[howmany74s]

Hi all,

I am working in NY at a Big 4 (passed the test). I have been here for about 4 years now and my interest for the job declined on a double declining basis (high five FAR). This post is a good proof of this fact actually, instead of working on 10310 tasks that I have on my plate, I am on another71.

Anyhow, I have this potential transfer to a different country/city for about 2 years. It is becoming super serious and I got to make a decision in a week or so. The job is not audit, it is more like audit support/valuation work. The issue is, I’ll be taking a great pay cut (about 40-45%) and lose 1 year in my tenure to go there and do that job.

I’m debating whether to take it or say no way due to following:

Take it:

1. I am bored as hell in audit and have no interest in continuing in this firm or job more than 6-7 months

2. Being at a different place will clear my mind and maybe give me a new perspective in things. I might even figure what I want to do next.

3. Travelling.

Leave it:

1. You worked hard to get where you are, even though it is 4 years. Why should you go demote?

2. Pay cut really hurts.

3. Not much travelling because I will be broke 24/7.

4. I might be too busy to actually figure out what I want to do next.

I spoke with 2-3 people so far and they are lost as well, so let me know what you guys think.

[howmany74s]

Missboots, yes I will have my current job but the problem is.. I don't want this job ever again. It is not the hours or the stress, it just doesn't mean anything to me anymore. So yes, I will get it back but do I want it? Absolutely not.

When the HR told me about the salary, I was silent for like 10 seconds.. But again, this is Big 4 so why am I surprised, really? I am helping some big guy with his mortgage for his 4th house in Hamptons probably.

[excel monkey]

Make sure your comparing dollars to dollars, not dollars to the british pound sterling. If they quoted you the salary in BPS, but you thought is was US dollars, that would account for about 32% of the difference at the current exchange rate. Otherwise, I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. Taking a 45% pay cut would put you well below what 1st year new hires are making, so you could effectively (though not recommended) re-start your career as a new hire in a different service line or firm and still make more money than you would going to the UK.

FAR - 91
AUD - 88
BEC - 86
REG - 79

[howmany74s]

I know excel monkey, it is just sad how low UK peers are getting paid though.

[GuitarSalad]

London is cool, and getting to see things in your field in a different country is awesome. But they're really asking you to take it in the shorts for this. Did they approach you about this? Having spent a summer in London, it's insanely expensive. I'd honestly feel a bit insulted if my company came to me with an opportunity and then proceeded to take money out of my pocket. Especially for going to such an expensive place. Having worked for a couple different places, I've personally decided that there is virtually nothing that would be worth it to me to step backwards in salary while staying with the same company. I did it once, and my salary never recovered at that company.

I'd have an extremely difficult time taking that offer.

BEC 7/12/13 - 84
AUD 8/31/13 - 86
REG 4/11/14 - 84
FAR 5/30/14 - 88

Licensed AZ CPA - 10/2014

[Missbots]

Yeah I understand you hate your job, but let's assume you take this offer,move to the UK for a year, when you come back and try get another job, you might be unable to negotiate a higher salary,

And also with that pay cut, traveling Europe might also be impossible…you'd probably be stuck in London..

Maybe you should just try find another job…

[fuzyfro89]

Yeah, assuming you're coming from USD 75k in NY to GBP 50k in London could explain the change.

Seems that you are not only moving to a more expensive place (on a locally adjusted basis), but also stepping down to a lower relative position.

If you value the personal experience, and are willing to quit and move back to find something new in 2 yrs then feel free. No responsibilities and moving to a new city will be a great experience (assuming you would enjoy that) and the “gap” in your career would be worth it if you had a good time and developed some new skills… or at the very least just had a positive personal experience during your time there.

The alternative is to find something new here in the NY area (or elsewhere in the US). Personally, I would hate to take a pay cut and move to a more expensive place, but that's just me.

You didn't mention any career goals in the next 5 years. Have you thought about that?

[GSU-CPA]

It doesnt make much sense to me to go to a very expensive city and take a 45% paycut.

REG-77
BEC -Waiting on score May 5th
AUD - May 30
FAR - Q3 depending on if i pass above two in Q2

[howmany74s]

I think I need this change however I do not need this treatment. Therefore I will give other positions a shot until early August and if nothing works out: adios Big 4, hello unemployed CPA in London.

I mean it is either hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or moving overseas for a little and have a fresh start. Hiking sounds dangerous so I will pick relocation.

Thank you again!

I forgot to mention: This is a 2 year gig so I will be broke/burn through my savings for the next 2 years to arrive at point 0 with a possible beer belly.

[Author]

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