[RE2PECT]

So I just finished up my first year in public and recently submitted my application for my license. I’m a little older (36) and made a career change out of the construction industry into accounting because I was tired of the manual labor and the uncertainty of having steady work throughout the year.

Not sure what I should have expected after my first year at my firm, but I don’t know if public accounting is what I want to pursue long-term. Maybe it’s the firm I’m at, but I don’t feel like I’m learning enough and they don’t give me enough work to keep me busy. The partner I work for is a great guy and he buys me lunch every day, but I’m not sure I can see myself here down the road. Plus he just told me last week that he and his partner are splitting up and he’s going out on his own so that leaves even more uncertainty.

I recently updated my Linkedin and Indeed accounts and have been receiving a lot of emails from recruiters. The positions they’ve been sending me are mostly in private with a considerable salary increase of at least 10k for most positions. Another important factor for me is health insurance since I have a wife and a 2 year old and my firm’s insurance is really expensive being it’s a smaller company.

I’m not sure it’s the best career decision to leave public after only one year, but money and health insurance are a big deal for me since I’m the only one currently working in my family. I don’t want to leave for more money and end up limiting my options in the future, but I’m in a tough position financially.

Would appreciate any advice from anyone who’s been in a similar position.

FAR: 75 Roger & Ninja (notes/flashcards/audio/MCQ)
AUD: 73, 81
BEC: 71, retake 8/29
REG:

[Anonymous]

I have never worked in public, but from what I see, usually those who come out of public as managers have a sure way to get top positions in private…. Of course if you see potential in the private positions being offered now and no way of advancement in your current position, now would be as good time as any to switch. Not much in a way of advice though. Good luck! 🙂

[ruggercpa2b]

You are not limiting your options. I worked in Private then went to public back to private and hated it. So I went back to public till I found out I was pregnant and had no desire to work as much as I was with a baby. Now I am back in Private and love my laid back team and how flexible they are with me. You are your only limit. If you go into private and realize down the road you dont like it, you can leverage your experience from both public and private to get a position in public.

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.

[RE2PECT]

@Anyatver- I guess my only way to know would be to get myself out there and see what other companies have to offer. A recruiter just set me up with an interview tomorrow morning with a high end clothing company. It was the least desirable of the positions she sent me, but it would be good to interview for the experience.

@ Ruggercpa2b- I've heard it's harder to make the switch back to public from private, but it's good to know that you've been able to do it.

FAR: 75 Roger & Ninja (notes/flashcards/audio/MCQ)
AUD: 73, 81
BEC: 71, retake 8/29
REG:

[Anonymous]

@Re2pect-the good thing is-you can interview and if your realize the private positions don't have much to offer at this point, you have a job in public for now. It's always better to look at your options when it's by choice not against your will:) Good luck with the interview!

[RE2PECT]

@Anyatver- Thanks! That's why I'm putting myself out there now and seeing what's available. I'm in a position to be picky and not be forced to take a job out of desperation. Worst case I stay for another busy season and gain more experience.

FAR: 75 Roger & Ninja (notes/flashcards/audio/MCQ)
AUD: 73, 81
BEC: 71, retake 8/29
REG:

[Author]

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