[Fil-Am]

I worked for local government for 6 years and switch to Corporate last year in an accountant position. I like the constant challenge in the corporate world, however, I feel miserable deep inside that I am quite underpaid and worked a lot of hours. I have only been with the corporate world for 11 months. I took the role knowing I was a bit underpaid because I want to make a switch to corporate. FYI, I work for a global company with $49B in gross revenue. My account is only around $4B

I have an offer from a city government for a Senior Accountant in a reporting team role for $20k more which is 37% higher than what I make now. The city has an operating budget of 1.4 billion. Annual salary increase is at least the same (or govt may be higher)

I am confused if I should go back for government and make $20k more or stay in corporate hoping my earning potential will increase later on based on my performance.

What if 3-5 years later, I decided I want corporate world, how hard will it be to make switch again?

Anything worth doing is probably not easy, but the rewards are worth it. (unknown)
Please feel free to add me on LinkedIn just to say hello or stay in touch.

CPA Exam - PASSED 2014
CALCPA Ethics - Passed 2014
CA CPA License - Pending

To God be the Highest Glory. Little Miracle happens every second!

[monikernc]

I have worked in govt most of my professional life and though it has its own challenges and frustrations I have been happy with my choice to do so. Please consider that govt is better when highly qualified and committed people choose it as a career. There are lots of positives to consider. Frustrations, too, but those are everywhere. Choosing govt won't necessarily block you down the road and can offer skills that are hard to find for other opportunities. Good luck with your decision. Please consider this an opportunity not a potential obstacle. All career options can open some doors and close others. Govt is no different in that regard. Chances are that immediately you will enjoy the salary increase and perhaps less stress.
You never know, your current employer may make you an offer to stay when they hear the news.
Good luck.

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[ruggercpa2b]

When you do make the switch you should not undervalue yourself. You took less money because you wanted to be in corporate but now that you are there you are not happy that you took less money. I think we always think the grass is greener on the other side and will do anything for the switch. If you are unhappy and miserable make the switch. You can always go back into corporate if you decide that is what you want down the road.

There is no point in you being where you thought you would be happy and be miserable. I left Big 4 and went to corporate and realized that I hated being in corporate so I went back after 11 months like you to a regional firm. I love it. I do not regret my decision one bit.

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I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Fil-Am]

Thank you very much. All your input really helps. You're so right, I always think the grass is greener on the other side. I thought that in corporate I could climb the ladder faster if I have a superb performance. Now, I see, just as there are in any jobs either in private in government it takes time. I know in general, mastery takes at least 3 years where you gain more business knowledge.

Temporarily, I'll enjoy the salary increase and promotion (2 birds with 1 stone). If I stayed with my company, even with promotion, it would take me at least 5 years to be at this pay scale. While I am learning a lot and gaining few skills along the way, at this point, I have learn the ins and outs of my roles. I provided training to new team members after 60 days of learning my roles and responsibilities. Wrote job aid or work instructions. Am I expert? No. Are there few more skills I can learn? Of course. I am grateful to my employer they gave me a job, but I am not sure if is enough for me to stay longer.

I am also worried to be labeled as job hopper, but I am so scared that if I turned this offer that I may regret it forever.

A friend of mine told me that if I switch back to government that it will be the end of my corporate career forever should I decide to switch again later.

Anything worth doing is probably not easy, but the rewards are worth it. (unknown)
Please feel free to add me on LinkedIn just to say hello or stay in touch.

CPA Exam - PASSED 2014
CALCPA Ethics - Passed 2014
CA CPA License - Pending

To God be the Highest Glory. Little Miracle happens every second!

[Author]

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