Big 4 vs. Mid-Tier vs. Industry - what’s actually the best long-term move? Everyone says Big 4 opens the most doors, but mid-tier firms give you better work-life balance, and industry roles let you sleep at night. If you’ve done more than one, which was the best career decision, and why?

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mid tier NO LONGER GIVES BETTER WORK LIFE BALANCE. It is an absolute lie nowadays. it is work longer hours for several months more than big 4 and with zero staffing and crap technology. Stay big 4 then pivot to industry when you are fully done and preferably at manager level.

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Lol

Done all 3, and think it depends on what you value and want to get out of your work.
Big 4 - most satisfying work and least amount of unnecessary politics and drama, but insane hours.
Industry: there were some boring days, lots of time to network and meet people. But stress comes from internal politics, and management whims.
Mid Tier: much better hours than big 4, less politics, but clients are much less sophisticated, so the work is more tedious and less mentally engaging. The highest lever of turn over out of the 3…

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The least amount of politics at B4? Lol

smart

I've been in industry and am currently a B4 partner. I liked industry, but there was more upside to partner and the work was a better fit for my personality. I thrive on constant challenges. I can't complain about the compensation either.

i say b4 if you want to move into f500, mid size PA firm if you want to move into a small-mid company in industry. either way starting in public will give you a ton of experience and fast growth compared to industry, plus a lot of support for your CPA while in public.

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