Leaving public accounting after 6 years for a number of reasons and it just feels odd knowing I’m done. Anyone else experience these mixed emotions when leaving?

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Felt weird bc I actually had time on my hands lol and then realized how public took up almost the entirety of my life.

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By when did you start enjoying your WLB? Funny to admit, I actually feel a sense of loss bc my identify was tied to it. Struggling to find new hobbies or make friends outside of work

Yes. I am also quitting after 6 years. I haven’t told them yet. I’m going to an elite MBA so I’m excited for the change but it’s bittersweet. Also a lot of fear & uncertainty!

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It’s really hard to say. I got full rides at two schools and significant scholarships everywhere that accepted me. I think a big part had to be my GPA and GRE (3.9 / 328). I also am a veteran. Outside of those three things I couldn’t even tell you what popped with my profile. I’m a high performer and got promoted early.

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Going through this now. I’ve spent all of my career in public accounting and have wasted too much of my life working on weekends and thinking about work on vacation. It’s all consuming. Be grateful for the skills and experience, but remember… PA is like that one ex that you know is bad for you, but there’s that little voice in your head saying “maybe it will be different this time!” It won’t be. Never look back, my friend.

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Only because I knew I’d miss certain people on my team. Otherwise no.

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I’ve actually never been emotionally attached to a job or field like that…kinda jealous you feel something

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It was a little bittersweet. At first I thought I was making a mistake leaving public. I believed that I had what it took to make a living at Senior Manager (didn’t get promoted before I left) and could cost from there.

However, the demands of the work itself, the pressure to sell, and pipeline issues when it comes to newer staff made me feel it was the right move to leave. Not to mention, I’ve gained a much better balance of my work life and personal life.

There are a few people I’ll miss from my old firm, but I can easily find them on social media and foster a casual, regular friendship.

I’m a few weeks into my career in industry, and I’ve found that I should’ve left public a long time ago.

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This is me right now.

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Same for me at almost five years. Where r y going?

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I just put in my notice after 10 years. It feels very strange, all I’ve ever known basically. But very much excited for something different

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I am shifting to a controllership type position at a private company. Getting experience on the other side

Same after 2nd 10 yr stint.

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Yes and boomeranged years later.

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The old companies in my youth 30 years ago valued you - now I went back and was just a tool to get what they wanted so no regret on moving on.

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Congrats! I’m also going to a top grad program. I guess better to do it in this economy than another

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Do you have another job lined up or leaving without one?

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Job lined up, just public provides a certainty we become accustomed to

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Have a smile on my face whenever I think about it

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I have been in the income tax and accounting profession for about 45 years. Yup that long. I am also an attorney and am admitted to US Tax Court. I like tax controversy much better than tax preparation.

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I haven't experienced it but I have wanted to leave accounting for the longest time. My fear is...Where do I start without work experience in the field I would want?

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Don't look back, the partner track isn't all its cracked up to be. Better at some firms compared to others, but the sacrifices to get there often aren't worth it. Investing in yourself and your happiness to do something different is more rewarding.

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Congrats!

I worked as a tax accountant for 2 years, then moved into consulting on the financial accounting side. I stayed in public accounting with the same company. I don’t have required minimum 60 hour busy season and work a flat 40 hours year round. I was able to stay in public accounting and not have to leave, as I get to experience what it is like working for multiple fortune 1000 companies and stay under the public accounting umbrella.

Same. Leaving after 9 busy seasons to a PPD role

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