[ayyemmtea]

Hello all – Not a CPA Review question, but I thought you all may be able to help. And maybe someone needs an excuse to procrastinate from studying 😉

I have been working Big4 in DC for over 2 years. I was actually one of the many victims of the long wait in August release, so I just became a CPA (Officially licensed, yay!). I have been absolutely miserable for 6-7 months. I would have left months ago if I was already a CPA, but I just kept on thinking “you will be able to get such a better job if you just wait until after you become a CPA!”.

Now, I waited too long and it has really affected my mental health. I cry most nights after work. My management doesn’t care about my unhappiness (they seem kind when I tell them about my unhappiness but then after a meeting, they never follow up/nothing ever changes/don’t ever mention it again). I want to leave. I REALLY wish we weren’t going into busy season now. (Added complication is that I don’t want to be a jerk and leave my team during the busiest time of the year… but I also literally do not think I can last another 2 months here. It is getting worse by the day. Today, I even cried at my desk at work (thank god, nobody noticed))

Anyway, with this new job potential, I have decided that I also want to leave DC. I had to work full time and go to school at night for my bachelors (so no real “college experience”) then instantly went into studying for CPA. I’m 27 and have basically never left the DC area. Anyway, my lease is almost up, I have little tying me to the area, and I want a new job anyway… so I am thinking about leaving for a few years.

My family is here, so I would like to stay on the East-ish coast and I hate the cold, so it’s tempting to go south. Also, I am known for 0% relaxation at all times. Between work 8-5PM, classes 7PM-10PM for ~6-7 years and then 2+ years of the CPA + Big 4 hours… I have never relaxed in my adult life LOL So it’s also tempting to go to a place that is more relaxing. (I am unsure if the slower pace will kill me or be exactly what I actually want/need).

I’m thinking I would really like to move into in-house accounting and leave contracting/public accounting. I’m looking for job postings in Boston, Richmond, Charleston, Raleigh, Nashville, etc but don’t have a clear front runner. Up front costs to move isn’t an issue. Also, if money isn’t an issue… is there a problem with moving first and then finding a job? I don’t want a gap in employment to be a red flag. I also know it’s obviously easier to find a job when you have a job… but I just don’t know how I can stay if I don’t find a job soon. Let alone looking for a job is basically a full time job + a job that already takes every ounce of my life force everyday. =/

I have 5-6 years of accounting experience and have managed people before. I have worked in multiple accounting systems and am very good in Excel. (If those facts change anything)

[M123]

I realize this is not an answer to the question but since you've been going all out for so long – may I suggest you travel a bit? Do you have any love of travel? How much have you gone overseas?

With that intensity in your formative years – getting a whole new perspective may be incredible. Go to Asia, Europe, whatever floats your boat.

Next suggestion – expat. You may be able to find roles with Big-4 and others that take you someplace where you can really dig in for a while.

These are not permanent answers – but may be a refresher. I think that's what you need most!

Whatever you do – maybe you can find a role where you can go to a couple different big-ish cities in the South, such as you mentioned – Raleigh – or maybe Savanna, GA. Spend 3+ mo and then decide!

No job should make you cry – I truly hope they make it right , regardless.

[Jen-J]

I know it's north rather than south, but if northern Delaware sounds appealing (it's suburbia, so might not be what you're looking for), let me know. 🙂

[andjela]

@Tea – If I was in your position I wouldn't limit myself to a specific area (East Coast). San Jose has so many great opportunities, Seattle too…. and why not take the expat route like @M123 suggested? I would radically change my environment and travel as much as possible. You're working for a Big4 – why not ask to relocate to one of their European offices? Once you're settled in Europe you can basically spend every weekend in a different European country, explore, have fun, gain new perspectives 🙂

[Lauren]

If you're really looking to relax, I would suggest not moving to a big city. I originally am from Boston, but moved to Maine after I finished undergrad. Even though I'm convenient to Portland, the change in pace of life is extraordinary. When you live in a beehive of people it's hard to have silence, space, peace. I had no idea how magical those things are, nor how much they make my brain happy, until I experienced them on a daily basis.

Be open to the opposite of what initially comes to mind. 🙂

[OTK1995]

Texas. Okay, outside of the whole Harvey thing and yeah, it's not the east coast BUT it is booming, as a lot of industries to choose from and it may be right up your alley. Not too expensive, four major metros with over 1M people each to choose from, and has the social aspect a single person like you can benefit from.

Good luck!

[Adam]

If you're looking south, Atlanta would be a solid idea, especially for industry/corporate accounting. Somewhere between 26-30 Fortune 1000 companies here (17 F-500). Plus all of the Big 4 and and more. I moved strictly to find work about 6 years ago now and landed a corporate job immediately (within a month of moving). Recruiters are an excellent resource to find something quickly. I work about 20 minutes north of Atlanta now, and where I am has the big city feel but with a noticeably slower pace. Very nice.

[Ryan – Just Another Dollar]

When my girlfriend and I were looking to move last summer, we each made a list of the top 10 places we would consider (regardless of whether we'd been there or not). We then took short trips to the top 2-3 matches and really tried to immerse ourselves to see what it would feel like to live there. We ended up in Denver and so far it's been everything we'd hoped. Definitely recommend travelling and checking out anywhere you're considering even before you start applying for jobs.

B - 88 (2/16)
A - 84 (4/16)
R - 73 (6/16), 82(7/16)
F - 67 (1/16), 84(4/16)

Ethics - 93

Roger course & Ninja MCQ - HiYa!

[murd]

Anchorage!

[rsg149]

@Tea

I too am in DC and work in the Federal audit space so I know somewhat how you feel with busy season quickly approaching.

I know how you feel, but i work at a much smaller firm, so it's wayyyy more relaxed.

I've been recruited by big 4 about 8 times in the last year, but this definitely makes me realize I don't want to work at a big 4.

[Anonymous]

@Tea

So glad to hear you're ready to start a new chapter. It may take a few months to find clients or an employer, but your resume is probably strong and if you choose a good market, some time off to move (00's / 000's) miles away won't look bad at all.

All the cards are in your hand.

[ragepsn29]

If you have the money, I would take some time off from work and go travel for some time. You're still young and you can always work later. After I passed my exams, I took couple months off from work before I wanted to start in public accounting. After traveling, I came back home and got my license. Many recruiters tried to set me up for jobs but I declined because I wanted to get into public accounting. So I don't think you will find any troubles finding a new job either in public or private because you have your license and big 4 experience.

And to answer your question, I think Nashville is a good place to move to.

Best,

AUD - 65, 72, 70, 74, 81
FAR - 66, 71, 76
REG - 69
BEC - 80

[Anonymous]

^^ This.

[rhayder]

Get a job with the FEDS and work in Europe.

[jtvande]

Charleston South Carolina!!!!

[SaveBandit]

FYI: Not sure what types of companies you have audited in the past, but there are two main industries in Nashville: Healthcare and Music. Both are really snobby about having prior experience in these areas, unless you are looking for a staff level job (which it doesn't sound like you are). Just something to think about before you pack up your crap and move to music city…

4 for 4

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BEC 86
REG 90

[Author]

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