[jenpen]

A little background: I worked in legal for about 8 years and decided to change to accounting. Got my MBA and found a small CPA firm to give me a chance so I could gain experience. I’ve been here almost 4 years now. I know that I am underpaid a little since it is a small firm (I was the first full-time employee), but it was a great starting point and I learned a lot.

I finally completed the exams and got licensed a few weeks ago. The firm did not pay for anything towards the exam (but did allow me to take the test on business days without using PTO), so I figured I’d at least get a decent bonus…but it wasn’t even enough to cover my materials.

They’ve been very good to me and I’ve got a cushy position, but I want to be more than a bookkeeper, and I feel like unless I want audits my current position won’t allow me to grow. The more I think about it, I think I’ve pretty much learned everything I am going to here. I like tax season typically, but I’m having problems staying focused this year. I decided to start looking for a new position after tax season, and now I feel like I’m already checked out at work. It’s hard, and all I want to do is look for my next gig so I can move on. My current firm does a lot of audits and reviews, and I want to specialize in tax.

Anyway, not sure what the actual point of this post is, except to maybe find someone that can commiserate with my current predicament. 🙂

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[jenpen]

I feel you there. I can't wear a tshirt and sandals to work, so I'm jealous of that, but since it's a smaller firm we are more informal than what I imagine larger firms are. I have sugar skull stuff hanging in my office. I've had clients comment on my “dark” artwork (which is actually a pretty painting, but has a skull in it so it's considered dark to them). I always have something playing on Spotify. It's pretty laid back and I have a TON of flexibility, and with a daughter in sports that's really nice.

But like you said…Adam is right. I need to find a position that is right for me, and I don't think this one is it anymore. I'm extremely comfortable here, and I love my bosses and they have been very good to me. But at the end of the day, it's not personal and I need to be true to my own worth.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[aaronmo]

^5.

Hopefully we'll both find our path.

The job I loved most was working as a sort of…jack of all trades “figure it out” as it comes guy in an expanding start up. Every new contract felt like a personal win as a team. I learned something new every day. I have to figure out how to get that on a daily basis, but actually get paid well for it.

[jenpen]

Agreed. The hard part is over, and now it's time to start reaping the benefits and enjoy the ride.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Author]

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