[WhyEvenTry]

I recently starting marketing myself as a CPA to see what other options I have. I found a position that pays me $15,000 more, but it is salary with no overtime pay. I would approximate roughly 50 – 60 hours during tax season (Feb – Apr), and 40hr/wk every other week. My current position does pay overttime, and is a little more laid back with a better work/life balance.

The question here is, would you rather have a higher salary (a $15k bump is nice), or have a laid back environment with less incentives & less stress, but also with less income.

BEC - 71, 74, 77 (Feb - 2011)
FAR - 73, 78 (Feb - 2011)
REG - 83 (Nov 2010)
AUD - 71, 84 (May 2011) - Done!! CPA licensed in TX (July 2011)

[Anonymous]

Work life balance for sure!

When I got out of college, engaged by no kids, i told myself “i want to make the most money possible. i dont care if I have to slave everyday, work 80 hrs a week in a stressful envrionment, because its only for a little while, and I can take it!”

But after a year I learned that it really was not worth it!! I never understood what a work/life balance even meant until I didnt have one. Its not about mental toughness or anything like that, it really is about the qualify if life, spending time with family and actually feeling happy, hopeful, and coming home feel warm and fuzzy inside. And i dont even have kids or anything to worry about! Imagine how much more important that work/life balance really is when you have a family.

Also, keep in mind you arent taking home an extra $15,000. After taxes, you are really taking home a much smaller amount. and during tax season, its probably more like 60-70 hrs a week, min 4 months out of the year, and i really doubt you'll get only 40 hrs during the rest of the year. You'll probably have alot more responsibilities at the new position, and being an exempt employee, your boss will have no problem working you to the bone and getting their money's worth!

Keep looking! I ended up finding a job with better pay AND less stress, and less hours. I know the market is tough, but there are still lots of other opportunties out there. Wait to find the one that is right for you.

Good luck!

[Herbieherb]

Think about the true hourly rate and the stage in your life you are in. After getting licensed I chose a more laid back position with more pay than my former job, but less pay than I could've had if I chose a diff offer. Loving 9-5 hrs, short 15 minute commute and no weekends/stress. More me time is worth more than $. And if I did the math I am making way way more per hour at a 35 hr week ( without lunch), than some crazy 65 hr a week high stress job in the city with a 2 hr daily commute. My bosses are both cpas/ former big 4 auditors so I know this is a good place to be to get a good balance

NEW YORK- DONE

[mla1169]

I have been looking for a job for over 3 years. I am working f/t and make decent money but its just not my “dream” job. When I considere other jobs/salaries, I consider the distance from my home (hey even my time behind the wheel is valuable to me!) and of course gas money. Will it add to or detract from the amount of time I spend with my kids? My current job is salaried and we have to work full day Saturday at month end with no comp time. I don't mind working more hours but I'd like it to be MY choice to some extent.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

Replies