DEFINITELY GO. The older you get, the less opportunity you'll have to see the world (except after retirement, I guess). It took me about twice as long to graduate college than the average person, but that's because I traveled, saw the country, “lived dangerously,” and just did what I wanted to at the time. I get the occasional, “you know what they call people who went to college for 10 years? Doctors.” joke, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It was a blast. I have a coworker who never does anything. Never travels, never took a semester abroad, never does anything except study, work, and go home. It makes me really sad. If you value seeing the world that much (and you should), go and don't look back. Have fun!

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Keely]

Go travel! You will always be able to find another job. It may take awhile, you may have to explain the gap in your resume, so plan your finances accordingly for the extra time it may take to find another job, but DEFINITELY GO. The older you get, the less opportunity you'll have to see the world (except after retirement, I guess). It took me about twice as long to graduate college than the average person, but that's because I traveled, saw the country, “lived dangerously,” and just did what I wanted to at the time. I get the occasional, “you know what they call people who went to college for 10 years? Doctors.” joke, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It was a blast. I have a coworker who never does anything. Never travels, never took a semester abroad, never does anything except study, work, and go home. It makes me really sad. If you value seeing the world that much (and you should), go and don't look back. Have fun!

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[LSNYC]

I think you'll be fine. We interviewed a candidate recently who had taken 8 months off to travel. They had noted it on the resume. Make sure you are prepared to answer questions about it. They will probably dig a little to make them comfortable you got the major travel bug out of your system and you aren't just looking for a job to fund the next trip.

On another note the candidate had multiple offers in a short period of time. So it seems it didn't harm them.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[LSNYC]

I think you'll be fine. We interviewed a candidate recently who had taken 8 months off to travel. They had noted it on the resume. Make sure you are prepared to answer questions about it. They will probably dig a little to make them comfortable you got the major travel bug out of your system and you aren't just looking for a job to fund the next trip.

On another note the candidate had multiple offers in a short period of time. So it seems it didn't harm them.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[Anonymous]

I am in / was in the exact position as you, and now I'm on a path to find out the answer to your question. You can hold off for a year and ask me if I have any insight of what happens :). I think (and hope) the answer is: any amazing life changing experience that culminates in a new career.

[Author]

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