[Anonymous]

I left Public Accounting a little over 6 months ago. While I enjoyed the challenges that came with the work I was getting sick of working long hours even during non-busy season months.

I finally decided to take the leap and see what all the hype about industry was. Though I make more money and work less hours, I do not enjoy what I do. Even though I was hired as an accountant, I get no accounting-related tasks and really feel like I am just doing data entry type projects. Some days they don’t even have work for me to do. I know most people think you shouldn’t complain about a job where you have nothing to do but it really makes passing the day a very difficult task. Plus, I have my Masters, CPA, and public accounting experience so I do not really think this position is a good use of my time or ability and it also is not contributing to my personal development in any way.

I know I have only been at this position for 6 months but I knew around 3 weeks that I did not like it. To make sure that I was not just experiencing “new-job-syndrome”, I decided to stick with it for some time and give it the benefit of the doubt. Now, over 6 months since starting, my dislike for the job has increasingly gotten worse.

So my question is – is it absolutely crazy to return to public accounting? Has anyone done this? If so, what was your experience like – were you happy or regretful with the decision to go back? Also, if I do go back – any insight on if I would have to go back before busy season starts so I don’t get held back a year for promotions (For the Big 4 Firm I worked at, promotions were determined by the number of busy seasons you worked but I am not sure if working in industry would count as “experience” towards a promotion)

Finally, would it be a good idea to go back to the Big 4 firm I quit or to seek another Big 4 firm? Anyone change Big 4 firms and what was your experience?

Thanks in advance for any insight! This has been driving me crazy for the past 6 months!

[Anonymous]

Mayo – what Big 4 are you at? And what City?

[Anonymous]

Mayo – what Big 4 are you at? And what City?

[Mayo]

I can email you. would rather not post on a public forum.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

I can email you. would rather not post on a public forum.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

If you guys are worried about posting email addresses, could set up a temp email address for initial contact, and then pursue it further if it's of further interest…like there's sites that give you exclusive access to the address for a week or something and then it disappears. That way, you could decide if it's company/region of interest before having to get real names involved and real email addresses posted on a forum.

Just a thought. 🙂

[Anonymous]

If you guys are worried about posting email addresses, could set up a temp email address for initial contact, and then pursue it further if it's of further interest…like there's sites that give you exclusive access to the address for a week or something and then it disappears. That way, you could decide if it's company/region of interest before having to get real names involved and real email addresses posted on a forum.

Just a thought. 🙂

[Mayo]

Well, I'll just say that my geographic location matters little. I've referred people in NY, although I'm hundred of miles away. Really, the firm's procedures are such that I just need to contact the experienced hire recruiter in my office, and they will forward my referral to the appropriate city.

So if the OP is interested, I'd be more than glad to assist. If the OP has their own contacts, then that's fine too. I just thought I'd offer to help.

🙂

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Well, I'll just say that my geographic location matters little. I've referred people in NY, although I'm hundred of miles away. Really, the firm's procedures are such that I just need to contact the experienced hire recruiter in my office, and they will forward my referral to the appropriate city.

So if the OP is interested, I'd be more than glad to assist. If the OP has their own contacts, then that's fine too. I just thought I'd offer to help.

🙂

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[LoveEventing]

I know this is a couple of months old, but I feel the exact same way. I know there were things about public that I really hated… namely the travel, hours, and uncooperative clients. But I miss the mentors, the challenges, the networking and CPE opportunities, the technology, the opportunity for advancement and the frequent team changes.

To the OP, did you ever make your move back to public? How did it turn out?

BEC - 68, 76
AUD - 90, 91
FAR - 63, 83
REG - 55, 79

FINALLY DONE!

[LoveEventing]

I know this is a couple of months old, but I feel the exact same way. I know there were things about public that I really hated… namely the travel, hours, and uncooperative clients. But I miss the mentors, the challenges, the networking and CPE opportunities, the technology, the opportunity for advancement and the frequent team changes.

To the OP, did you ever make your move back to public? How did it turn out?

BEC - 68, 76
AUD - 90, 91
FAR - 63, 83
REG - 55, 79

FINALLY DONE!

[Author]

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