[taxycpa2be]

Hello all,

I have been scouring the message boards here (as well as Google) in search for some sort of answer to a question that’s been on my mind for a while.

I just started working for a Big 4 firm in Tax. I’m 28 and my husband and I would like to start a family someday. I’m becoming more concerned about the fact that I may need to wait until I become Manager to start a family. I say this because it seems as though most of the women in my office that have been pregnant either had kids prior to working with the firm, or waited until they were higher up (Manager, Sr. Manager) to get pregnant.

I don’t mind waiting until I’ve established myself after 2 or 3 years, but waiting 5 years? I’m not sure. I haven’t talked to anyone in the office about this yet. For the ladies (and gents) out there, what has been your experience with planning to start a family prior to becoming a Manager? I’m curious to know, especially for those in Big 4 — the general consensus is to wait until you’ve gotten more experience because the work schedule seems to get better as you move up the ranks… I don’t know. Of course my work schedule is crazy now, but how much better is it as a Manager?

I’m trying to ask these questions without disclosing too much information…Thank you in advance 🙂

AUD: Pass (WTB)
BEC: Pass (Ninja/Becker)
REG: Pass (WTB)
FAR: Pass!!! (Becker/WTB/Ninja)

DONE!! 🙂 It's SO nice to be able to finally write this. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

[Anonymous]

You have nothing to worry about if you're good. Especially if you're good AND well liked.

I think the reason why you see more at the manager level is because 1) most managers are in or around prime baby making age and 2) I know one Big 4 firm provides better parental benefits after five years (others may as well- I can only speak for one)

[Anonymous]

@billbrasskey can you elaborate on “better benefits”?

@taxycpa2be I have a child (she's 2) but I do not work in PA. I am at a University but I have heard of some firms allowing people (women in particular) to leave work early to get home to the children and once the kids are asleep, the ladies would log in and work from home. So it's doable. However, I definitely would not want to be pregnant and work those long hours. Your body is already tired from having to work OT to provide for two people but add the long hours on to it and my guess is you will be pretty miserable.

[Anonymous]

WannaBeCPATX16-

I can't remember the specifics , but I think my wife's firm offers around 60% of her pay for 18 weeks before five years and 100% of her pay for six months after five years. This is in addition to her five weeks of vacation. I'm more sure of the latter part (because my wife has been there around 5 years).

Also, I think there is some flexibility baked into that. By that, I mean she can take more or less time and transition in over time (as opposed to just starting back up full time after six months). Again, I should clarify that any flexibility really depends on how well liked or how good you are in the organization.

[Anonymous]

WannaBeCPATX16-

I should add that the Big 4 flip these things around all the time. That being said, you can't really count on a fringe benefit util you cash it in so to speak. Also, the four firms generally tend to have VERY similar benefits.

[Anonymous]

If you want to have kids – work in B4 for 3 years, quit, get a job that actually had sane hours, then have kids. Don't waste your life away in B4 while wanting to enjoy your family. It is simply not worth it.

[omalloy]

@CPAlcoholic, please elaborate on your point and give alternatives that are available to a new ( 0 Y experience) CPA. I have two elementary school age kids and I am debating if I should get a job at B4. Being primary caregiver now, I am afraid that it will put too much strain on my family. However, I need to have experience to get any other job.

FAR 65, 70, 78
REG 64, 76
BEC 70, 80
AUD 81

Ethics 96

Péter un plomb

[taxycpa2be]

Thank you all for your replies. Oh believe me, I know it's better to quit and work elsewhere that has more reasonable hours. It's hard for me to explain… I never saw myself as one that would just leave after 1-3 years. I feel so blessed working here — I told myself that I'd at least try to stick it out for as long as I can and see how I could possibly make being a B4 working mom, well, work. I know it will be difficult, but I don't know if I would be able to just give up without trying and seeing what's possible. I know a few women that have taken advantage of the firm's flexible work schedule; perhaps this is something I can utilize after I've been there for a few years?

So far it seems like people like me. I've been doing well, and I'd like to keep doing well. Who knows if it will go in my favor. Right now I don't feel like I'm bending over backwards to show everyone how good of a worker I am. I'm just being myself, honestly.

Again, I appreciate you all taking the time to respond! 🙂

AUD: Pass (WTB)
BEC: Pass (Ninja/Becker)
REG: Pass (WTB)
FAR: Pass!!! (Becker/WTB/Ninja)

DONE!! 🙂 It's SO nice to be able to finally write this. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

[Anonymous]

@taxycpa2be I completely understand! I am finishing the required hours need to sit for the CPA exam with hopes of working for Big 4 for a few years, with a child. My plan is to work for Big4 for 3 years before leaving for Corp Tax and having another child. But again, this is just a plan.

[Anonymous]

@omalloy – starting at the big 4 as a primary caregiver of two children. No matter what kind of BS the recruiters throw at you, you will have long hours year round where you are expected to stay at the office/client for as long as the senior/manager does. I don't think it is a great idea to put yourself in scenario where you cannot control your own schedule after 5pm. Some days you may leave at 7, some days 11pm – it just depends. When there are deadlines in the big 4, no one (emphasis on no one) cares about your personal life at home.

Hope this helps. Honesty is the best policy – no need to sugarcoat anything.

[Anonymous]

@omalloy – starting at the big 4 as a primary caregiver of two children. No matter what kind of BS the recruiters throw at you, you will have long hours year round where you are expected to stay at the office/client for as long as the senior/manager does. I don't think it is a great idea to put yourself in scenario where you cannot control your own schedule after 5pm. Some days you may leave at 7, some days 11pm – it just depends. When there are deadlines in the big 4, no one (emphasis on no one) cares about your personal life at home.

Hope this helps. Honesty is the best policy – no need to sugarcoat anything.

[Author]

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