[Anonymous]

Here’s my career situation…

Work for DLA Finance (Dept of Defense/Govt) and we are of course looking at 14 unpaid days with possible RIFs in FY14. I have a CPA with 2 full years at a CPA firm, 3 busy seasons PT tax prep work on the side while working at DOD and now I have a small tax prep practice. I also have 9 years with the Federal Government- 3 at DLA and 6 at IRS. With 2 wars winding down and massive budget cuts, would it be worth it for me to leave? Mind you I am currently a GS 11/Step 2 which is $63,602 per year which may/may not be beat in the private sector, but I now have a CPA with experience. Also the tax prep practice is minimal and basically to keep experience going and CPEs. Promotion opps where I am are bleak and my CPA is basically shelved, but again as many of my relatives have said “it’s steady/secure/blah blah blah.” With the Sequestration possibly being permanent, I’m at a crossroads and the “Security” aspect is in question now. I’ve also been let go from a CPA firm in 2009 with a year out of work, but didn’t have my CPA passed yet. Till now I was getting comfy, but with this shit going down and the possibility my CPA skills may atrophy I need to make a move soon considering I’m 33 and….. not quite in the best physical shape. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I say start testing the waters and see what jobs and offers you can get. If it's better or good enough then I say you're good to leave.

[mla1169]

Normally I'm not a fan of jumping ship based on what a person “thinks” may or may not happen a year or two down the line. However I'm pretty sure in your situation I'd be looking. I'm in industry but virtually all of our revenue is tied to DoD. I'm not optimistic about my company's future but want at least another year here for purposes of my resume. It sounds like you have a strong resume built and should find something great even if it takes a bit of time.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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