[Keely]

edited to add an apology for posting in the FAR forum. accident!

This is really long, sorry. And please don’t be harsh with advice. I feel bad enough about this as it is, and I’m pulling my hair out.

My basic situation is, as I posted a month or so ago, I currently live in Houston, Texas and I absolutely love it here. I just moved in January and have not at all looked for a job because I was full-time studying for the exam. I did not anticipate looking for a job until after I passed all the parts, but I went back home to Virginia to visit my family for the summer and I just thought I would throw out a resume or two to try and get some interview experience. Long story short, I sent out one (literally, one!) resume and got offered a staff audit position at a small public accounting firm in the DC area. They offered me a competitive salary and benefits and little perks like flexible workday, gym membership, etc. Plus, they seemed to really like me and I liked them. So I accepted the job, and I am supposed to start after Labor Day.

Sounds great, right? Well, the problem is, I’m starting to have second thoughts. Not about the job in particular, but I can’t stand the DC area (no offense to anyone who lives there, it’s just not my style). I love Houston, and I am a Texan at heart. I talked to my Dad before I accepted the job and he suggested I take it for one year, long enough to fulfill the work experience requirement for the CPA. However, I really feel like I am doing both myself and the firm a disservice if I work for a year and split. It won’t help them, and I won’t be able to get anyone to look at my resume with only a year’s experience if I live 1500 miles away from the place I’m looking for work. Someone suggested I stay until I make senior…I just don’t think I can devote that much time to living in the area.

Basically, it was a combination of things that led me to accept the position. I have never had a true job (I have been in school for a long time, studying, traveling, etc.) and when they offered me $53,000 I about fell out of my chair, even though it is not an out of this world amount if you consider the cost of living there. My boyfriend and I broke up right around the same time so I think that played a part in a quick decision. But now that things have settled down and it’s drawing closer, I am getting cold feet. I guess you’d have to know my family to understand, but my Dad is such a hard ass (he has financially supported me while I’ve gone through school and been studying for the exam, so he has a right to be) and he hates the fact that I want to live in Houston, 1200 miles away from him and the rest of my family. It took an act of Congress to get him to accept me moving there this past January, and I am afraid to do it all over again in a year. Because that IS what I’m going to do if I do take the job in DC. I am going to focus all my energy on lining up a job in TX.

My ultimate question is, I am 27 years old. I have not looked for work in the Houston area. I have a guaranteed job in DC with a good firm, good pay and good benefits, but I don’t want to live there. Is it completely insane for me to turn down the job and stay where I am when I have no job or even any contacts since I haven’t been looking? I am prepared to beat the pavement, but I have no experience. But I think I present myself well and I did very well in my first interview. The reason I wanted a Texan’s opinion is because I don’t know how the economy is, or whether it’s reasonable to expect to get an entry level public accounting job trying to fight UT, U of H grads, etc. Also, is it terrible to rescind my acceptance 6 weeks before I am supposed to start? I feel really bad about that too. Ugh. Anyone’s advice is appreciated. Thanks .

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

VA CPA #42010

[Anonymous]

Ultimately you have to do what makes you happy. I know it's cliche but it's the truth. That being said, I want to offer some things to help you think about things from a different perspective. First off, I'm from NY so I can't really give you much advice about Texas except everything is bigger there, right? I do have 2 very close friends who live and work in the DC area and absolutely love it. You have to like living in that dynamic city environment though. It's certainly not for everyone.

Now for the advice. If you say no to this job, you're essentially giving up a sure thing with a good salary in what is probably the worst job market in decades (or at least since you've been alive). Let that sink in for a minute and don't just glance over that point. I'm not condoning taking a job that you know you would definitely hate but I doubt you know for sure that you would hate it. There's nothing wrong with giving it a shot, at least for a few months. I feel like if you don't go into the job with the mentality that it would definitely be temporary than you might enjoy it more than you think.

Sorry to get all philosophical on you but I'm a firm believer that we tend to learn the most and have the best life experiences when stepping outside of our comfort zone. I studied abroad in the UK during college and backpacked through Europe for a full month. I was so nervous before I left, especially because I knew literally no one there and I would have to meet people all over again, not to mention that I've never been outside of the US for more than a couple of days. Long story short, I did things I never thought that I would do and did a lot of things that I wasn't comfortable doing at first. It was probably the best thing that I have ever done in my entire life. All of the experiences only came from stepping outside of my comfort zone.

That being said, only you know yourself. Only you know if you have the courage and optimism to go to a place that you don't think you will like because you know it will better your career. I think even if you gave it your best shot and lasted for a year that it would do you a world of good. There's no substitute for experience, no matter how short it is. You need to think about that idea and also conversely, think about how much you need the money. No one here can make this decision for you because no one knows your own personal situation and how much each variable weighs on you. From what you described, it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders if you're putting this much thought into a decision that will certainly impact your career.

Bottom line: I would say go for it. Best of luck with everything and let me know if you have anymore questions.

[Anonymous]

@keelydare- First off, I'm not from Texas nor have I ever been there. I'd like to offer some advice if I may. I don't know you or your educational background, but to hear you got an offer after just one application is amazing. I'd compare this to a few sayings I recently heard. 1. What is the last thing a guy/girl would do after winning a $10 million lottery prize? Go out and buy another ticket. 2. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do but in the long run I think you will be happy with the choice to accept the job and move. I hate to say this, but what if you decide to not take the job in DC and you cannot find another job? This is a realistic possibility (but maybe not since Texas is booming and you obviously have a lot going for you). I just know getting a job without experience has been hard for many, even with the CPA passed. Good luck in your decision, but if it were me, I'd take the job and never look back.

[Anonymous]

@OP…I live in Houston, and I think the market is alright. My parents know a CPA lady who owns a CPA firm, and she is always busy. I know a young girl who was major in finance and couldn't find a job until she switched to accounting two years ago. She currently studies accounting part time and plans to become a CPA in future. If you are still in school and taking more accounting classes, consider taking one or two accounting classes in oil and gas. Houston has a BIG job market in oil and gas, and if you have some knowledge in this field you won't have much problems finding a job here. ANOTHER NOTE:

After I graduated from UT Austin in '99, I got accepted for a MBA program by University of Chicago. I always wanted to step out my comfort zone and live life freely by myself. But back then, the job market was so good and I was afraid to miss the good opportunity to land a job. Beside, I wanted to make money and didn't want my parents to support me any more. I ended up getting a job in Houston, owned a business (failed), and now working as an forensic accountant. I am happy with my current job and also have found someone I love to settle down here. I bought a house in Galleria area couple years ago and my family is close by…so, you can say I live comfortably in my comfort zone…I still keep the acceptance letter from University of Chicago, and every time I look at it, I always asked myself “what if I have moved there……” that will be a question I will never find out, but that is ok,life is all about choices.

[nearly_there]

I live in Houston too, and it is a great city I agree. I just heard on the news that Texas economy is growing despite everything else that's going on in the world. So I assume jobs will be available espessially in the energy sector. However, like everything else in the world, this could change at any moment.

I would say take that job, get that license behind your belt and then you can find a job here and move back. Staying unemployed in todays economy, when an opportunity like that knocks, is not a smart move.

Have you tried looking for a job here? I think you should try, and then if you can get an offer before your starting date there, you can decide between the two jobs. Because right now your choice is between having a solid job at a place you are not crazy about, and not having any job at all. As far as I'm concerned, that's a no-brainer.

FAR - 85 November 2011
AUD - 81 January 2012
REG - 68 March 2012
BEC - 86 April 2012
REG - 92 July 2012

[ti807910]

Hello,

I just actually moved to Houston. I start my job with a big 4 company August 15th. Here was my experience:

I finished my masters program at Texas A&M in December. During the fall semester, I participated in recruiting season and ended up with /three/ job offers, all for Houston. One was Big 4, one was a smaller firm, and one was a consulting firm. Most of the other students I did recruiting with all had options to choose from. It may have been because we participated in the program but it seemed like Houston was a great place for job opportunities.

Put your resume in at a few different places and see what you get before turning anything down. What concerns me is that you didn't mention actually looking for a job in Houston. I am on your dad's side. You need a job. If you want to stay in Houston, look for one there.

Also, for reference, the salaries for my job offers were: 50K, 51K and 52K. I hope that helps coming from someone in the Houston area that recently went through the job search process.

Edit: And what's kind of funny is that I /don't/ like Houston but moved there because it's a great job opportunity, and my husband is still working on his PhD so we can't go elsewhere. Like everyone else said, it's your choice but I chose to tough it out in one area in hopes of being able to move in two or three years when my husband finishes to somewhere I /do/ want to live – with great experience on my resume.

FAR: 72, 68, 73, 78 (passed)
REG: 61, 70, 73, 63, 78 (passed)
AUD: 65, 84 (passed)
BEC: 89 (passed)

NASBA gave Doby a passing score, Doby is freeee!!

[Anonymous]

53K is chump change in the DC area, with the rents being ridiculous out there. You'll never see that number in Houston. Not even close.

[ti807910]

@bobkorz, What do you mean? I got three offers in November at 50K, 51K and 52K in Houston. I think she can get something close to 53K in Houston.

Also, I didn't read the original posters concern about fighting with other Texas grads for jobs. Just so you know, the Texas A&M PPA program /guarantees/ all their grads a job interview with all four big 4 firms and they have to hire a certain amount. It could be tough to compete but you will never know unless you send some resumes in.

Keep in mind, if you back out of the offer you already accepted in DC, word could get around in that area and you might get blocked from future job offers there, so be /really/ sure about Houston before you reject it. I would try to get another job before I reject.

FAR: 72, 68, 73, 78 (passed)
REG: 61, 70, 73, 63, 78 (passed)
AUD: 65, 84 (passed)
BEC: 89 (passed)

NASBA gave Doby a passing score, Doby is freeee!!

[HFinn]

In terms of the economy in Texas, yes it's doing retty well. However, keep in mind that Oil/Gas prices are down and many companies are probably reconsidering their hiring needs. I know of a few companies that have put in place hiring freezes due to the drop in oil prices. I think it's definitely relevant to think about that since you're looking at Houston as the most likely destination in TX.

[Keely]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I do realize it seems pretty crazy to say no to a good job when I don't have another one. I was actually offered ANOTHER job from a public accounting firm in my hometown of Roanoke. They are family friends and told me if I ever changed my mind about the DC to please call them. So I guess I feel like I have a backup plan? They offered me in the low 40s which is standard for the area and comparable to the DC offer if you consider the cost of living. That is what I expect in Houston, low 40s. I will never get into Big 4. Not gpa was 3.3 and I went to a so-so university. I am looking for smaller to mid sized firm. However my goal is really hospital administration, not public accounting. I am just trying to tough it out in the field to save up some money for grad school. Anyway, I know none of that is here nor there. I think I am going to take the persons advice who said to look in Houston before I turn anything else down. And if I can't find anything else, I will just suck it up and move to DC.

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

VA CPA #42010

[HFinn]

If you want to work in the medical field in TX, San Antonio is key

[Keely]

I wouldn't be opposed to other areas of Texas for a while, like SA or Austin. I thought Houston was a good medical area because of MD Anderson, the children's hospital, etc. what's in San Antonio? I don't know anything about the area.

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

VA CPA #42010

[MeaDebitum]

Didn't you already post about this two weeks ago?

[HFinn]

Company-wise KCI and Christus Santa Rosa come to mind immediately. However, I've heard that Christus will soon be relocating their corporate office outside SA, so that's probably out of the question.

However, it's a fast growing hub of medical and military activity. There's a few VA hospitals here for example.

To be honest, I meant it more for people actually looking to work as a medical professional. However, SA still has some pretty good companies:

-Nustar

-Valero

-Tesoro

-Toyota

-USAA

-West

-Frost Bank

-Rackspace

-A portion of AT&T offices

to name a few….But you can't go wrong with Dallas or Houston I think.

[Keely]

@Mea, I think I posted about whether the offer I got was fair or not because it was my first time going through the process, but thanks for your quality contribution to the conversation, again!

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

VA CPA #42010

[ryan28]

D.C. traffic = hell on earth

[Author]

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