Need to vent here. I’m a busy season intern and can’t stand a January-hire staff 1 I work with on one of my engagements. He asks me how to do tasks (he had a previous internship already) and comes to me with a problem in excel almost everyday (barely knew ctrl c,v). That stuff I can get past, but he will not shut up about WLB! Have not had a single conversation where he hasn’t brought up how everyone works too many hours, he is constantly telling seniors and even a manager that they need (cont.)

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

You actually made the best move out of everyone. I’d work 80 hours per week and not complain if I was getting time and a half.

But seriously, good way to get it off your chest. Don’t worry too much about your coworker, just do your job and build your career! Seems like you have great work ethic and drive.

like

to take breaks and log off early for mental health and wlb. He complained to senior (who is too nice) so much that they gave him two nights a week where he logs off at 6, he openly brags about how he will never take CPA exams, and openly admits that he will leave PA within 1-2 years and is a chronic oversharer/never shuts up while working in office. I get I’m an intern and I’m lucky to have a great team so I’m pretty shielded but I’m still working 65+hrs/week and am really enjoying the work. I can’t stand talking to this staff1, it makes me sick but he’s on my team so I have to pretend we get along. Doubting anyone will read all the way to the end so vent over lol

like

Exactly what EY4 said. Focus on networking with relevant people, ignore this particular douchecanoe

like

Somehow this post generated enough attention to be seen by TheGoingConcern and populate my Google news feed.

Anyway, good for you for having a good work ethic and outlook on life. And it sounds like the hired A1 needs to learn a bit more professional decorum. He is working against the firm by complaining to an intern. I have many items I dislike but I do not speak to my A1 about it, because I want her to form her own opinions and I want to at least set her up for as much success as possible despite my own reservations about the Public Accounting stereotypes and asks of us.

However, I would like to ask the original poster if they really think 55+ hours is reasonable? While hourly, that can be fair, but at a salary rate (we will use 65k for an example) you suddenly go from earning a potential 31.25 an hour to 22.72 an hour.

That is extreme, implying all 52 weeks are compared to a 40 hour work week and 55 hour work week.
But as an intern, statistics would say you don't have much of a life put together yet.
55 hours a week is incredibly detrimental to not only mental health, as it makes you prioritize work over hobbies, physical fitness/health, appointments whether medical or even things like haircuts/appointments.... As well as strains relationships. After 10 to 12 hour days, I don't have the energy to entertain, bond, or give proper attention to my significant other or our teenage daughter.


Again, the Hired A1 you are referring to sounds like he needs to reel it in when talking with actual work colleagues, but he isn't alone in believing that PA is a disaster and not a good way to live your life, certainly your younger years. Public Accounting - especially the Big4 has a massive turnover problem which they have come to expect, and almost welcome. But they also continue to try and push initiatives to make the client experience better and more efficient. That's a catch 22. To offer the clients more efficiency it's best to have an experienced team - so they know what PBCs to expect, where to find them, how they are used and so on... But more often than not each year there are new comers in the associate and senior rolls that never get that mastery of the clients data, meaning it's a constant re-learning. Managers asking associates to send things off shore like it's obvious, but the manager has never once written instructions to a level where an onshore individual could comprehend what to do, let alone to an offshore team separated by 11 hour time differences and language/cultural barriers. You can't write instructions if you don't know what needs to be done.

Public Accounting is littered with ethical issues on the way they treat, train,promote, fail to retain, and almost every aspect of their employer-employee relationship. I think a lot of it has to do with people who went from highschool, to college, to accounting and never had an ounce of real world experience in the industry. They are blind and ignorant, and the world is moving too fast for an older generation of partners and leaders to set obtainable goals with realistic expectations.

So when you hear people complain, whether in your firm, or online... Just because your happy or sufficiently satisfied now, don't think your experiences invalidate others. Just because you can handle something, doesn't mean that others should have to accept it too. Your strengths make you unique. But the A1 of your story's own experiences will make him unique too, as it is people like him which will help drive change and create better working conditions. It's unfortunate that your strengths hinder that, and make somehow a 60-65hour work week acceptable.

Truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving a day, and require a 34 hour reset after 70 hours from consecutive days. Those rules are for road safety, as well as for not letting employers abuse their employees and demand more of them than what is humane. The accounting world just doesn't have that type of regulation. But just because there haven't been laws created, doesn't mean that it's ethically ok to expect people to give a business 60% of their time awake.

Keep up the strong work ethic - but don't let a business take advantage of you. Because by the time you do get burnt out, you'll have just helped perpetuate the cycle for those who come after you.

like

Really appreciate the response and your perspective here. While I recognize the hours may not feel as bad to me as I earn hourly/ot pay and like you said don’t have many obligations outside of work (I.e. family, spouse, etc), largely the reason I find this a1 so insufferable is that similar to me they don’t have many obligations outside work either. The staff in my story started at the firm in January as well so I don’t understand their reasoning for joining public accounting in the first place just to complain about wlb, capitalism, and the hours. Personally, and as you said this will likely change, my outlook is that I’m in my early 20’s with healthy parents and no other family obligations so why not work and learn as much as I can? I almost dread having to slow down and go back to college to get my 150 because I’m eager to get started in the real world.

like

Start taking his work and then delegating to him since that’s what you’re doing anyway and get the stellar review and get him out lol

like

I worked with someone just like that my intern season. Seniors and Managers would assign him returns and he’d say “oh, I can’t take any more. I’ve already gotten 4 new ones today”. It didn’t matter how many I had, I always took them (still do). He lasted one more year and was let go and I’m in my 5th year as staff and have been told to delegate some of my work to the interns and I’ll review their work.
Believe me - they notice. Just do you even when he’s annoying.

like

Everything I said above, paired with constantly having a one-way conversation with himself in public about how toxic our hours are is way more toxic than PA culture😂

Attitude is everything! He’s just a low performer with pre-drafted excuses

like

Forgot to mention possibly the worst part-in office he goes on and on about capitalism being a scam and how he only comes into office to mooch off senior manager for free lunch and coffee. If no one else from our team goes in to office but he’s there he hounds on me to ask people I know in office (because I network) so we can get a free lunch… like maybe you chose the wrong career pal??

Update: senior had me delegate some of my work to this staff1 today lol

Related Posts

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a sex dream about a coworker. ✋🏽😶

likefunnyuplifting

Is anyone hiring?
I am pursuing my Masters in Data science from Indiana University Bloomington and would love to work for data science and data analyst roles.
I am very interested in program management and also have several past leadership skills and would love to work as an intern in project management too if given the opportunity?
Can anyone give me a referral?

like

Anyone work at Putnam? Thoughts on culture, wlb, reputation, etc.?

like

How is tech Mahindra in terms of WLB, job security, work culture and appraisal.
Tech - SAP
YOE - 9

Less than a year before I can retire and not sure I can make it. The stress at home, work and with the aches and pains of my 54 year old body are taking their toll. I wake up every weekday and dread the coming 14 hour day. I live for the bliss of two days off on the weekend when I can attempt to just ignore everything until Monday morning.

like

Currently I work for a mid-sized InsureTech that’s had 2 rounds of layoffs in the past 6 months. Salary is 100k, with no defined bonus. I have close to 4 years of PO experience. I am debating whether I want to leave since my boss is very chill and I have amazing WLB. Benefits are eh. 15 PTO days and healthcare premiums are okay. Should I jump ship? What could I be making at a bigger company? What types of companies are most stable right now?

like

Anyone from Tesla that can give me an internship referral?

like

Good maternity clothes for work???

like

hi lovely people! my friend finished up an AD internship at deutsch and has since been searching. she’ll be visiting london, paris, & NY in the coming weeks and would love to meet with anyone willing!

Neutral colored Louboutins at work, yay/nay? Thinking about the 100mm height in black or nude. Work in tech with all guys at manufacturing client and cautious about being too “fashion forward”.

like

My husband & I are relocating to be closer to family next year. I always assumed I’d stay in my current role until the move, but things at work have become horribly toxic. I can’t stay in this environment for 10 more months. I’ve thought about trying to find a job in the new state that might let me start remote…but that feels like such a long shot. Any other recs? I’m feeling really hopeless & trapped recently.

like

Hello people,
I'm Web developer with experience in the following:
1: Front-end/Back-End developer using Vanilla Front End stack and python/php for Back-End.

2: Cloud computing, I have been working with Google Cloud's firebase and recently started working AWS.

3: Linux, shell, shh, and Git.

4: I have been doing Web scraping, data extraction and autimation using python and it's libraries.

What I'm looking for: an internship in Web Development and/or Web scraping/automation, paid or unpaid.

like

What kind of professional growth can I expect in a digital strategy boutique firm in the next 2 years? I just started my new job after an internship but there hasn't been much growth. I would like to adjust my expectations. Any advice?

like

Currently interviewing for TAM L6 (12 y/o exp). How is the WLB and work hours? - Context: Fully burnt out in my current firm (60 hrs a week)

like
like

Just being honest. I’m fucking over working while being pregnant.

like

I’m a 25F and just took up a Manager position in a consulting firm. I have 6 people reporting into me- all my age or older. I’m having trouble making the team take me seriously as a boss bcz of age

like

How is Hexaware Technologies? Is the culture & WLB good?

like

I can’t stand most women in manager roles and I’m a woman myself. I’d much rather work for a man. There’s no petty bs. Everything is direct and no one gets hurt feelings.

like

More Posts

I am currently looking to switch over from Accenture to GuidePoint Security. Anyone here from GuidePoint Security or knows much about them?

likehelpful

I’ve been producing for nearly 10 years and today a 26 year old social media manager told me to change my callsheet template and provided me a rainbow spreadsheet template to use instead... I quit

likefunny

Can anyone recommend healthy snacks they bring to work? Also specifically looking for more iron and iodine.

like

PSA Supermarket Sweep is on Netflix

likefunnysmarthelpful

Want to get new irons, any recommendations golfers? Play taylormade now but looking at the titleists.

like

What shows are in the same vein as succession and industry that are really good and can keep this ADD girls attention?

likefunny

Is WLB better at Bain?

like

DM me if anyone interested for the below openings.

Post Photo
like

As a manager how many hours is normal to bill per week?

like

Looking for recommendations for a good immigration lawyer in NJ/NY (I live in Jersey City)

like

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

For those who have successfully gotten fit/tone/lost weight…what were the top factors that really make it happen? For me, the times I lost weight were during extreme stress when I’d lost my appetite, or when I first got on Wellbutrin and lost 10 pounds. I am coming off Wellbutrin soon and looking for ways to prevent the weight gain. Thanks for your help!!! 🙏🏻🥺🥺

like

Applying for a EYP Finance M&A Senior Consultant position and was wondering if anyone from the group could tell me more about the services and solutions provided + tips for interviews

Any reviews for PWC Digital Services w.r.t AEM as solution?

TIA

like

1 yr ago I went from full-time to PRN at work. I’ve been there 4 yrs. I told my manager today am taking a full-time position at the other hospital in town. I’ve never been led to feel so shitty in my life. He kept saying how horrible the dept am going is and their people always want to come work at our place. Although I’m PRN he wants 4 weeks again. I said I’m not full time why do I need to give 4 weeks? Well if I don’t, I become ineligible for any future rehire.

like

I hit my juul without thinking on a zoom conference during a 2 hour meeting. Nobody said anything but I definitely got some weird looks. Is this going to bite me in the ass? Should I apologize or just not say anything?

likehelpful

I am looking to make a move as PC in Slalom Canada. Do we have anyone here who can provide referral or recommendation?

likehelpful

Looking to move to NYC within the next year. What’s the job pool look like out there?

like

How would you handle a person at your job that makes inappropriate jokes in public? Just curious ...

likehelpful

Additional Posts in Accounting

What’s your Alvarez & Marsal bonus this year?

like

I didn't get the new senior registration email. Am I fired?

like

How many stoolies do we have on here? #vivalastool

like

Has anyone transferred their hard drive from their work laptop to a desktop?

like

How long did it take you guys to get your CPA once you passed? I am in California and I started the process in October and they still haven't issued me my license.

like

What is ghost ticking

like
likehelpful

Taking BEC on 1/8 and just cracked my book open. Is it feasible? Taking 2 weeks of PTO as well. Thanks!

like

How do you leave on two weeks notice? What order to tell people (hr, managers/partners on impacted engagements, then others)?

like

Got offered to go to RSM from a big four with a 40% raise and a promotion. I should make manager this round if I stay so promotion isn’t that big of a deal. Should I take it? I’ll have smaller clients, but think I’ll really shine there too. Less work, more pay... I could always go back to my current firm. Thoughts?

likehelpful

Have you ever left a job bc of bad cultural fit?

like

Turbotax or HR Block for taxes and why? First time filing without my parents. Nothing complex just taking the standard deduction

like

Anybody been coached out this summer? I had a bad year, though my work was great and utilization high, I wasn’t “managing” the engagement well enough... so got held back. $0 raise, $0 bonus.

like

What are your long term salary goals?

likesmart

What was the compensation increase for first year seniors in the pacific south west region?

like

What are the rules about dating someone that works for your audit client?

likesmart

Has anyone from PwC know yet if they’ve been promoted? When do they usually start telling you?

like

Anyone know where I can get a free 4 hour ethics course for CPE? I'm no longer at EY

like

My compensator communicator told me that I’m amongst the highest raises for someone who completed 1st year as a manager. I’m in a high COL&advisory. 120K base &16K bonus. Is that super high? TIA

like

Have you successfully negotiated a raise in PA?

like

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