I used to be in public accounting. 4 years at a big four firm. My last Fall busy season I worked a 100+ hour week…billable. Worked a 24 hour day.
I quit after. I didn't have time to take the CPA exam. Didn't have time to enjoy anything. Partners worked just as hard. So I took my experience to a small firm. Best decision I ever made. For my health, family and satisfaction with life.
My firm used to try “work/life balance” but I knew they'd given up on doing that when they changed the phrase to “work/life fit”. As in, try to fit life in where possible.
Don't get caught in the rat race. Yes there are times to work hard but in the down months tell them to take their charge hours and shove them up their tookus. Know when to work hard and when to recharge and enjoy yourself. Even when others are working all hours of the night around you. It's tempting to get caught up and fill in low points with more work rather then leaving your desk and going home. But you'll last longer, your work will be just as quality as those others who are burned out trying to be the top of the totem pole in charge hours and your family will appreciate it.
Further, public accounting seems great as an intern. Lots of delusion in the big four. If you don't like the hours, figure it out early in your career and make the big four job work for you to get the job that fits your career and life balance best.
Best of luck. Good luck staying healthy too. Tough when they shove cookies, candy and sandwiches down your throats.
No matter what you eat, if all you do is sit behind a desk for 12+ hours a day with no exercise it'll take more than a few salads to control your weight and health.
All of this to say that big four accounting experience is immensely helpful in your career. It is demanding and challenging. Took me 4 years to realize it wasn't for me long term. There is life beyond it. I couldn't have gotten where I am today without the big four. Congrats on interning.
F AR - 76
B EC - 82
A UD - 77 (lost credit)/Retake 2/25
R EG - 80