[SlyCoug]

As the topic states, I am currently struggling with Big 4 public auditing. The hours and the work itself are fine, but the amount of travel I’m facing is just brutal. When hired, I had indicated a willingness to travel up to about 30% of the time, but I am closer to 40-50% right now and that is just outside of busy season. I have a wife and kid, and the travel is already getting to the point where I just don’t think I can stick with this.

I hope to have my CPA license by next summer and am considering seriously looking into finding an industry job in order to have a better life balance, but I feel like this year is a complete waste aside from getting the CPA license. Does anyone here have any idea of whether any decent jobs might be available and whether this short time at Big 4 will provide any benefit (or will it actually be a detriment because it is such a short stint). Any advice would be appreciated.

REG (7/1/13) 94
FAR (8/2/13) 98
BEC (8/23/13) 97
AUD (10/4/13) 99

Ethics (1/14/14) 100

I'm free!!

[Study Monk]

2 years would look better 🙂

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[Study Monk]

2 years would look better 🙂

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[rykem87]

I am in a similar situation. I think 2 years would probably look better, but if you leave for a company that you could see yourself spending the rest of your career at, then i don't think it would be bad to leave now.

[rykem87]

I am in a similar situation. I think 2 years would probably look better, but if you leave for a company that you could see yourself spending the rest of your career at, then i don't think it would be bad to leave now.

[Determined CPA]

Agreed, it's better to stay until you reach senior manager, but at a minimum 2 years.

A - 75
B - 78 God is good.
F - 77 Answered prayers.
R - 84! Done!!

Paperwork sent - waiting for license!!
Still on a cloud and in shock. Through God, all things will happen.

[Determined CPA]

Agreed, it's better to stay until you reach senior manager, but at a minimum 2 years.

A - 75
B - 78 God is good.
F - 77 Answered prayers.
R - 84! Done!!

Paperwork sent - waiting for license!!
Still on a cloud and in shock. Through God, all things will happen.

[acamp]

Do you have a counselor (Deloitte term, or somebody senior to you that acts as an adviser)? I would express this TO SOMEBODY before making it a reason to leave. Some offices travel more than others, and sometimes you just have to suck it up, but they would rather find a way to work with you than have you leave. So talk to your counselor if you have one, or talk to scheduling, and see if you can get some closer to home engagements–leaving after 1 year barely makes you qualified for senior accountant roles, so I would really encourage you to find a way to stay longer.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

Do you have a counselor (Deloitte term, or somebody senior to you that acts as an adviser)? I would express this TO SOMEBODY before making it a reason to leave. Some offices travel more than others, and sometimes you just have to suck it up, but they would rather find a way to work with you than have you leave. So talk to your counselor if you have one, or talk to scheduling, and see if you can get some closer to home engagements–leaving after 1 year barely makes you qualified for senior accountant roles, so I would really encourage you to find a way to stay longer.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[W_HAMILTON]

If you stay at least a year, you'll meet the requirements for an experienced associate (or equivalent) hire. That opens up a lot of doors to other smaller public accounting firms that may not require as much travel. After at least a year, the recruiters will love you, too.

REG - 93 (7/30/13)
BEC - 90 (8/19/13)
AUD - 98 (8/31/13)
FAR - 84 (10/19/13)

[W_HAMILTON]

If you stay at least a year, you'll meet the requirements for an experienced associate (or equivalent) hire. That opens up a lot of doors to other smaller public accounting firms that may not require as much travel. After at least a year, the recruiters will love you, too.

REG - 93 (7/30/13)
BEC - 90 (8/19/13)
AUD - 98 (8/31/13)
FAR - 84 (10/19/13)

[SlyCoug]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've mentioned to my counselor that it is an issue but haven't pressed much because I don't want to be labeled as a complainer in any way, but I plan to contact her again shortly to give an honest assessment of where I'm at on things.

After hearing some of the comments, I am hopeful that the situation can be improved to the point that I can at least make it 2 years, but if not I appreciate the advice on options should I need to look elsewhere.

REG (7/1/13) 94
FAR (8/2/13) 98
BEC (8/23/13) 97
AUD (10/4/13) 99

Ethics (1/14/14) 100

I'm free!!

[SlyCoug]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've mentioned to my counselor that it is an issue but haven't pressed much because I don't want to be labeled as a complainer in any way, but I plan to contact her again shortly to give an honest assessment of where I'm at on things.

After hearing some of the comments, I am hopeful that the situation can be improved to the point that I can at least make it 2 years, but if not I appreciate the advice on options should I need to look elsewhere.

REG (7/1/13) 94
FAR (8/2/13) 98
BEC (8/23/13) 97
AUD (10/4/13) 99

Ethics (1/14/14) 100

I'm free!!

[tough_kitty]

At least 1.5 years with big 4 + a CPA should be good enough. Although I guess it depends on where you live and how many alternatives you have. My friend got a 45% raise after he left big 4 with only 1.5 years of experience.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

At least 1.5 years with big 4 + a CPA should be good enough. Although I guess it depends on where you live and how many alternatives you have. My friend got a 45% raise after he left big 4 with only 1.5 years of experience.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Author]

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