That's the nature of the profession. I did it, and those that came before me did it. I know your frustration but promise that the experience you're acquiring is more valuable than the Saturdays you sacrifice and dollars deposited in your bank account every few weeks. A partner once told our engagement team that Big4 employees are “executives in training”, which is true. Even top 10 firms. The CAO at my last employer (before I went independent) was a GT alum.
People working in finance and banking have it far worse, oftentimes working 80-100 hours per week on M&As and SPAC deals. Even with six figures they hate life. Attorneys have massive student debt but have trouble finding jobs because the market is currently saturated with law school grads. Medical doctors live at the hospital for 48 straight hours, like a firefighter's lifestyle.
Even in private industry, life gets hard around Q/K filing dates. Even for people in the tax department. Being a financial professional is work, but the knowledge you obtain is incredible.
CPA, CIA, CFE, MBA, Big4 Alum, Private Industry (Financial Reporting & Internal Audit), Now Sole Practitioner.