[Hammer]

Is it moronic to decline a job offer from the big 4? I have one on the table, wasn’t really expecting it when I applied. I’m 28 have been working for a small firm in my hometown for about 2 years.

The job is in a larger city about 2 hours from home. Not concerned about the salary, way more concerned about being wealthy in the distant future. Is the BIG 4 my best ticket to future success and well being? If I had this opportunity right from college I would have undoubtedly taken it. But I’m a little older now, and a little more settled.

Not sure what to do.

FAR - 70, 81
AUD - 83
BEC - 77
REG - 70, 78

Licensed in Ohio.

Now what the hell do I do?

[Anonymous]

Take the offer.

It will definitely help you in the future.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

I'd run, but I'm married, in my late 30s, don't want to work 80+ hours a week, and I don't have any ambitions about becoming a CFO for a Fortune 500 Company someday. But you might be different. If you have big ambitions and you are willing to put in the time, then signing with Big 4 will open up doors for you in the future.

FAR - 80

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

-John Wayne

[Dog pounder1977]

Do what you feel is the best for you. Big 4 is not the only way to get wealthy. Many people become rich and wealthy and live comfortably without killing themselves working for others. Just look at that guy Pewdiepie from Youtube who everyone is upset with because he made $7,000,000.00 last year filming stupid videos online? Teenagers are making 6 figures investing in the stock market, day trading, and trading currencies. Many are also jumping a board the technology band and investing in startup tech companies. As you can see, killing yourself with long hours is ridiculous trying to get rich. You are at the point in your life where your money should be working for you, not the other way around.

One day I will face that exam.

[win2bet]

Highly recommend it, big4's inspire even more passion/motivation out of you

,

REG 68,87
BEC 85
FAR 75
AUD 64,64, 86!

[TNCPA16]

There is no doubt that Big 4 is great experience, and will open a lot of doors, but it is definitely not the only way to be successful in accounting. What are your long term career goals? Are you happy with your current job? Are you excited about working for a B4 (do you like the people, culture, etc. of the company; do you like to travel; do you like working on different clients/industries)? If you have no other reason to accept this job, other than it's a B4, then I would strongly recommend not taking it. If this job gets you excited, then it's absolutely worth considering.

I'm not much older than you and would have done just about anything for a B4 offer when I was in college. But now? You would have to pay me an obscene amount of money to even consider working there. Half of my department came from B4, so all that great experience they have ended them in the exact same position as me (but I didn't spend 3+ years hating my life working in B4!)

[fuzyfro89]

Really don't know how to answer your question.

Getting “rich” or truly advancing quickly in your career is driven far more by you than what you do/where you work. There are people in the Big 4 who leave after a few years and top out as senior accountants/analysts and others who sort of flat line as managers… even years after leaving.

There are some who stay in the Big 4 and advance to senior mgr/director levels and make solid 150k+ incomes, and others who leave after 10+ yrs to go into upper mgmt in large companies.

The variation isn't explained by the Big 4, but the individual and their own qualities and how they drive their experience and career development.

Find the place where you think you would be most successful. It's all about which environment would be best for you. Some people thrive in small firms, while others like the big firm feel.

Different people will succeed in different career paths.

[acamp]

You're at a small firm, in your home town. Seems like is could be a cool opportunity to move and try out a large firm.

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

[12tang]

I'm the same age as you. I thought the big 4 sounded great for the career path. However, expect to hate life for the entire time you're there. Unless you LOVE working long hours and getting slammed with grunt work. I personally believe the big4 exploit all employees, senior and below. They do so because they know you're there for the experience and the fact that they have the resources to find new employees with ease. They get something, you get something…

I took a job at a private company and am making awesome money. More than I could have received elsewhere and more than anyone out of my college. I'm working 40 hours a week. The company has a super low turnover rate as well along with good benefits. I'm at the point in my life where I'm tired of grinding… With the job I have now, I'd gladly turn down the big 4.

If you're absolutely bent on working at a large fortune 500 company in the future at a high level in management, then sure go for it. It's also an unknown variable for how busy you will be at that point in time, making the “big bucks”… Your wife (or husband) and kids might hate you, just saying…

BEC - PASS

FAR - PASS

AUD - PASS

REG - PASS

BOOM!  JUST LIKE THAT, I GOT MY LIFE BACK!  =D

Using Becker self-study
FAR: (82) 175 hours - 1st attempt
BEC: (XX)
AUD: (69) 45hrs of study - 1st attempt
REG: (XX)

[acamp]

“I'm the same age as you. I thought the big 4 sounded great for the career path. However, expect to hate life for the entire time you're there.”

Spoken like a person who never worked in the Big4. There are times during the year where things suck, really really suck; but I have plenty of time during the year where I work 40s; additionally I use every drop of my 5-weeks of PTO and disconnect completely during those times.

I agree with the exploitation point to a degree; its really an up front transaction though. Its no secret that people at big firms work hard and its no secret that exit opportunities are pretty awesome.

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

[12tang]

True I haven't worked for the big4 but I know plenty who have! Of course they didn't slam it like it was the worst thing to ever happen to them but ALL of them were glad they left! What does that say about their quality of life at the big4?

To me, getting slammed with 70+ hours in busy season and then working around 40's in the off, even with 5 weeks PTO is still hating life… That's my personal opinion. I used to be in the military so I know all about working LONG hours and not getting time off… Big4 is suited well for those still young and fresh out of college, generally speaking.

BEC - PASS

FAR - PASS

AUD - PASS

REG - PASS

BOOM!  JUST LIKE THAT, I GOT MY LIFE BACK!  =D

Using Becker self-study
FAR: (82) 175 hours - 1st attempt
BEC: (XX)
AUD: (69) 45hrs of study - 1st attempt
REG: (XX)

[Author]

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