[CPA is a WIP]

Hello all,

As of late of I have had a lot weighing heavily on my mind, and this is one of them. I am meeting expectations at work and I aim at achieving better results and learn as much as I can. However, I was let go from a tier-two firm about 2 years ago; that experience has made me question job security in this profession. I have about 4 years of accounting experience w/o the CPA. I currently work for a very small company as 1 of 2 accountants and a ap/ar clerk. I have friends in the healthcare profession, i.e. physical/occupational therapist, physician assistant and lastly a RN. They all brag how much job security they have and how they can choose to work super close to home. The PT and OT have a 10-minute commute while the others have a 20-minute commute; compared to my hour commute one-way. And to boot, they also tell me that they can choose limitless places of employment such as schools, hospitals, nursing facilities, self-employment….with superb job security. All those perks have sparked an interest in their careers.

Needless to say, I have lost sleep over job security and it has created anxiety. As a single father at 37 y/o, that thought makes me ill to my stomach. I at times wake up at 3 or 4 am and just watch my son sleep in his bed. And ask myself: what would I do if a repeat of public accounting happens again? Lastly, I have been dealing with some health issues which have postponed my CPA studies for now- unfortunately-I do not have a timeline as to when I’ll return to studying. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.