[SchruteBeet]

I work at a large accounting firm in a consulting area. While I was expecting to travel as part of my job, I think out of my class of associates, I have been among the 3 people who has been traveling the most.

I am out at the client every week, and while I do get to go home from Fri-Sun, I just feel like my weekends are jam packed with “to-do” lists and there’s never enough time to do what needs to be done. To top that off, I failed my CPA exam and still have to take two more sections. What is worse is that the only 3 people in my class who have not passed the exams are the ones who are traveling the most. While I understand that as a first-year I don’t have much say on my staffing assignments, I think I could benefit more from being local for a few weeks. I am one of the only 2-3 people on my team who travels for this client – everyone else is based out of the firm’s local office. And the other people who travel have a lot of say in their travel schedules as they’re all senior members of the team.

I am also in a long-distance relationship, and I think every single time my partner wants to visit me or vice versa, we’re barely able to spend time with one another. What’s scared me is that my team members told me anytime someone gets on this project, they’re very likely to get looped in for a year or more. I feel like all the travel is exhausting me and affecting my studying, personal health and relationships. Should I talk to someone (maybe my mentor who btw is on this project too but senior) about this and if so, how do I approach it without sounding fussy? Or should I just let it be?

[Missy]

Not sure but I'd highly recommend if discussing the frequency of travel with work, don't mention the exam, weekend chores or long distance relationships. Maybe just start by asking the question is my frequency of travel expected to channge in the near future. Also during hiring or onboarding were you asked what % of the time you are available to travel? Sometimes we're so eager to get the great job we say we can travel 100% of the time, and others in your class may have been more realistic saying 20% or 30% which is why they're not traveling as often as you.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[SchruteBeet]

@mla11692 That makes sense. I think the travel more has to do with the nature of projects. I tried asking around other people who're currently local and they said they'd die to have my traveling assignment haha.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

[Pork Flavored Bacon]

Hey, SchruteBeet, I totally get you. I'm also in consulting and last year, for about eight months, I was doing 80% travel just like you. I would fly out Monday morning and come home Thursday evening. Thankfully, my team works from home on Friday (until 3pm, mostly) so I had an extended weekend every week. I feel your pain especially with your personal life being strained.

The best thing I did was I really applied myself to the work when I was there. Monday through Thursday I had my head down and really powered through everything they threw at me. I asked for more responsibilities and attended every happy hour to shmooze with the team. After I was there long enough and everyone loved me, I just went to the partner on the engagement and had a really great candid conversation with him. I pretty much said I really enjoy this engagement and especially the people here but I feel like I want to tackle a different project which would further my professional development. He was onboard with my idea immediately and pushed for me to get on a different project which I specified.

I think you can definitely bring something up to your coach/mentor but I would keep any grievances about the job out of it. Like you said, don't sound fussy or complain about how the work is affecting you. Keep it professional and spin it so it seems like changing projects will benefit not only you but your firm.

FAR - 75 | REG - 87 | AUD - 82 | LAW - 81

[SchruteBeet]

@PorkFlavoredBacon: That was really helpful. I am so relieved to hear there's people out there who can relate to my situation. Really appreciate the advice. I think I am gonna do just what you did. Maybe hold it out for a couple more months and then have the conversation come up. Plus the year-end performance reviews are coming up in a few months, so I will bring it up to my partner when he asks me if there's anything different I would like to get experience in.

[Author]

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