[Fil-Am]

Hi All,

I have 5+ years of accounting experience (combined both in governmental and corporate world). I am now in a Senior Accountant position, but I felt like I am still looking for something. I am in my early 30’s and don’t really know what my true passion is. Don’t get me wrong, I like accounting. One reason, it is quite a safe career and pays the bills, :-). People around me describe me as the person who can fit in any accounting and finance job ( or other related job). My current employer assigned projects that are outside my skillsets, and were able to succeed in it.

My new employer asked me if I would consider the Senior Business Analyst position. I am torn between the 2 fields, and couldn’t say no because a part of me wants it because I want to gain additional skillsets. I am in the early 30’s, and still don’t know what my true passion is. I am scared of the uncertainty, but excited of what opportunities it will lead me to in the near future. But, I have so many what ifs question in my mind. 1)What if I decided to take the role and decided to switch back to accounting 3-5 years later, does taking the new role hurt or help me? 2) At this point, I don’t want to manage people. I prefer to be an individual contributor. What if I like to become a manager 5 years later? I know no one really knows what will happen 3-5 years later, and what life brings.

Bosses assured me that there is always room for good people, and I can always go back to do accounting within the company if we (company + self) realized that it is not a good fit for me a year later.

Career Goal: I don’t have a specific plan. I would like to advance. However, I am flexible. I will do my current job to the best of my ability and keep my eyes open for opportunities within the organization even if it means changing roles. I am prepared to learn new things and contribute to the overall success of the organization in a number of ways. The only specific within that plan of willingness is that the opportunity within my ability to learn, interesting enough for me to dig in and do a good job, and the compensation increase a reasonable amount in relation to the demands of the position

Anything worth doing is probably not easy, but the rewards are worth it. (unknown)
Please feel free to add me on LinkedIn just to say hello or stay in touch.

CPA Exam - PASSED 2014
CALCPA Ethics - Passed 2014
CA CPA License - Pending

To God be the Highest Glory. Little Miracle happens every second!

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you're very adaptable and pick up skills easily. Go ahead and take the jump! From what your wrote here you know you can do it.

[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

Because you are so young you need to go for it! The fact that decision makers recognize your talents speaks volumes. Trust me the more things you are able to do is value that managers will always be able to see.

[ZombieMouse]

Do it.

Accounting obviously isn't your passion. It's safe, it's comfortable, but if it was something you truly LOVED, you would know it. And you don't.

(There's nothing wrong with that, by the way. There are a lot of people who live to work, but I think most of us work to live. I've come to terms with the idea — at the ripe old age of 35 — that I'll never be truly passionate with a career, per se, so when I was recently on the job market I prioritized a good company culture and work-life balance over specific job titles and responsibilities.)

But in your case, you clearly believe your passion is “out there” — and your bosses have given you am amazing opportunity to test the waters in a field that interests you. You might love it, or you might hate it, but you won't know either way until you try it. And it really sounds like you have nothing to lose, because you can always fall back on accounting. Don't worry about a failed career change on your resume; its very easy to explain in positive terms — e.g., “My company needed someone with my skills and versatility to take on some exciting new challenges, and I was invited to rise to the occasion. I learned a lot from the experience but I'm ready to return to a more traditional accounting role. I would welcome an opportunity to demonstrate to you the same kind of adaptability that allowed me to excel in both roles…” etc.

Go for it. Definitely.

[Fil-Am]

I finally said yes to the bosses after a week of careful thought. I won't let fear hold me back to face a big challenge. I now have to go through the normal hiring process among with all other interested candidates. Wish me luck.

Thank you so much everyone. Each of your piece gives me a little boost of confidence and courage to jump on it.

I am hoping that one day I'll be able to find my true passion.

Anything worth doing is probably not easy, but the rewards are worth it. (unknown)
Please feel free to add me on LinkedIn just to say hello or stay in touch.

CPA Exam - PASSED 2014
CALCPA Ethics - Passed 2014
CA CPA License - Pending

To God be the Highest Glory. Little Miracle happens every second!

[JRCPA123]

Hi Fil-AM,

I am just curious to see how it is going with your business analyst job? I am in the exact same boat as you and hesitant to make the switch. Any suggestion for me?

Thank you,

[Fil-Am]

Hi JRCPA123,

I had it for 6 months and liked it. However, a new opportunity came up and was promoted to another role within the same department and company. Thank you.

Anything worth doing is probably not easy, but the rewards are worth it. (unknown)
Please feel free to add me on LinkedIn just to say hello or stay in touch.

CPA Exam - PASSED 2014
CALCPA Ethics - Passed 2014
CA CPA License - Pending

To God be the Highest Glory. Little Miracle happens every second!

[Matty]

Fil-Am,

Great to know that there are quite a few of us are on the same boat . I have been been recently accepted the BA role switching from management accountant . During the 6 months experience working as a BA, especially when in meetings, IT ppl throw bunch of IT terminology /softwares (that u never used before)that we are not familiar with, I sometime feel intimated by this and re think and if I'm suitable for the role (when you start touching the technical side of IT you feel you are very small) . Nevertheless It's a great opportunity that company sees my skill sets and believed in me that I can do the job. Did you have any concern or hurdles while you were a BA and how did u overcome them ?

[Author]

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