I entered as a first year at a Big 4 in my 40s. Anyone similar who can share important experiences, good, bad or cautionary, and future prospects in public accounting or elsewhere?

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I think you will find that your seniors will be reluctant to give you work and ask you to stay late. You will have to be extremely proactive to simply get the same work as another younger associate because seniors will find it awkward to delegate work to you. I'm not saying this is right or fair, but this is the truth.

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Might be nice. Sometimes I feel like I'm trapped in a world full of kids. They're cute and all, but most of them don't even know that the Goonies is a movie.

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I started at 42. I am treated like everyone else. Same responsibilities and Great rapport with the teams I've been on. No difficulty getting on engagements. Don't make your age a big deal and no one else will.

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Hmm shall we start a 30+ PA first year bowl?

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Also, be prepared for the unofficial role of guidance counselor. You'll likely be leaned on (to some extent) due to your general life experience.

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I started at BDO as a second career path ... and am also in my 40s ... I have experienced the culture divide first hand as well. I have issues getting placed on engagements because the seniors do have a say in who is assigned where and they do tend to choose people closer to their gender, age and race. It's not surprising as that tends to create bonds, just be aware of the culture and do good work. The teams you end up on will be glad to have you if you are open and friendly.

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This thread is encouraging. Started in PA at 31. Made it to senior so far. Onwards and upwards!

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^ D1 is somewhat correct. I started at BDO as an associate at 32 and experienced some of these situations first hand. I definitely garnered more respect because of my age and prior work experience, and was given less "bitch" work. I could tell some seniors who were 25/26 felt awkward delegating work

I started at age 34 (military background, second career etc). My partner liked me a lot since he said I was "more mature and responsible" seeming, so that played out well. No issues with seniors or other associates, probably because people thought I looked around 26 or so. Just made it a point to never bring up my age since then they'd probably start acting weird / standoffish. It is hilarious when I always get grouped into "when we were kids" conversations about events that happened when I was very much adult, but whatever.

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