At a very low point. Sounds dramatic but I’m at a top 10 firm and the comp is just not worth what this job is doing to my mental health and family life. The problem is I have no idea what to do next as I have no interest in continuing the cpa route. Mid 40s, not a senior partner, so def can’t retire. Willing to take a pay cut but feel like I have to resign to create the time and mental space to do this. Anyone have good recommendations for navigating big career transitions? Thank you.

likesmarthelpful
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I could have written this post. Feel the same way. The expectations are unsustainable.

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You are not alone nor an anomaly. It’s great you have the courage to admit how you feel and the effects. Everyone I’ve talked to who has made a career change said it felt a lot more risky and uncertain than it actually was and they are much happier. Don’t be afraid to take a risk as it’s probably not a tremendous risk. You made partner, making something else is well within your abilities. Good luck and well wishes.

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You’re too generous. Not particular courageous to post to fishbowl but I sincerely appreciate the encouragement. Best to you as well.

All great advice. Can you take a sabbatical? Maybe you just need a solid reboot. I ended up moving to Hawaii and eventually started my own small practice there when I felt that way years ago. I definitely don't regret it.

smart

Reach out to other partners that you trust and explain the situation. You will be supported. Personally, im sure there are partners that care for your well being. Professionally, your peers will want what is best for you and for the partnership.

What is your comp range? Can you pivot to a client that offers better wlb? Maybe you can’t retire, but presumably you have a nest egg that would allow you to take the time to pivot. If you do decided to leave, you may have to recalibrate your spending habits/lifestyle. But if it is impacting your health and family, it’s worth it. You only get one shot in this life.

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Thanks for the very thoughtful advice. Much appreciated.

If you are struggling with mental health, you may consider a medical LOA. I did it 3 years ago. Pretty much had a nervous breakdown. Took 3 months off. Did therapy and some serious soul searching. I chose to return to my firm but no matter what you do next, you need to first take care of yourself and heal. You can’t give what you want to give or should give to a career or your loved ones until you first take care of yourself. Good luck.

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You have to work your network. If you are a partner then you have a network that will support you. In addition, you also need to communicate upward about how you are feeling. This is a common situation playing out across the country. Folks are feeling overworked, overwhelmed, and the stress and duress are not worth it. You have to communicate so that firm leadership can help you. Stay positive and hopefully a change can be realized soon.

Curious how many feel they would be supported if sharing this with their leadership team? I fear it would be a career-limiting move so would need to have one foot out the door before going that far.

Completely understandable. It’s a lot to balance a demanding exec role and a family. What about talking to leadership about a non client service role/rotation, or a reduced schedule, or both? I know you said you’d like to get out of accounting entirely, but perhaps a bigger change in your role would help more than you think. Especially if you were clear with leadership about what you need to be happy and successful - whether it’s less hours, more predictable client load, less business development and evening events, etc.

Thank you.

All good advice from above. You should also consider hiring an executive career coach or see if the firm pays for that or cough up from your own funds. They can help provide perspective and focus on clear next steps.

I’ve thought about this. Since most meet remotely, any recommendations on where to start?

If you end up leaving, make sure you read “how to engineer your own layoff” by the financial samurai.

I would be happy to just get my capital back quickly.

OP
I sent a private message which you have mot opened. Happy to help if it's something you are open to.

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