How is it for mother's that works at B4?? I have read insane hours, crazy schedule, and want to hear how mothers at those forms do it to advance.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’ll be honest. I have a husband that is an equal partner in everything. He does his fair share of childcare and housework and emotional labour.

The firm has been great but without a spouse that’s supportive and does 100% of the home stuff sometimes when I need it, I don’t think I could’ve made it.

- I’m a senior manager in tax, we have one child who is 4.

like

This was exactly my response.

like

I went on a reduced schedule to about 75% after I had my daughter. It seems to work better if you are higher level like manager and have good teams who understand and respect a reduced schedule, especially staff and seniors you can delegate to when you’re out of the office. Otherwise either you will still be working the hours so you might as well just stay fulltime and get the full pay and benefits, or it’ll catch up to you in terms of reviews and advancement.

like

I leaned into flexibility. 10 minutes is 10 minutes. Some days are cobbled together. I wouldn’t be able to be ON for 8 hours straight. It’s a blessing to work a few hours here, a few hours there, take a couple hours for a doc appt, etc. Thinking is important and client-chargeable too. It can help you reframe your to dos and how to accomplish your actions more effectively or do two together. I can often find time to think when I’m in the middle of things like walking, breastfeeding, etc.

My kids must help. They need to clean up, help with dishes, help fold laundry, make food, etc. They are neither great nor fast, but it is quality time to do chores together, not after they go to bed.

My spouse is a big help too. Sometimes I lean on him. And then he leans on me.

likeuplifting

This is such a wholesome response. I love it ❤️

Not a mom myself, but when I was interviewing with KPMG, my MD told me about how she was on a reduced schedule when she had her children. It was part of the reason I was interested in KPMG to have that flexibility if I ever needed it down the road. I know of several others who went that route also. Seems like not a bad option as long as people respect the reduced schedule, and if you can afford the reduced pay.

like

I think it really depends on your team. I left one B4 firm because my partner was not flexible in expectations after I had a baby. I joined a different B4 firm with a very flexible team and partners that respect my time and need to be offline at certain times of the day (daycare pick up, bedtime routine, etc.). You also need to set firm boundaries for yourself. I was able to remain on a full schedule and have a lot of flexibility, but this is hard to find.

like

It’s hard !! Expectations through the roof. I have good reviews but I’m mentally exhausted with the lack of support from my team. I’m definitely waiting to leave B4 and have a life

like

On most of my teams, as first and second year associates, youre expected to be at the client as long as anyone senior is as well. It’s natural because you’d have questions. I would never choose to put the stress on my life of joining big4 while having a family. You might advance a few years in your career but if you find a good industry job where you can advance and you work hard, I believe you’d be a lot happier and just as well off.

like

I'm a senior in assurance, financial services. After having a baby I was going to quit because I knew I couldn't keep going with 55 hrs, which turned into an accidental negotiation for working part time 😅 I love my team so it works out well! What I would look for to ensure this is viable: are there other women in your niche who work(Ed) part time with kids? Talk to them about how they do it. Ensure your spouse is on board with helping around the house, since a full time job plus doing all chores with a child is a LOT. build skills that allow you to be more efficient and get more done in less time. (outsourcing work to overseas team when possible delegating as much as possible, doing as much during interim as possible, and having workpapers and confirmations templates you save for yourself to use on new engagements or recurring engagements). Build up your team below you, and make good relationships to ensure you are there for them when needed and they are there for you when needed. Set boundaries and keep them, which you can do by blocking off times on your calendar or having clear communication. Use onenote for tracking engagements so your staff can save any questions and track what they completed; this makes sure that you can review their work if you're working while they're offline, and leave answers to their questions that they have if working while you're offline. And ultimately, the most important things while working part time or on a fwa is to have clear communication up and down the chain, as well as clear boundaries.

like

Thank you for all your answers. It seems like all of you started with no kids. My situation would have never worked because I got into accounting after having my first. Your inputs help me understand and see if the B4 is still something I am interested in.

like

I know a single mom who switched to accounting later in life with a teenage daughter. I believe she had support from her parents, and also was able to stay late at work due to her daughter being older. Also, my firm is very flexible with work from home, and getting hours in at different times of day if needed. The issue arises when you need more direction or "hand holding" to get work done, because then you may need more in office hours and to plan your schedule to be more aligned with your senior or manager. If you're able to do this for one or two busy seasons with the help of your family, you open the door for more lucrative exit opportunities as well as to have more flexibility and stay in public accounting. However, I'm at a mid size firm and believe this would not work if you join a big 4 team that expects 60+ hours a week year round (as I've heard from fishbowl happens on many teams)

like

i had a senior who was a mom of two. it honestly seemed really hard to have kids at that level. she would work from home one day a week & leave early sometimes for her kids after school activities but she would be working into the late hours of the day. status meetings with her teams at 9pm on weekdays and sending emails at 4am. it just wasn’t good vibes for some people. i’ve asked her about it casually and she loves it! she thinks that the trade offs are worth it - so it’s really up to the person!

like

Reduced schedule

Easier at the director level because I dictate my schedule within reason. Can’t really imagine at the lower levels...

Related Posts

So, I knew ahead of time that I would be working Thanksgiving weekend, but I just got my schedule for December and it looks like I'm going to miss Christmas as well. I feel bad that I am missing so much time with my kids, how does everyone else deal with these emotions? Any tips on how I can make up the missed experiences with my children?

like

Looking for a great career coach to help me figure out my next step. I have a mixed background in finance, comms, and brand. I’ve struggled with job satisfaction for awhile but have stayed put because two young kids, maternity leaves...and pandemic. Before jumping to a new role and firm, this time I want to make sure I do some soul searching and avoid making the same bad decisions over and over again. Any recommendations?

like
like

Pregnant with THREE babies. You saw that correctly. Why is maternity leave the same no matter if you have a single child or multiples at once? I don’t think I’ve ever been more scared in my life lol

likeuplifting

Hi Fishbowl community!

I am currently working in Research and Development of Process Development, CEAT Tires as Assistant Manager. I am very delighted to share that the journey so far has been good. But looking at my long interests of changing my Domain from Manufacturing sector to Consulting services. I am eager to apply my learnings and skills throughout these 20 months of work experience as of now.
And I will be delighted if any of you can refer me in any of Big 4 consulting company.

like

Thie bowl is created to listen and uplift other, Judgmental and negative comments against any gender will be kicked out from the group..

You age, sex, marriage status, family doesn't matter here...its all about sharing your negative or positive experiences of life and get the positive comments from friends around you...

You can look for friends, partner and whatever you want here... But your post should not be debatable...


MENTAl HEALTH IS VERY IMP FROM FRESHER TO LEADERSHIP PEEPS..

like

How does Stax consulting compare to Big 4 M&A strategy diligence and value creation groups? Regarding work, reputation, etc

like

Question for the group: Working at a B4. Currently at pre-mob, and will be doing a tour for about a year. Do Big Four automatically promote while you are gone? For example, if I’m a senior 1 when I leave, am I Senior 2 or Senior 1 when I get back? Has anyone had these conversations with HR? Looking for advice about making sure I don’t have to completely repeat a year because of deployment

like

Looking to transition from B4 Financial Services (NY) to Big Law and am hoping to connect with someone who has done that before (or is looking to do the same) to discuss their experience. Please leave a comment or DM me if you’d like to chat!

like

How much stock do you put on benefits? I have two offers with stark differences in benefits. Job 1: role I want, but benefit sucks (2 weeks paternity leave, 20% coinsurance). Job 2: role is okay but higher level and great benefits (16 weeks paternity, 0% coinsurance, 5 more days of vacation). Total comp is the same though. I wonder if I should just focus on role but Job 2 is a large company, so I can move around after 2-3 years I’d expect. Thoughts?

like

Hi! Looking for Communication or Marketing Manager at Big 4 / Large Company Salary insights for Philadelphia area? I’m not sure how much I trust Glassdoor.

like

I’m quitting two weeks before my coworkers maternity leave starts. They told me I’d have to cover her work and there’s no way that’s gonna happen. Also I just got into grad school.

likefunny

Is Salesforce professional services a lot harder than big 4 consulting?

like

Would anyone be interested in participating in a research study? The only requirements are to be a school district employee and have a child in the district with special needs. Please help!!!

like

I was just bitched out by a PM who (according to his LinkedIn profile) was a student four years ago, while the people pleaser baby ACD nodded and placated the PM. Some jobs you earn the bucks...

like

Hello, I am a Linux system engineer and have been working in Oracle engineered systems from past 10 years. I got some exposure to oracle cloud but it is so difficult to get more exposure in oracle projects to build knowledge and my experience. In the Job portals , its so rare recruiters asking for oracle cloud. Looks like canada do not have much oracle projects. Hence I learned AWS. Want to make use of my knowledge but how?B4 Advisory teams do not have good oracle practice. Agree?

like

Kamusta? I'm new here.
I'm a CPA in the Philippines. I'm thinking if I can continue my profession and progress my career in other country and also to seek higher salary with great benefits but less cost of living. Where do you think should I start checking on? 😁
I'm thinking if I should go back as External Assurance Auditor to where I am 2.5 yrs ago in a one of the Big 4 before I became a Consultant on a project-based as, so far, as Tax Specialist. Any advise to my baby mind? Thank you! 😊

like

Can someone please tell me in detail about the child care long term sabbatical leave at tcs?
What is the process, for how long and until what age of the child can it be availed?

like

Based on your own experience or that of your friends, how would you rate Accenture, Big 4, Cognizant, Capgemini within Singapore and SEA? Looking for a holistic take considering brand, quality of work, compensation, WLB, culture etc.

like

I’m 6 months pregnant and scheduled a 30 minute meeting to chat with my HR rep to talk about our parental leave benefits (specifically how to navigate taking additional, unpaid time)…. She declined the meeting and directed me to review the policy documentation online and email her with any specific questions I have. Is that normal? Feeling a bit unsupported but also not trying to overreact

like

More Posts

Tips for avoiding / reducing eye strain after staring at a computer all day every day? Sometimes I think this job is gonna make me go blind.

like

Can state Medicaid estate recovery take deceased term life insurance policy?

like

Anyone tracking this?

Post Photo
like

Please suggest platform to practice SQL, which can build confidence for interview..... TIA

likesmart
helpful

Reply with the words or phrases you can't stand anymore after working at EY. Worst for me is "bandwidth".

like

Anyone ever do consultation work for nonprofits? If so what was your hourly rate? Also, do you have to create some type entity to do this type of work?

Just hit the 1 year mark a couple months ago and I'm at my limit. I haven't been able to focus at work to the point that I'm getting nothing done despite taking time off. Who here has been in this situation before? I'm thinking of making more drastic changes like rolling off of my project if I decide that this isn't sustainable.

likehelpful

Hi fishes...

Pls share your inputs on which would be a better company for wlb and onsite opportunities

Capgemini offering 38lpa
33fixed 5var

Naggaro offering 37lpa
35fixed and 2 var

Tech stack - aws and devops
Yoe 9
Not able to clear any product based companies
So settling for service based...
Pls advice

like
like

Does anyone know if it’s possible to file for PERM in parallel with some other company while I still work at Deloitte? Looking for options to get PERM started and get I-140 approved.

funny

Any plays today? PayPal, Microsoft, EBay, Tesla

It just hit me I havent heard any UGC ideas in forever. Have we collectively given up on the idea that people will make our videos for us (and other people will watch them) or have I just been lucky?

likefunny

I'm a 35 year old Officer in Indian Navy with 14+ years of experience(good job security). I'm planning to switch to corporate world due to mundane job profile. I've developed many niche software for Navy and am good with Python, Java, JSP, SQL. For perspective - TCS quoted 20 cr for similar s/w that I've singularly designed & developed. Plz help me make a decision-
Quit Navy and lookout for a job right away or Stay in the current role for another 7 yrs(will be 42 by then) for pension eligibility

like

Does anyone know of any credit shops in Austin looking for people

like

What's the dress code at the company? Is it office formals ... E..g. shirt and pants?

like

I say get rid of the Probowl game and replace with all skill competitions, Madden comp, and dumb stuff like dodge ball and 3pt shooting contest.

More fun than watching a game nobody wants to play in

like

In this current advertising climate, if I get a freelance gig in pharma, I’ll be extremely grateful. Am I the only one who feels this way?

like

Anyone (CDs/otherwise) been contacted directly by talent agencies (like CAA) regarding working with one of their celebs/entertainers on branding? They don't seem to understand I'm not an agency...

like

Additional Posts in Women in Accounting

Any suggestions on luggage 🧳 that can hold two weeks of clothes?
Also super random but any suggest for light weight sunscreen ?

like

Why is putting on your 2 weeks notice so nerve racking? But better opportunities are ahead and the start of my own bookkeeping firm!

like

Good work sandals / shoe brand? Under 200 please

like

Anybody work with Federal Advisory Partners? I have a potential opportunity with them and am wondering if it’s worth making the move from government. Thanks!

like

For those who have kids in school, how do you manage to leave office earlier to pick kids, especislly during busy season. My LO joins school soon and figuring this out. TIA

like

Any recommendation on work outfits if you are going into office this Fall?

likesmart

I need a career coach suggestions?

like

What are your thoughts on COS clothing store? Last week was the first time, I heard of them and when I tried on their clothes, it was soo well made.

like

Moms - how do you do it? I have a very involved husband. My husband cleans the kitchen every night and we have a cleaning crew twice a month for detail cleaning. TBC

likehelpful

Need advice/tips/motivational quotes for dealing with a rough breakup. We dated for 5 years and I just ended it because it simply wasn’t working anymore even though I love him. I’m pretty torn up

like

Hi friends! I’m planning on moving in with my long term boyfriend. He makes about 60-70k and I make 105k. Originally I was going to split rent equally but the feminist in me says it should be split based on income. Have you all been in a similar position and what was your decision?

like

Something petty.
I introduced 2 friends to each other at my birthday party. None I'm super close with but one I'm closer with than the other. They both have recently moved here and don't know anyone so I wanted both of them to meet and be friends!
A couple weeks later they wanted to hangout and the one I'm closer with asked if I wanted to join but I couldn't. I realized they had blocked me from seeing their Instagram stories for 24 hours.
My guess was maybe they didn't wanna hurt my feelings and

like

Does anyone have a rothy’s code :-)

Can you boomerang back to a Big4 if you leave after 6 months? Thinking of leaving cause I'm a high risk pregnancy, then I want to come back in a couple years.

like

nyc ladies - what shoes/boots do you recommend for commuting in the fall/winter? on the hunt for a comfy, durable pair.

like
like

Any suggestions for an electronic sit down stand up desk for WFH?
My firm will be reimbursing upto $300-$400.
PS: I have 3 monitors

like

Anyone have a Dagne Dover work bag? I’m trying to decide between the Classic Tote or a medium Allyn Tote.

like

Totally am unprofessional topic but I really need help.. anxiety causes me to eat nails.. I never realize when it’s too late.. any suggestions

like

I had a mental break this busy season and had to be put on a reduced workload. Now I'm being told my performance slipped from an above average to poor performer because of missed deadlines due to having to step away and not always being able to work the longer hours in a given day to meet said deadlines. I'm just looking for either encouragement that this isn't the end and I can come from back from this, or if i should I just cut my losses and leave PA? My job is so important to me and this..

likehelpful

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal