[Regional]

Hey guys,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I graduated in 2010 and have worked for a mid-size firm (think just inside the top 100) as an auditor for about 20 months. Promotions are coming in June, but I have no interest in what I’m doing anymore, and know that will cause me not to succeed in the senior role. It could be busy season talking, but I’ve truly had enough and I know this is not what I want to do for the rest of my life, or even for another week/day/hour! I figure it is better to jump ship now while I’m young, before I have a family, etc. to support when attempting to switch careers.

I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for related careers, or even different paths all together (I know that’s a bit of a broad question though). I’ve given it a lot of thought, but being on this accounting track for so long has made it tough to come up with alternatives.

I do have my exams done, so I am just trying to hold on until June when my two years will be up and I can apply for the license. Being licensed is still very much an important goal to me, even if auditing isn’t. I think it will help separate me from other candidates in the future, regardless of what I end up doing.

So, as I said, has anyone left public (or even accounting entirely) and not had to live on the streets? 🙂 I’m willing to take a pay cut for higher quality of life, but I’d prefer not to throw away all my hard work and end up in a low-paying job that anyone could get. I don’t think that would help me feel much better!

Thanks everyone

[14 Times a Charm]

It's never too late to change careers. All the money in the world isn't worth your happiness. The problem that I had and what many people have is living your life according to how one thinks it is expected of them from either society, friends or family. But in the end, only you know what you feel inside. Only you know what makes you happy. I myself have tried to change careers by going back to college in a different area, but I ended up back in business because I didn't like the new career path that I chose either. But I'm glad I experimented and found that out for myself, so that I have no regrets for what I did. I did auditing, and it is very boring, traveling sucks, writing stupid formal reports sucks, using the annotation software programs suck.

If you really want to find a job that makes you happy, I wouldn't just limit myself to business fields. Explore all options.

[Anonymous]

Just don't go into IT, IT is dead. That's why I'm studying for the CPA, perhaps open a door in accounting/finance….

[Anonymous]

This is just my .02 worth so take it to heart or take it with a grain of salt. Do you think you are just tired of the grind? Tired of dealing with clients that you don't want to work with? Have you thought about sticking it out until you get your license and then opening your own practice? That way you can decide who you want to work with and who you don't. You don't have to work for a big 4 or even a top 100 firm to make a living being a CPA. There are all kinds of business that need CPA's but can't afford a big firm. Maybe you would be happier with smaller clients and not so much pressure. My boss is the only CPA in the office and he is 69 and looking at retirement. Most days it's just me and him in the office. It's more laid back but we never have the same day twice. I do most of the audit work and he does most of the taxes. I do the write-up's because I love doing them. He hates them so it's a fair trade off. If you are determined that being a CPA isn't what you want to do in life then find whatever makes you happy. Life is short and you only get one so make the most of it! Good luck!

[Regional]

Thanks for the responses! I guess working at a smaller office, moving to private (I like the idea of getting into a particular area at one company and not having to know the internal controls, accounting methods, etc. of 20 clients), or getting out entirely would be the best bets. I don't know that I am ready to take on the responsibility of opening my own firm, though that is a thought for later down the road.

I think there is a factor of depression in all of this. I know I've had it on and off in the past, and it probably predisposed me to burn out. I have a bunch of money saved up, so if I do switch jobs I think I will want to take a few weeks, even longer, to collect myself. At the very least I need to remind myself that there is more to life than tying out excel spreadsheets in windowless conference rooms. 🙂

14 times a charm – when you say you ended up back in business, what are you doing now?

[jelly]

It's hard to say, b/c it really depends on your personality, preferences, etc. Since public accounting I've done:

1) internal audit/controls/SOX – didn't really care for

2) worked for the gov't – not for me

I'm currently in a very small public accounting shop doing bookkeeping and corporate income tax returns. This totally works for me as I've come to realize that I can't stand audit, and that I prefer taxes and tax planning. My boss is also very nice, supportive, defends me from stupid clients, spends a lot of time explaining things to me, and is happy to ditch dumb clients. The pay isn't great, but the hours are 830-530, the work experience I'm getting is pretty priceless and is very lucrative for me further down the road.

Couldn't pass again!

[Author]

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