I just had a 56-hour week, and I wish so badly that I could go back in time and opt out of this career. When do we get to live? I feel really concerned that I may never be able to start the family I dream of having (I want three kids), Almost feels like it's not meant for women who choose to be in accounting. Do you feel this way? Also, what's the craziest week you've had... how many hours did you put in?

56?! That’s it? Lol

I’ve raised three kids while having a successful career in PA. I adjusted to a modified schedule to have a better WLB for my family. If your firm is willing it is a great way to still have a career while growing your family.

55 hours is the minimum expected for staff during busy season. When I worked at a small regional firm it was 60 during tax season so what you’re working is normal and expected for public accounting.

Last week I had 103 hours but it was an unusual week.

If you don’t care about advancing your career to the fullest then go to industry. You still work more than 40 hrs during busy season but you generally work fewer hours.

I have two kids and can make it work but I want this career and also want kids so I figure it out.

The large # of people in PA so proud of themselves working 100 hr a week and at below market wage is beyond me. No body is speaking up against this system. The fact that accounting jobs can all be outsourced to even third world countries speaks how valueless of the long hours are.

I've been in public accounting for 15+ years, currently at a senior manager level with no plans to advance further. In my earlier years, I routinely worked 65 hours a week from mid-Jan thru April 15. Yes, it was rough, but it was a known evil and something I just pushed thru knowing it was only for a short period of time.

Once I got married and had kids, I switched to a 90% reduced schedule. I consistently work 40 hours a week year-round. This allows me to have nights & weekends with my family, even during busy seasons. So it is possible! You just have to figure out what you want and work with your employer to do it.

For me personally, I find that having a reduced schedule in public accounting gives me a ton of flexibility. Yes, I have internal and external deadlines that I need to meet. But I can still pick and choose my hours around my family's schedule. So I can drop my kids off at daycare, go to doctors appointments or extra-curricular events, or watch my kids if they're home sick. I just need to get my hours in sometime that week.

I raised a family and worked in public accounting. It is definitely doable. Any career is not a 40 hour work week. Worst I did was 90 hours but it’s for a limited period of time. The flexibility in PA was actually what made it possible

I have two kids under 3 and I’m in public accounting. It’s definitely possible! But you are also in control of your life. If long term, you aren’t happy where you are, start paving a path to pivot into something else. It may take time and sacrifice but if it’s going to align better with the vision you have for your life, then go for it!

Reduced schedule for the win! I mean, I still have a bad week here or there, but at 75%, my busy season schedule should max out at 35-40 hours/week, and as low as 32 hours/week in the slower seasons. The extra money would be nice, sure, but the time with my 3 kids is worth more than money. Between my husband and I, we're comfortable. When my kids were babies, I did as low as 60% for several years so I had a day or two off with them every week, now that they're all in school, 75% means I work every day but allows me the flexibility to pick them up from school most days, volunteer at school events, and get them to all their activities.

I have two wonderful children, and I’ve been in PA for over 20 years. I have a supportive spouse at home, and I outsource what I can to make the time I spend with my family quality time. PA has given me the flexibility to have an interesting and challenging career with upward mobility while still being very engaged with my family. I have coached ball teams and been a scout leader. I encourage you to read Lean In. One valuable point in this book is that women have a tendency to make career decisions based on future plans for children when they should wait until there is a problem to try to fix it.

I have seen ppl doing 90 hrs in tax

Is this your first buy season?

At my old firm I was doing over 100 a week for busy season. 16 hour days fully in person 7 days a week - 630 am till 12-1 am.

For two years I thought it was the norm and my mental health was severely deteriorating. I left and I was very happy honestly that I was getting 60-70 hour weeks versus the former.

All that to say it really depends on how much you personally can take. If 56 hours a week seems like you’re crumbling and struggling, look for alternative. Switching to industry might lessen your hours or a smaller family practice. Don’t settle or put your well being on the line for a job.

I have 31 years in public accounting. Raised 2 kids. Was a single mom for most of my career. The career allows flexibility which you need. I have gone part time in some years when the family needed it but went back to full time when I could. It is possible at the right place.

You’re loving the dream! That’s my charged. Actual is 90. Not to glorify it but that’s the reality.

I wish someone told me this earlier on as a tax accountant. If you desire a work life balance and a standard 40 hour week then seek a career that has that. Some people don’t need an insane amount of flexibility in a career. My husband is in tech and works 40 hours a week and make great money however he has to be at work from 8-5pm. What he value the most is to be able to go home and not be obligated to continue working endless hours. I have nurse friends that work 3 days a week and that’s that and make great money. Figure out what matters to you and pivot and pivoting early is best. And public accounting is very difficult and not everyone across levels can get a ton of flexibility and the environment can be aggressive/intense. AND that’s ok, your value isn’t tied to working a ton of hours or working in public accounting. With that being said the longest I’ve worked in a week is ~100 hours.