[magatha12]

Okay in a nutshell,

I don’t want to disclose too much detail, as I am paranoid my employer might read this (even though its highly unlikely).

(I am an MBA graduate in May- I’ll have my 150 credit hours- and then was planning on the CPA exam. My employer paid for my tuition- I went to a local school so they’ve paid around $5k- where I am required to stay there for 2 years, if not, I have to pay back my tuition)

But I am at a crossroads- maybe a quarter life crisis. I am absolutely, and I mean absolutely miserable at my job. My boss makes my life a living hell, he takes jabs at me when I’m down bringing confidence and self worth further and further down.

No one in management values training or continuous education. They have a very old school mentality with the software they use (as400 from 1975) and the STRICT 8-5pm workday with no flexibility whatsoever. I work for a division of a VERY LARGE and profitable corporation (will not disclose where). My boss has made me cry on various occasions (in the bathroom so he would not know). It is accepted and put up with, which disgusts me. My boss is very aggressive and I don’t know how to put it- but simply does not care about people’s well being.

I am a 20-something looking to develop my career and myself professionally. I don’t feel like it will ever happen here with how I am treated and how I don’t fit in with the company culture. I was not aware of this when I took the job. But I feel like this is a sign that I should move- part time or full time to public accounting. I will even work at the mall!!!!

I know everyone will have an awful boss at some point, but I feel like this is the lowest of low.

I just don’t know if it will be completely stupid, as I will have to pay back my tuition- but I don’t have kids, not married, and don’t have a mortgage yet. Maybe I can just take out a loan and pay them back and move on with my careeer??

Advice please! I am at a low- and can’t think clearly anymore. But my gut tell me I need to go

FAR: 79
AUD: 81
REG:5/29/15
BEC:85

Using CPA Excel, NINJA notes and audio, NINJA MCQs

[MustPass1988]

YES! That is awesome! Congrats and get the hell out of your current job!

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[SeePeeAyy]

Well not to sound like a jerk but its $5k.

Get a new job, take out a $5k loan and be done with it. Is your misery really worth $5000? Look at it this way at least you didnt go to some big time university and be $50k+ in debt.

[MustPass1988]

@seepeeayy a $5000 loan is kind of difficult to pay back when you're not employed….an accountant should know that 😉

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[magatha12]

Wellllll, Big 4 job offer just happened 🙂

FAR: 79
AUD: 81
REG:5/29/15
BEC:85

Using CPA Excel, NINJA notes and audio, NINJA MCQs

[Jennifer241]

Congratulations!!! You will be very happy in public accounting, very little drama.

AUD - Jan 9,13 Pass
REG - Aug 30,13 Pass
BEC - Oct 26,13 Pass
FAR - Dec 4,13 Pass

Licensed CPA in the state of Oregon

[Anonymous]

@magatha12 Wow congratulations man, you managed to get a job offer in just 4 weeks. It took me 3 months (not to mention all the additional time while I was still at my last semester in school) to find a job. Also, most if not all public accounting firms will actually want/encourage their employees to become CPAs. Best of luck man.

[FlipACoin]

Well done Magatha! Congrats!!

[vartex]

I've been in public accounting for the last 5 years (since graduation) and I have seen nothing but drama. Not sure what kind of world you live in, but public accounting is no ideal job. Only reason I've stuck with it is because it's hard for me to find an industry job and nobody wants to hire a tax accountant. I live in Houston and am making 85k doing tax without a CPA. You would think I'd be living the life. No! I practically live in the damn office and am always tired. My girlfriend, in comparison, has never worked past 5 in her life and has never worked a single weekend and she makes 97K doing accounting for an oil and gas company.

Anyways, long story short, I feel used. There's no other way to put it. I've gone back to school to get my hours, I've spent countless hours working/studying, I've had sleepless nights, etc. It's just not worth it to me. I'm quitting my job in May and will attempt to pass the rest of my exams without the pressure of work. It's just not worth it to me and I will never look back. Good luck to all you! Public accounting is just not for me.

[Anonymous]

@vartex Dude don't quit your job. I would stick with your current job while searching, because it takes a ridiculously long time to find a job these days. Also, it's easier to find a job if you already have one as opposed to being unemployed.

[vartex]

@CPA_Romantic – I've already talked to my recruiter and he said there's nothing wrong with quitting to study for the exam/travel the world/do some volunteer work. I have the rest of my life to work. I'm single, have no financial burden, and would love to take some time off. I HATE PUBLIC ACCOUNTING!!! I did not spend 150K+ in education to be doing this.

I emphasized that I live in Houston because the job market is great here. When I was searching for a new job I got 5 offers on the spot. Unfortunately they were all with CPA firms =(

[Keely]

@Vartex, do whatever you want to do! I worked in Houston in public accounting too, and I was also miserable. I lasted a month before I said ‘thanks but no thanks.' If you are making 85 grand, you should've saved up a pretty penny by now. If you want to quit and study full time for a few months, do it. Be prepared to explain the gap on your resume, and never trash your old job. Can't your GF get you in with an O&G company?! Haha. Good luck to you!

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[vartex]

@Keely, I've been trying, but they all want some experience. I've even gone to PASH meetings to network. My firm just recently hired a Jimmy Johns delivery boy to be a staff accountant. Firms here are desperately looking for anyone to fill spots. That's why it baffles me when I see threads/posts about people suffering trying to get INTO public accounting. Just move to a new city if that's what it takes.

May I ask where you work now?

[FlipACoin]

Vartex….I would strongly advice you to not move on until you find another job. If industry is what you want, I can't believe you can't find an industry job with five years of public experience, even if it's tax. I see internal tax positions (I'm in southern CA) in my area ALL the time that you could slide into with your background, even without a CPA. Now you may not make 85 in Houston, but if you want quality of life you usually have to be willing to take an initial paycut for it, then once you gain experience you can work up to something like what your girlfriend has. Still…I can assure you the old saying that it's much easier to get job when you have job has never been more true than in today's job market.

[magatha12]

@vartex…I have heard the horror stories, but it just felt like a huge confidence boost from where I am right now. I will continue to be optimistic about it and know that great things will be in my future (for however long I stay). You will find a great industry job even though I have not had good experience with that….just make sure you have something lined up, so you can be a little more picky about where you want to go and to make sure it is the right fit (if you are still employed and looking). Options are a nice thing to have

FAR: 79
AUD: 81
REG:5/29/15
BEC:85

Using CPA Excel, NINJA notes and audio, NINJA MCQs

[Anonymous]

@magatha12..congrats !!

I am assuming you have B.S in Accounting, and MBA. did you work at a CPA firm before going to B4.

[Author]

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