[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.

[Study Monk]

Make sure you see the South Island in New Zealand. The north island is beautiful the south island is crazy beautiful! Consider hiking on the Milford and Routeborn Track in the south island. You start to wonder why they filmed the ugly parts of New Zealand in Lord of the Rings.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[Study Monk]

Make sure you see the South Island in New Zealand. The north island is beautiful the south island is crazy beautiful! Consider hiking on the Milford and Routeborn Track in the south island. You start to wonder why they filmed the ugly parts of New Zealand in Lord of the Rings.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[snel0075]

I would certainly go to the South Island. My top destinations are Australia, South Island of New Zealand, and Nepal. If I can work a little bit while traveling in order to supplement my savings, I'll hopefully be able to see it all.

Update with regards to my job: I spoke with my manager today and she was very understanding and supportive. I will be finishing up the year with my firm and then I will be off to explore!

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

DONE.

[snel0075]

I would certainly go to the South Island. My top destinations are Australia, South Island of New Zealand, and Nepal. If I can work a little bit while traveling in order to supplement my savings, I'll hopefully be able to see it all.

Update with regards to my job: I spoke with my manager today and she was very understanding and supportive. I will be finishing up the year with my firm and then I will be off to explore!

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

DONE.

[finne]

Awesome!

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]

Awesome!

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

[Anonymous]

Business System Analyst – I don't recommend going that route. Companies routinely replace US Citizens with H1B visa holders, so IT is a dead end.

Find yourself a decent accounting job where the company doesn't work you to death and you'll be doing great.

[Anonymous]

Business System Analyst – I don't recommend going that route. Companies routinely replace US Citizens with H1B visa holders, so IT is a dead end.

Find yourself a decent accounting job where the company doesn't work you to death and you'll be doing great.

[sewatk01]

As a military spouse, I have countless “gaps” on my resume…almost as many gaps as employment for the last several years. In interviews, I rarely ever mention why we move so much (although some might infer it based on locations) but I haven't had any trouble finding positions. Frequently I've been asked what I did in between the employment periods, and a few times I've volunteered the information since some of the gaps have been purely pleasure (if I get to live somewhere amazing…I'm going to take advantage of that opportunity). Travelling can do so much to broaden our horizons, and can be quite refreshing (which is one of many reasons why many other countries have MUCH better vacation and “holiday” policies…). I would vote yes to travel, with these suggestions:

(1) Stay current and don't let your license lapse (CEUs, etc). Depending on the field you are looking to jump back into, maybe take some refresher courses along the way just to keep your skills up-to-date.

(2) Maybe take a few days or weeks to get involved with a volunteer or community building opportunity while travelling. This would likely help the area you are visiting, may give you a sense of pleasure, and would give you something substantial to mention if your gap becomes an issue.

(3) Have fun 🙂

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharrisberger

BEC - 12/13 88!
FAR - 2/14 82 Thank goodness!!! 🙂
REG - 7/14 81
AUD - 8/14

[sewatk01]

As a military spouse, I have countless “gaps” on my resume…almost as many gaps as employment for the last several years. In interviews, I rarely ever mention why we move so much (although some might infer it based on locations) but I haven't had any trouble finding positions. Frequently I've been asked what I did in between the employment periods, and a few times I've volunteered the information since some of the gaps have been purely pleasure (if I get to live somewhere amazing…I'm going to take advantage of that opportunity). Travelling can do so much to broaden our horizons, and can be quite refreshing (which is one of many reasons why many other countries have MUCH better vacation and “holiday” policies…). I would vote yes to travel, with these suggestions:

(1) Stay current and don't let your license lapse (CEUs, etc). Depending on the field you are looking to jump back into, maybe take some refresher courses along the way just to keep your skills up-to-date.

(2) Maybe take a few days or weeks to get involved with a volunteer or community building opportunity while travelling. This would likely help the area you are visiting, may give you a sense of pleasure, and would give you something substantial to mention if your gap becomes an issue.

(3) Have fun 🙂

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharrisberger

BEC - 12/13 88!
FAR - 2/14 82 Thank goodness!!! 🙂
REG - 7/14 81
AUD - 8/14

[Anonymous]

Do what most people do! Be creative! Imagination + word processor + resume = no more ‘GAAP' year!

Just kidding…I hope you at least smiled

[Anonymous]

Do what most people do! Be creative! Imagination + word processor + resume = no more ‘GAAP' year!

Just kidding…I hope you at least smiled

[Author]

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