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Let me offer a slightly different perspective. I too don’t have a true “passion” for tax, or anything accounting related in general. Sometimes I enjoy the puzzles of trying to figure things out, but that’s not because of the tax, but more so the nature of putting everything together.
Anyhow, there’s few things that I have a passion and talent for that I would be able to make money off of. I do those things when I am off. Those include running, biking, biking, kayaking, fishing, camping, paddle boarding, and family. No one is going to pay me for my true passions. So I stick with tax to provide a good life for those who need me to and do the things that I love every weekend and whenever else I can.
100% this. I'm not saving the world here putting numbers in boxes and saving companies and wealthy people money. It's a decent paycheck and stable job that affords me to be able to do some of the things I am passionate about when I'm not in the office. If I ever get to the point of losing work-life balance outside of busy season though, I'm out. (Non Big4, no desire to ever be partner). I feel like this approach makes it sustainable to do this long term without being truly "passionate" about the work, but who knows, maybe in 15 years I'm wrong.
I think you need passion as a SM or partner. That passion does not have to be for the legislation, it can be for inspiring others, helping people develop their careers, helping clients with their tax or other business concerns, generating funds to support your lifestyle, kids, charitable interests... not everyone will be passionate about every detail of their career, but understanding what you value and what motivates you will help guide your decisions.
Since you sound earlier in your career, also consider whether there is something preventing you from feeling more inspired. Perhaps a different team, location, client/industry mix, even different type of tax might ignite you?
I used to be very passionate about tax. it has faded very quickly and not only am I not interested, I get annoyed when a "great opportunity" comes up. needless to say I have a new job lined up. my advice is if you can't find anything at the firm to be passionate about, probably time to look at a new gig
I can confidently say tax is not my passion. And that did make me stumble along the way and did come up as a concern for my progression at some point. However there are enough things I do like: - I enjoy learning about our clients businesses, overall managing the process and I found by making partner, regardless of my passion I dig in deeper because it’s my name on the line. Now all that being said. Are there days I wish I’d redirected early in my career...I do think about that....you’d need to have another opportunity thar you are passionate about that makes money though...
You sound just like me. Curious to hear people's feedback.
At some point your lack of passion for what you do will be relevant to upward progression. If you lack passion for your craft, I see it being problematic in the inspiration you need to bring to both your teams for growth and clients to get them to trust you with their business.
Tax Director 1 read my mind. 100% Agree!
You can be anything you want even without passion. A lot of people lose passion in work because it’s an everyday task. It’s work, they treat it as such. You can be passionate about other things and still excel at work
I know many directors and partners who feel similarly to you, but the successful ones have thought about what it is that’s enough to keep them motivated. As some of the posts have alluded to, a lack of passion for the whole role can definitely be an issue for progression, but in my humble opinion, not the sort of issue that stops progression if you’re good at your job. It’s more something that needs to be worked through.
In working it through, I would recommend thinking about two questions: 1. What do you want out of your life, and 2. What do you want out of your career. A lack of passion can make it harder to invest in your career, and the job naturally takes up energy that you could otherwise be spending in other areas of your life. So if there is something you want out of life that’s incompatible with the role that is being offered to you, then maybe it’s time to think about a change. Similarly, if what you want of your career is something that requires you to have passion for it, then maybe you can see a career coach to see if there’s any way you can turn a passion into something profitable, or find enough about the role that you are passionate enough about. Good luck
Same boat, made it this far but unlikely to get to SM (not performance related). I’m doubling down on FIRE 🔥. Save up those paychecks, invest, marry someone with like minded goals, and open an Airbnb/bar on a beach 😎
Airbnb and bar? Or a combo of both?
Are you sure it’s not burnout?
95% of Tax people don’t have a passion for Tax. But if you have a passion for money, then you can fake practically anything. And if you don’t have a passion for money, you need to find something to waste money on. If you can’t do that. Find a person that you enjoy being with that enjoys spending money.
Well that’s depressing.
Love,
Another Tax Manager
So what do you like ?
None of the hobbies that I have can realistically turn into a career :( I don’t hate tax though, I’m just wondering if my lack of passion would be a problem
Following this post. I feel exactly the same OP
following...
You can but then what’s the point of your life? You only live once so make the best out of it.
@TM1 did you look for a new opportunity outside of tax?
yes I have a job lined up. CFO/COO for a tech company with a product I'm passionate about. better salary with equity opportunity
Thanks everyone for the input! Great to learn about other people’s perspectives 😃
this post was refreshing!
I can’t imagine doing this job if I didn’t like what I do for clients, or teaching it to staff
Yes u can..just need to find something outside of work that drives you and gives u joy.