[K3000]

I used to own a business in a different industry and it was very lucrative. I’ve acquired a couple of degrees and am nearing the end of my CPA journey. I’m so tired of the game playing that comes with corporate accounting (who knows maybe corporate in general). Has anyone ever hauled off and QUIT in an attempt to build their own business in this field? I cannot see myself doing this for another year. It seems like a waste when I know my desired end game.

[Jdn9201]

I would venture to say that the game playing you mention comes from office politics and/or bad people, which you can find in any industry. I've been in industry my entire career (10 years) and I've been in a few bad environments, but mostly good ones (I work in tax). I have become somewhat disillusioned about working in corporate (it's hard to see top level people rewarded for your hard work), but alot of that comes from working for someone else – you play their game and play by their rules. Are you thinking about quitting your corporate job cold turkey to run your own business? It's good that you have experience doing so, but it's not the smartest choice, in my opinion. It'd be better if you could do some side work, then quit later once you have a more established clientele.

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[K3000]

Thanks for your response. Yes, I'm thinking about quitting cold turkey. Actually, I've been thinking about working part-time as I build. I prefer to put most of my time into building my own as opposed to someone else's. The more time we put into someone else's empire, we have less time to dedicate to our own. I believe this is the intended design.

[Missy]

Usually I'd say the corporate bs pales in comparison to the bs of building a business but you've done it already and know what you're getting into and the risks and rewards. I can't imagine owning a business then going back to corporate so as long as you've got a plan you're confident in I'd go for it.

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

[Son]

K3000, do you have enough savings to support you and your family for a year? a year and a half? two? not saying your business won't take off; but even successful businesses take time to start making money. Unless your business is a trade where you need to invest little and can get clients relatively fast (e.g., you're a licensed electrician), I don't think it's wise to quit your job.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[Tncincy]

I agree with Son, investment will be he key and then clients…frustration will make us do anything, but please count the cost before jumping out of the window. Accounting is and can be a lucrative career and frustration will come even with your own business, the stress of keeping the business afloat is the key. This is what I am facing now, without the CPA I can go no further in my business. There are only so many small businesses and individual taxes you can do since the industry has changed with all the free filing and other changes. Call it a deeper depth and a higher height. Take a breath start again tomorrow.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[cpa1982]

K3000,

Since you used to own business and did well, I would say start something on side and then quit. My first job after college left bitter taste in my mouth abt corporate. It doesn't matter where, what industry you work in, sooner or later you will have to deal with corporate BS. That's the way it goes. There are lots of self-centered, jealous, low self-esteem people out there.

[Skynet]

Im tired of the corporate bs too but the corporate bs, p & l, and cash flow statement is required for proper financial presentation.

[Author]

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