Finally had my busy season cry after the staff told the team that he put in his two weeks. I'm crying because 1. We are so screwed and 2. why don't I have the courage to do something like that.
I'm turning 29 this year and usually a stone-hearted bitch but never failed to cry during busy seasons. I think it's time to get out.

I want to quit without a job lined up. This sucks so bad that I don't even have words for.

likesmarthelpful
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DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT A JOB LINED UP. Here is the truth you have identified that audit is not your career path. That is great! Now you can stop trying so hard. You are allowing this job to stress you out. Start applying for jobs externally aggressively and don’t let the audit stress you out . Do your job still but don’t worry about all the BS of time synchronization, performance reviews, attending firm events etc.. The reason why I don’t recommend leaving your job is because this will end up hurting you. Right now your market value is highhhhh. You just need to decide what you want to do. Senior is the perfect time to leave ( preferably 1-2 years ago though lol). I just left as a senior and received a 40% pay bump to go to my DREAM job. To synthesize my points here is what I recommend you do:

1. Determine the career you want to have. What are your next steps? What is your dream job? Ie consulting , law school, MBA, real estate, etc ..

2. Relax on your job. Stop letting it stress you out. You are not longer playing the partner game. All you are trying to do is maximize your exit value. If you need to do specific trainings related to your next job start doing it etc.

3. Start applying aggressively. Reach out to the companies you want to work for and get started. Don’t use recruiters..I have a feeling they sell you out to your firms ( own personal experience) + they only recommend positions that will allow them to get a commission.

4. Leave .

Overall life is way to short to be in audit. The whole Big 4 scheme is dying. Working in public accounting is not prestigious and doesn’t set you up as well as it did in the past. Additionally, salaries in public are terrible. Seriously, they are soo insulting . Good luck!

likehelpfulsmart

Ohh wow thought you were joking haha. Seriously though once you find your fit you are going to wonder why you took the Big 4 BS for so long. Just try to remain focused and do not settle. Only leave when you find the right next move. .

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I agree with a lot of the comments on this thread. I avoid making decisions until I’m calm and put the situation in the proper perspective. Also, definitely wait until you have a job offer. Hang in there (it does get better!).

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I’ve seen it every year, everyone wants to leave during the busy season. I’ve seen seniors leaving without a job to prove a point and struggled to find a job. You don’t want to be unemployed when looking for a job, the unwind thing doesn’t work in reality. If you want to unwind, take vacation / sabbatical.

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I just did it yesterday!

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Kpmg1, I had a colleague who left after her busy season as well and took the time to unwind. She got a job in industry 3 months later.

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Your personal health and that of your family (as applicable) should be the top priority and if you are physically and/or mentally to the point where you are feeling unhealthy then you should take action. That said I don’t think that has to be quitting without a job as there are several leave options. To the point others have made, making significant decisions when in a high state of stress are often not objective. Sometimes it’s necessary but just make sure you leverage your HR options. Despite a lot of sentiments that flow through this app, most people really do care

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Don't disagree that people do care and also share the frustration and there's nothing anyone can do. It's the job.

Why would you scare? You made it to senior and I am sure you did great. I am staff 1 and starting at age of 28 (switching career). I am trying to get my license and learn a ton here at PA, and leave at senior. People struggle for real at different age and different positions. I guess if you have felt something unright, time To leave! There are many opportunities for you out there . Good luck

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Do it

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take a breath and know the engagement will be finished. they always get done

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P1 is right. It's the profession

Please do not leave without job. Believe me you are gonna regret it and also it will lower your negotiation power for next job. Speaking from personal experience.
Keep looking you will find a New job soon

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Omg the busy season cry - I also never cry but usually loose it once every busy season, usually caused by a combination of stress and misery and period cramps. That’s how I knew I needed to quit too lol

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Try to get them to fire you at least you can collect that way, I doubt they’d fight unemployment

I'm truly trying. I'm supposed to make manager after in a few months and I'm just waiting for that bonus and title

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I quit my 2nd year before planning deadline. Still have friends in there who are seniors and hate their lives. I make almost 2x their salary. Leave.

What do you do now?

Do what you need to for your own sanity. However, now that you have decided to go, please take the time to figure out what you want to do and where. Find a good position and leave to make your life better. Don't make a rash decision because you are burned out over busy season.

Take a Leave of Absence they are still paying you 20% of salary. Its better than just quitting without a job. You can be gone for 6 months. Leave has to be approved before 3/31/21

Hang in there!! Being a 1st year SM and 9 years with the firm, I just had my third busy season cry this past Saturday. We will make it through.

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