[WhosThatIntern]

I recently turned 25 and am going through my quarter-life crisis. I’ve been comparing myself to my successful accounting classmates (which is always a bad idea) and have been discouraged about my path in life.

Although I’ve been working for a Big 4 firm for about a year and two months, I’m not in a position that I find meaningful and valuable. I’m unhappy with the type of work that I do and can’t really speak to my coworkers about it (for fear of backlash). I’ve tried multiple times to transfer within the firm, but each team has declined to accept me because I’m not experienced enough.

I feel like I’m “stuck” in my position. I’ve been looking for other jobs, but there are few that would improve my resume. On top of that, I failed AUD in February. I’ve been too discouraged to study for FAR (May 22) since I already feel like I’m too dumb to pass.

I’m not looking for sympathy, but rather some words of advice. How do you work through failure and a job that makes you unhappy? How do you find your way back to the right path?

AUD - 69 (Feb '14)
FAR - May '14
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." - Karim Seddiki

[005]

Just keeping marching forward. You're at a Big4, so you're doing good. Hell, the main reason I'm getting the CPA is to increase my chances of getting hired by a Big4, so you got a leg up on a lot of ppl with just that.

As for the CPA, it's one tough exam. So of course it's going to be a roller coaster. As for comparing yourself with your classmates; let that motivate you to work harder, study harder, etc.

Look, at the end of the day, you have two options:

1. Sit around and feel sorry for yourself; or

2. Work your ass off and be better.

You decide.

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[005]

Just keeping marching forward. You're at a Big4, so you're doing good. Hell, the main reason I'm getting the CPA is to increase my chances of getting hired by a Big4, so you got a leg up on a lot of ppl with just that.

As for the CPA, it's one tough exam. So of course it's going to be a roller coaster. As for comparing yourself with your classmates; let that motivate you to work harder, study harder, etc.

Look, at the end of the day, you have two options:

1. Sit around and feel sorry for yourself; or

2. Work your ass off and be better.

You decide.

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Marc]

Amazing how in my latest comment i mentioned the following:

“I hope that your post gives me some power to get over my quarter life crisis ! ”

Hahaha, well, first things first, Get that exam done before you finish your 2nd year at the big 4 firm! they are giving away free money ! Go grab it!

Update: The most important selling point when looking for a new position, other than being at a big 4 is your CPA, or whatever certificate you peruse. Dont leave the big 4 without one, regardless of what you choose. Also, I would hang on until I find a position that I thing I would really enjoy, Dont leave just for the sake of leaving, i'm guessing that you would regret it, you only exit Public accounting once. Make it a good move.

You did not mention what service line you work in. Try and change the team you work with, maybe that would help? Change the industry. Most importantly, look for a motivator, There is no such thing as too dumb. its either that you worked hard enough to pass or not, the amount of work needed depends on the person.

Good luck, I hope we both get over our crisis !

No signature needed.

Passed And got my license too ..

[Marc]

Amazing how in my latest comment i mentioned the following:

“I hope that your post gives me some power to get over my quarter life crisis ! ”

Hahaha, well, first things first, Get that exam done before you finish your 2nd year at the big 4 firm! they are giving away free money ! Go grab it!

Update: The most important selling point when looking for a new position, other than being at a big 4 is your CPA, or whatever certificate you peruse. Dont leave the big 4 without one, regardless of what you choose. Also, I would hang on until I find a position that I thing I would really enjoy, Dont leave just for the sake of leaving, i'm guessing that you would regret it, you only exit Public accounting once. Make it a good move.

You did not mention what service line you work in. Try and change the team you work with, maybe that would help? Change the industry. Most importantly, look for a motivator, There is no such thing as too dumb. its either that you worked hard enough to pass or not, the amount of work needed depends on the person.

Good luck, I hope we both get over our crisis !

No signature needed.

Passed And got my license too ..

[Marc]

@ 005… nice username !

I wanted to share this as well, I dont agree with a lot of what he says, but he does ask an integral question that i can not find an answer to…

Enjoy the video:

https://youtu.be/tZ7Y1-0bNeQ

No signature needed.

Passed And got my license too ..

[Marc]

@ 005… nice username !

I wanted to share this as well, I dont agree with a lot of what he says, but he does ask an integral question that i can not find an answer to…

Enjoy the video:

https://youtu.be/tZ7Y1-0bNeQ

No signature needed.

Passed And got my license too ..

[fuzyfro89]

Whos that intern: Two main points:

1) You need to find motivation to pass the CPA exam on your own. There's nothing anyone can tell you to give that to you.

2) You have to be okay with winning one battle at a time.

I understand it's hard, you dislike your job (or maybe just your clients so far), you feel stuck because you can't move somewhere soon, and you don't even see a light at the end of the tunnel. And that's just for your job… THEN tack on challenges with the CPA exams and you feel like you're under a mountain. Life sucks, right?

For one, decide what you want. I don't know what makes you tick, but if it's fear of failure, I will say that leaving Big 4 without your CPA will make you less marketable (unless you're leaving the accounting/finance world entirely). The effort to pass the CPA and get licensed will be well worth it in the medium term (next 2-5 years). After that, it depends more on how you develop your skills/work experiences.

I'd say deal with your job struggles and keep moving along, but focus on passing the CPA. In your immediate future, that's the one thing you can fully control. I understand the feeling that you need to fix everything, but sometimes you have to take it one step at a time.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

P.S. I'm turning 25 soon as well. I still don't know where my life is going…

[fuzyfro89]

Whos that intern: Two main points:

1) You need to find motivation to pass the CPA exam on your own. There's nothing anyone can tell you to give that to you.

2) You have to be okay with winning one battle at a time.

I understand it's hard, you dislike your job (or maybe just your clients so far), you feel stuck because you can't move somewhere soon, and you don't even see a light at the end of the tunnel. And that's just for your job… THEN tack on challenges with the CPA exams and you feel like you're under a mountain. Life sucks, right?

For one, decide what you want. I don't know what makes you tick, but if it's fear of failure, I will say that leaving Big 4 without your CPA will make you less marketable (unless you're leaving the accounting/finance world entirely). The effort to pass the CPA and get licensed will be well worth it in the medium term (next 2-5 years). After that, it depends more on how you develop your skills/work experiences.

I'd say deal with your job struggles and keep moving along, but focus on passing the CPA. In your immediate future, that's the one thing you can fully control. I understand the feeling that you need to fix everything, but sometimes you have to take it one step at a time.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

P.S. I'm turning 25 soon as well. I still don't know where my life is going…

[Anonymous]

I had just finished grad school at 25 and had only minor accounting work experience. By 30 I had reached every personal and professional goal I had set for myself. I had experience and had started a career at a company I loved. I was married, had a child, a house, and had moved to another state. Was I as successful as some of my classmates? No. Was I more successful than some of my classmates? Yes. At 31 I started working towards the CPA, which became a new goal. I understand that you are unsure of your future right now, but you have time to make your goals come true. Just in keep in mind that once you reach those goals, you will make new goals for yourself. Not many people are where they want to end up when they are 25.

[Anonymous]

I had just finished grad school at 25 and had only minor accounting work experience. By 30 I had reached every personal and professional goal I had set for myself. I had experience and had started a career at a company I loved. I was married, had a child, a house, and had moved to another state. Was I as successful as some of my classmates? No. Was I more successful than some of my classmates? Yes. At 31 I started working towards the CPA, which became a new goal. I understand that you are unsure of your future right now, but you have time to make your goals come true. Just in keep in mind that once you reach those goals, you will make new goals for yourself. Not many people are where they want to end up when they are 25.

[mla1169]

Big 4 isn't the be all end all that people make it out to be. Sure it looks better on your resume than Joe's CPA firm but it's not the only path to a successful career.

If you're that unhappy consider WHY you're unhappy. May be the company you work for, may be the department, may be that you actually dislike accounting. A change in employer may or may not be the answer but the bottom line is life is too short to force yourself to do something you dislike because it's what others consider the right thing.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Big 4 isn't the be all end all that people make it out to be. Sure it looks better on your resume than Joe's CPA firm but it's not the only path to a successful career.

If you're that unhappy consider WHY you're unhappy. May be the company you work for, may be the department, may be that you actually dislike accounting. A change in employer may or may not be the answer but the bottom line is life is too short to force yourself to do something you dislike because it's what others consider the right thing.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

I agree with mla1169. Consider if being at a big 4 is where you really want to be career wise. Plus, just because a job is a ‘resume builder' does not automatically mean you will enjoy it more. Life is short, I think you should take in account the fact that you don't want to hate you job forever. That being said, there is something to be said for ‘sticking it out' if that's where you think you fit best in the long run.

I work in the private sector and it is extremely different than public. A lot of people I work with started in public but decided to switch. There are a few in my office that do have their CPA but most people don't. I'm not getting my CPA because I need it for my current job (because I really don't) but because I want the flexability to work very part time when I have kids whether for a different company or on my own with clients. I'm just thankful that at least the accounting field involves many different types of careers and options to choose from.

[Anonymous]

I agree with mla1169. Consider if being at a big 4 is where you really want to be career wise. Plus, just because a job is a ‘resume builder' does not automatically mean you will enjoy it more. Life is short, I think you should take in account the fact that you don't want to hate you job forever. That being said, there is something to be said for ‘sticking it out' if that's where you think you fit best in the long run.

I work in the private sector and it is extremely different than public. A lot of people I work with started in public but decided to switch. There are a few in my office that do have their CPA but most people don't. I'm not getting my CPA because I need it for my current job (because I really don't) but because I want the flexability to work very part time when I have kids whether for a different company or on my own with clients. I'm just thankful that at least the accounting field involves many different types of careers and options to choose from.

[Anonymous]

@OP – What line of service are you in? I'm in advisory at a Big4 – might be able to offer you some advice if you're in audit but not tax 🙂

[Author]

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