[nestle_life]

Every time I’m at the office filing a tax return, I think to myself, “Why the #%}{ does this even matter?” I desperately want to shoot myself in the head. I get thoughts of commuting suicide. I work at one of the best accounting firms in the country, but I look around and I don’t understand how people can be complacent with their job, life, etc.

I love being weird and enjoy voice impressions, acting, singing. I enjoy creating videos, scripts, and acting with a green screen. I love people who are quirky, creative, out there, and who don’t fit in a box.

I’ve been in the workforce for 1.5 years, however, I still haven’t found an accountant who shares similar hobbies as mine. I get depressed knowing that I’m in a wrong path. I’m reaching out to accountants who share similar views as mine or, better yet, enjoy similar hobbies as mine. The world can provide us with endless possibilities, and I’m at an office, filing taxes. Please help!

[Anonymous]

I think most of us accountant are in it for the stability. Have yet to meet anyone who LOVES accounting.

[gennatay]

I like Internal Audit, mostly because I'm nosey and want to learn everything about anything.

But having a 9-5 in Internal Audit does afford me time to practice my passions of photography,calligraphy, reading etc..

[Kimboroni]

Lots of good comments above.

First off, you're new, so you're in the paying your dues part of your career. It's rote and boring. As you gain experience and move up, you'll be able to find a niche and really dig in. Then it does start getting more creative.

Hobbies are great outlets. I do martial arts and salsa dancing. I also go to an anime convention with my daughter every year, and all summer we obsessively make our costumes and props for it. I also just took up west coast swing dancing.

But why not get into something different? I went back to school at 30 (linguistics/anthropology) and then again at 37 or so (accounting).

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[nestle_life]

I appreciate everyonr's advice.

@Taxgeek, yes, I recently finished a show called Forbidden Broadway.

@Liss, yes, I've thought about moving to SoCal and working there.

@mla I admire your strength and dedication. I look at people like you for motivation. Thank you! Seriously, you rock.

@bill, yes, culture of firm does matter. However, I tend to stay quiet in the office from fear of being judged. I'm, what many would say, a lot like Jim Carrey. I try not to show my personality at work. When I leave the office and get in front of the camera, it's like I can finally breathe.

@s2s, yes, I'm afraid I might end up on the streets.

@kimborini, I don't want to go back to school anymore.

[Anonymous]

I do love accounting and love my job…but I also really like singing (unfortunately people don't like me sing – empty rooms are my biggest fans!) and have always had an interest in acting, voice impressions, etc., but never had any outlets to pursue it. I have spent many many hours writing, at one point thinking I actually had skill for it, and then dabbled in graphic design for awhile too…and am in a long-term relationship with a musician. So, even if you're surrounded by completely boring non-artistic accountants, there are some out there who appreciate the more artistic side of things.

As others have said, there's basically two ways to handle this: 1. Use this as a spring-board to get a job in accounting in an industry that's more enjoyable for you, or 2. Switch careers. Either one is fully acceptable, just a matter of determining what you'd prefer to do. If you're working for one of the best accounting firms in the nation, I'm assuming that means it's a national firm, so you may be able to transfer to a location or line of work that services more of the creative industries and would allow you to make connections with future employers that you would enjoy more to work for.

[Anonymous]

I worked in Audit at a Big4 firm for four years. I started off so strong out of the gate for about 16 months. I then hated the nature of my work for the remainder of my time at the firm. I am a people person. I loved my team members and flourished in group settings.

After 4 years I was fortunate enough to pull the trigger and bounce from the firm. YOU NEED TO REALIZE ACCOUNTING CAN GET YOU A JOB IN ANY COMPANY WITHIN ANY INDUSTRY. YES – that means accounting in an entertainment company, sports franchise,etc. Once you are in the door at these places as an accountant – BREAK THE MOLD- and move horizontally. The only chains you have in your life are the once you put on yourself and sleep with the keys underneath the pillow. Swallow your fears and make a move. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT.

[Anonymous]

Just like the person above said, “YOU NEED TO REALIZE ACCOUNTING CAN GET YOU A JOB IN ANY COMPANY WITHIN ANY INDUSTRY”. I felt the same way within 1.5 years of working as an Auditior. I had people tell me i need to stick to it but that didnt do me any good. Your health is more important than anything! Make the move as soon as possible :). You wont regret it.

[Anonymous]

I've reached a similar point too. I started working out a lot again (which was something I use to do before working at big 4) and I realized how much I loved it and missed it. Thinking about how I couldn't enjoy and engage in something that truly made me happy (its much more than going to the gym, its the principal) made me realize the big 4 lifestyle is not for me.

I plan on interviewing for private jobs the day after we file, its not worth giving up so much.

[Dog pounder1977]

I am still in college but work part time as an admin assistant doing A/R, A/P, Reconciliation, etc. and I know how you feel. That job makes me question whether I want to work in accounting because I have only been there 90 days and it personally sucks to me. I would much rather open my video game theater franchise and play games all day like Pewdiepie gets paid millions to do on YouTube. However, when my business gets successful and I know it will, I do not want to have to pay someone to do the accounting for me when I possess the knowledge myself 🙂

One day I will face that exam.

[KBinMN]

I also often think “why the f*** does this matter?”

And the pay is crap for the BS accountants put up with. My sister is a dental hygienist and has made more (per hour) than me every single year. She works 3 days a week and is mostly stress free. I work 6 days a week during tax season and often get projects that have to be done now – stressful.

I agree that doing anything 8+ hrs a day every day will get boring, but if I'm going to hate my job and be bored I should at least be making a shitton of money.

The other issue I don't think I realized when I got out of college was the atmosphere is that of the show the Office. I absolutely hate the light, boring, work humor. Pointing out the obvious, jokes that are “appropriate” and vanilla. Talking about the weather and other pointless small talk. It just does not interest me at all. I feel like I am just acting the part of the least interesting person in the world.

[kleon52]

At least you have a job at a top firm, try being unemployed after graduating you ungrateful op

REG: 80
AUD: 82
BEC: 83
FAR: 83
Finished Feb 2015, 5-6months

Ninja MCQ for AUD, BEC, & FAR

[Anonymous]

“Every time I'm at the office filing a tax return, I think to myself, “Why the #%}{ does this even matter?”

Leave. it's not worth it Bro. Whenever I start thinking like this about a job, I get out ASAP.

Although I'd encourage you to try something accounting/finance related other than public, get a different taste before you move onto something entirely different but then again you know what you want best.

[sdcat23]

For the OP if you're seriously having suicidal thoughts PLEASE seek professional help immediately. your life will get better

[jeff]

You should call 911 immediately.

This is not something that should be flippantly posted on an anonymous internet forum.

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[golfball7773]

I agree with Jeff – anybody with suicidal thoughts needs to seek attention IMMEIDATELY

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[Author]

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