For those of you who've worked (or currently work) at Deloitte or PwC... beyond the prestige and brand recognition, what's one unexpected challenge of working at a Big Four firm that outsiders might not realize? Was it something about the client work, the internal culture, the career trajectory, or something else entirely? I keep beating myself up for not having made it to my two dream firms (the ones I mentioned above) but I've been wondering if I have it good right now and don't realize it.

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no one outside of the accounting world understands busy season. work-life balance existence at all times, except busy season. having to tell your friends and family that you are chained to your desk for 3 months is such a wild concept to them. the clients are MASSIVE and incredibly high on their horse, and frankly stupid af. you’re not doing your job, but then doing THEIR job because they rely so heavily on you. in the end, it teaches you to be very well rounded and increases your time management skills and how to stick up for yourself, but it’s a like being stuck under a wave sometimes

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We think most auditors are stupid AF as well so goes both ways. Once you move to industry you’ll realize you were an arrogant prick with a very narrow view of how things work.

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I’ve worked for both starting in 1998. They have been good to me but the charge hour goal pressure is not fun. And of course busy season is painful. However, I’ve worked w some great people, really smart. My client contacts have made me not want to work in industry. ;) if you feel you have good work life balance stay where you are!

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