[Anonymous]

Good day all:

I have not made a post in a while due to accepting an offer with a mid-tier firm as an audit associate. That said, I have neen working long hours and stuyding for the exam. For those of you that worked in public, did you come across clicks of people ? In other words, I try to befriend or at least join in the convo with others in my group, but they give me the cold shoulder. I would opine that I have not come off as someone ignorant or cocky; not sure what their problem is and it gets on my nerves. Makes me feel as if I were back in HS or college frat. These guys can’t even go to the 8th floor alone to receive their name tags for the firm wide Holiday party. Plus, I am a bit older than the recent college grad; 10 years older.

Lastly, how would I deal with a sr. that just says saly?

Thank you

[AlexCPA]

Ugh makes me not want to work at a big firm. Can't stand the corporate culture Cliques are everywhere though. Are you a woman? Not trying to be sexist, but I noticed something similar with female cliques and how they treat new hires who are female at my last job. They would purposely exclude and give the cold shoulder as a part of like a hazing process (I don't know if it was intentional or subconscious). Eventually they befriended her, but it was not after a few months of this.

When I was new, the guys welcomed me and after a few beers after work we were buddies. Took a few months of ‘hazing' with my boss though, but eventually we became close.

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Using Becker and Ninja MCQ

[12tang]

Haven't worked in public but this is not exclusive to public. There are a number of things you can do to be more approachable or accepted by others. Smile a lot! People are naturally attracted to others who are happy and smiling is very inviting. Tease a little. This tells people that you're not serious all the time and you can be fun too. Lastly, do nice things for others.

Really what's most important is to try to be the happiest you can be. Happiness is a magnet and it definitely draws others in. If none of this invites you in a certain group, then f them. They're not worth your time. Focus your energy on people who will be accepting. Time will get your there if you're genuine.

With the senior, are you asking too many questions regarding the work? Saly is your best friend if that's the case…

Using Becker self-study
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[monikernc]

it does sound very HS all i can say is being accepted for who you are will happen eventually with people you like. if they have their crowd then time will help you find yours. just remember this experience and never act like that. i have no time for people and their games. as cesar milan would say – don't give them any energy. you will find your fit and pass the exams and do the best job you are capable of and know you didn't make anyone feel bad in the process. i like that idea. good luck!

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Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[mystical guy]

*And I think you mean “clique” not “click”.

They look at outward appearances, I look at the heart.

I'm a Senior Level individual at my job, and I work very close with Management but I noticed there was an attorney that was not responding when I said “good morning” to her. I've learned to read the mood of people around me and only communicate with the people who are friendly.

Wonder of wonders, when she saw me with a group of influential people she sought me out and started saying “good morning” to me. So your position and influence in the company does make some people either gravitate toward you or away from you..

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Missy]

Well a couple of things. Of course it is natural to want to fit in with your peers because you're with them more than your family but it doesn't happen instantaneously. It takes time and sometimes years to have that level of camaraderie in the workplace. And of course there are cliques any time there are lots of people in the same environment. Be careful of two things, when you try to participate in their conversation that you're not being intrusive (which you're probably not) and that you're not interpreting a cordial but professional response as a cold shoulder (Keep your expectations realistic, as, long as they're polite they're not obligated to become your buddies). I've been at my job a year now and while everyone has been polite all along I'm only just now starting to feel like part of the “family” there with people who've known each other for a very long time. Also be self aware of how you're judging them. If you're of the opinion they're much younger and can't even go collect their name tags without each other you very well may give off the impression that's how you perceive them even if you don't think so. But if they're just jerks why would you even want to associate with them socially?

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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