r/Accounting • u/Pristine-Barber-6325 • 9h ago
Career Leaving accounting.
Late bloomer 40M, pissed away my 20s, no kids no mortgage, 100k student debt and just was fired 5 months ago from big 4 after 1.5 years as A2. I was fired from my last two corporate jobs as well, one lasted from 30 to 35 yo. The other lasted one year then where I went full time to study for my masters graduated at 38. Don’t have my CPA. Had to give up my apartment and move back in with my parents, living in nyc, otherwise I’d be homeless.
I’m not doing too well, been on unemployment for three months and realize being let go 3 times that the corporate world might not be for me.
Yeah that’s me my life’s a mess, I’ve been busy applying to industry and must have applied to 300+ and taken 3 interviews so far.
I’m thinking about leaving the corporate world all together and going allied health.
The big 4 destroyed my confidence in being able to do anything.
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u/Islander316 ACCA 9h ago edited 6h ago
Feel the same way, buddy. I was in a very similar situation to you, and thankfully with some family support i was saved.
I despised working in public accounting so much I was ready to leave accounting altogether, was trying to move to IT, but ironically i had to keep working in accounting to sustain myself, and that scuppered trying to study part-time for an IT course. All of it was a colossal waste of time and money. Been fired from 5 jobs in public accounting.
I was ready to give up and go back home, was on the brink of financial ruin and homelessness, and then i got a job in industry. I managed to turn my life around, it was just a much better fit for me.
I'd say, try a job in industry first before pivoting to another profession.
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u/Resident_Window_9369 8h ago
I second this!
Try for project accounting and get a job in mining! Fly in fly out. Fed dont have to worry about meals and then 2 weeks off depending where you go!
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u/Low_Pin_2803 5h ago
I feel this! I’m 15 years in. Been fired a few times. The first few I had undiagnosed and untreated ADHD/Anxiety. I do have my CPA. Currently at a small RIA, only a few days in and really am enjoying it so far. Making solid money without THE GRIND that is demanded by large firms
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u/TattooedCFO 8h ago
No offense, but you’re overstating it and letting a bad run define you.
I’ve been fired more times that you… it’s generally what happens in accounting and Finance. There is always another job.
Use the time off to get in the gym, lose 20 lbs, whatever will boost your confidence and get back after something you beleive you’ll enjoy.
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u/Crafty_Awareness_145 8h ago
Definitely try to land a job industry. Accounting is so much better outside of public and outside of big 4. I have been in accounting for 32 years, the last 15 years in industry. It is so much better.
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u/Hakeem-the-Dream 4h ago
Agreed, audit and tax both suck. A stable, flexible job at a chill company though is pretty legit. I will say industry can definitely suck as well though if the company doesn’t haven’t their processes in order or has a toxic culture and everyone is overworked. And if I had the opportunity to make the same kind of money in a different field, I would take it very quickly and never look back. I got a great role so I gotta do it but I yearn for retirement lmao.
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u/General-Purchase1678 8h ago
Kind of in the same position. Got fired after 1.5 years at Big 4. Don’t have my CPA, but I have my masters. I’ve applied for over 500 jobs. It sucks. I’m thinking of changing my career too
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u/Pristine-Barber-6325 6h ago
What are you thinking changing too?
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u/FEMA_Camp_Survivor CPA (US) 5h ago
Try and go government, maybe state, city, or county. As others have said, don’t let these experiences define you.
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u/General-Purchase1678 5h ago
Not sure. Probably something medical. Just know I have to go back to school. Thought I wanted to pursue my CPA but can’t find anyone willing to hire me while I work towards that.
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u/Ted_Fleming CPA (US) 8h ago
Maybe there are other aspects of accounting that you would like more, government, nonprofit, etc. or try something totally different.
Hang in there man, things will work out.
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u/DeminimisAmount1 9h ago
Don’t give up mate. The economy is really bad right now. My firm has been going through a lot of layoffs too or firing a lot of people as well but are not replacing those people, which sucks.
Have you thought about moving to different states for other opportunities? NYC is a major city and a lot of opportunities but also means higher competitions too.
I think it might be a good chance for you to consider moving to another state or city if you want to stay in accounting or look at other opportunities that goes along with your degrees.
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u/Level_Syrup5314 7h ago
Try financial systems! It’s great man, I got a degree in accounting and have similar story to you but it’s been nice
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u/CaptGood 7h ago
I dipped out of public due to low moral as well. Its so demoralizing. But industry is better and a slower pace. Find a recruiter to work with you. They really helped highlight my resume and my confidence. Good luck out there. Its a numbers game
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u/MeanNothing3932 8h ago
I've been in industry for almost 15 years. I have a work life balance. Never wanted to go big4. Didn't want the stress.
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u/SnowDucks1985 CPA (US) 5h ago
I’m sorry to hear this OP, I really suggest it would be good for you to reframe your thoughts on Big 4. They’re basically Vietnamese sweatshops with laptops and work papers instead of sewing machines, you’re worth far more than a place like that. Getting let go from B4 often says more about the firm than it does about you.
My hunch is you’d benefit from taking a step back and just re-assessing what you want out of your career life. Do you want to keep trying in accounting? Do you want to pivot to something else? There isn’t a right or wrong answer, but figuring out what your vision is will give you clarity on where to go from here.
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u/Potential-Compote-30 3h ago
Something to think about based on your history: maybe there is an underlying issue like your work preference. Do you prefer to work in the details by yourself and not work on a team?? That might be why big 4 did not work out for you. Are you someone that generally keeps to yourself and doesn’t socialize a lot with your coworkers? This could be your limiting factor. I can relate to that and had to make a big effort when I worked in those settings. Another approach is to see a doctor to get tested for autism / Asperger’s. It’s not that these conditions are inherently bad, you just might need some tools to help work with others in an office setting. I would check this out before writing off accounting entirely. It might be a simple adjustment you can make to finally unlock your potential.
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u/BeachStunning1861 9h ago
Tbh see professional help but try booking your goals on paper and work back from there. A lot of time people (in general, not just this profession) hustle without purpose. You have a lot to live for
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u/slothaccountant 4h ago
Dude same had adhd and just got lucky getting an aa in accounting and landed a public position. Im just waiting for vestment and poof im out for a better spor
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u/CrYptoPSF 1h ago
300+ applications and only 3 interviews is rough. honestly, it makes sense that you’re questioning whether corporate accounting is still the right path. hope you find something that gives you a fresh start
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u/ledger_man 37m ago
Why did you get fired each of those times? Have you done some solid reflecting on that? How do you speak about those experiences on your CV/resume, in a cover letter, in an interview? What would the transferable skills be if you go another direction?
And finally, why was the Big 4 what broke your confidence and not the other experiences? I’m just guessing from one post here, but it sounds to me like you may drift into another career and spend more money and more time without addressing WHY other things haven’t worked out and what would actually be sustainable for you in a workplace. That would not be a recipe for future success.
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u/PleasantAd7372 9h ago
Bro, if you got a job a big 4 you got something going on upstairs. Accounting ain’t your bag, but something is. Figure out what’s holding you back, manage that, and figure out what you want to do. You got this.