[Montiel68]

Hi All,

So I’m reaching out to the A71 community for advice. This week I was basically told I will not get promoted and will be laid off (probably after busy season). I’ve been working at the same firm for 2 yrs as staff and this summer Im up for promotion based on timing here. But yeah, I was told it would be a “stretch” to get promoted.

I’ll be honest and say that they’re right. I’m not ready to be senior.I’ve been working in different service lines that I’m not proficient in 1 particular area. It also doesn’t help I ended up in 1 that’s very strict that already has 5 seniors. Anyway, I’m not trying to make excuses. I know I’m in this situation because I’m a slow learner and just suck. I’m simply average but not excel like the other.

A few days after I was given the news, I was told they’ll work with me to help me see if I can still get promoted. I know they think im dumb (might be just a little lol) But I know they said that so I won’t quit now.

I Would like to try another firm in public and start as associate again. I want a fresh start. I know I can do it but just not as fast as my team wants from me. Thing is I’m a CPA and that’s probably going to be a red flag to recruiters.

My questions for you:
Have you ever been in a situation like this? If so, how did you overcome It?

Do you think I don’t have a chance to get hired as associate bc of the license?

Do you mention you’re still employed when looking for a new Job? Like in interviews?

Sorry for the long post. I Just don’t know what to do now. I’m overwhelmed bc I still have a lot of work to do at the office, but I still need to find a new job. Thanks for your help!

FAR- Passed
AUD- **F,F,F,** Retake TBD
REG- Passed
BEC- Passed

[aaronmo]

So first, you know you have some areas you think you need improvement in. That's EVERYBODY. You feeling that is not a mark of being dumb, that's a mark of intelligence and self awareness in my book.

Second…we all learn differently, and at a different pace. It's not how long it takes to get from A to B, it's where you end up. It sounds to me like you need a mentor.

To me, this sounds like you might be best at a small firm where they'll take the time to nurture you…a place with just a couple of people who will give you the training you need.

You're a CPA…you aren't dumb and there's nothing at work that's tougher than that exam. You are as smart as you need to be. Sometimes it's just tough to put it together.

[aaronmo]

I missed a few of the questions you asked…

Someone with a job has leverage in a job search…you DEFINITELY want them to know you're employed, and do NOT, under any circumstance, mention that you're being let go/temp. They'll ask something like why are you leaving right off in a phone screen or initial interview, and probably again later. If asked why you're leaving, focus on the things you like about where you're going. You'd prefer a smaller/larger firm, you want to work more directly with clients…whatever. NEVER criticize an employer, even if true.

If you're being let go – prioritize job search. You're done there and they made it clear they're done.

I think you;re selling yourself short and need some confidence here. You're a CPA…you are wanted. You can do the job or you wouldn't have the letters.

[Montiel68]

Thanks for your advice aaronmo. I think you hit on some good points. I need to work on my confidence. I know I can be good just need to work harder. More often than not I was just given work w/o clear instructions and my seniors/managers are always so busy they help little. I'll be applying to jobs soon as I've updated my resume. And your tip to answer why I'm leaving is great! I'm going to focus on why I want to work for then vs my not so good experience where I'm at right now.

FAR- Passed
AUD- **F,F,F,** Retake TBD
REG- Passed
BEC- Passed

[Mike J]

Just reading this exchange helps me also. Theres a lot of good people here; I'm glad we can help each other.

The advice was spot on. If you passed the exam, that IS proof you belong in the profession.

Likewise, sometimes you don't learn sometimes as quickly as either YOU or others around you like. We're all human.

Further, I read some other great advice here. Somone once wrote to not work like youre afraid to be fired. IF it happens, it happens but do your best and chalk it up as a learning experience.

I'm also glad that you voiced your fears. I bet plenty of people are helped reading it.

I'm one of them. I took an audit job last January 8. It's an area I've always wanted to be in since deciding to be an Accountant. However, it's been tough trying to pick up everything. No one has said anything. My coworkers see that I'm trying to learn everything. I volunteer to do shit jobs in the field (scan with the portable scanner, go grab documents, be useful while I learn and ask tons of,questions). I've only been in the field for 3 weeks, but I want to do well and justify my existence there.

So reading this thread helped me remember what I had to do to get here. I deserve to be here and so do you.

[Montiel68]

@Mike030882 Thanks for your response. The A71 community is great. There's people going through different stages on this career, and you always learn something new.

I'm still trying my best to do a good job in everything that I've been assigned to. I've decided to leave( before they officially fire me), but that doesn't mean I'll just unplug. I'm thankful to the firm regardless. This is my first job as a professional, and I know there will be other challenges out there. I'll confess I'm scared to go on and start over, but that's just life.

I say you keep trying your best too. Try to learn as much as you can. Get along with upper management. They like when people are “visible”. That means establish a relation with your managers and partners. Let them know about your goals. Volunteer to do trainings for new people and recruiting. They really like the whole package: Be strong in technical skills and sociable. Good luck in your career!

FAR- Passed
AUD- **F,F,F,** Retake TBD
REG- Passed
BEC- Passed

[Author]

Replies