Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I left B4 2 years ago after looking at all the energy I was putting into work and realizing the toll it put on me physically, mentally, and socially. I was working 2700-2800 hours every year and gone 4 nights a week.

No one could believe I was willing to take a pay cut to go to a local firm and work 400-500 less hours a year. Now, I work at a firm where decisions are made to keep people under 60 hours in spring busy season, at 36 in the summer, and at 40 the rest of the year (total hours, not just charge). I have no regrets about my decision and that I don't need to pressure people to do more all the time.

likehelpful

It’s good to hear however math works out to be above 100% utilization still? I guess it really depends upon the group you are working in. In my group at Manager, Big4, utilization goal (charged hours) is only 78-80%. 2,800 is just too much to even think of. Cutting 400-500 hours still makes you over 100% and taking a cut plus local firm sounds a difficult decision. Of course, it would have made sense to you running 2800 hours already. What is chargeable goal across levels?

This is 100% right. I worked 80 hour weeks for 6 weeks on top of work 60+ hour weeks for 6 months and still felt like (and was told) I didn’t work hard enough. I recently left because I realized that no matter how hard I work, I still had “opportunity to grow.” It’s awful for people mental health to be told to work like that and then still focus on what went wrong. Like it’s led to confidence issues in my personal life because I don’t ever feel like I’m good enough or if I make a mistake, I’m an awful person.

like

Thank you! I quit recently and I am feeling a ton better. This article just brought up a lot of feelings from busy season. I just wish the right people would read this article and take actions. I have a ton of friends in public accounting and I hope they can help lead a culture change. I know us accounts have it bad, but lawyers have it a ton worse

like
Recent IconRecent

Great article Honestly I don’t know how or why you B4 people do it. Hell I work 1800 BH a year and I feel burned out all the tome. I feel like even that is borderline unhealthy. Then I hear 2500+ That is truly insanity. You’re basically making minimum wage with those hours. That’s no way to live. If you were making a million dollars and you did it for 5 years to retire at 40, ok. But you aren’t

like

I am with you buddy and this article sums up the harsh reality pretty well. Up or Out policy sucks and I was being let go being an average performer compared to peers who have become slaves to say the least working non stop.

like

Ey5- I guess you didn’t get to the brainwashing part of the article. 😄

like

Oh man, this hits the nail on the head

like

This is why people keep bringing up the idea of a union.

like

Stop it with the union talk. Will never happen nor should it.

funny

Thanks so much for sharing this. I see a lot of insecurity like this in myself and my colleagues, and I have been struggling with burnout. I’ve been focusing on being more disciplined with wellness to address this, but find that I keep running into the same challenges.

like

Personally I don’t see this. I’m a manager now, but coming up the ranks, most of my teams really stressed work life balance. I constantly am telling people now to log off at 5:30 (or whenever they get their 8 hours in), and I log off as well. Smaller office though, so maybe that’s why?

like

Yeah I got lucky for sure.

I’ll read it in the morning, but what’s the remedy?

like

K1 - When I said maverick leader I meant CEO. But you’re right it’s not in their best interest to line their pockets. That’s why I said it was a pipe dream.

This article is completely accurate!

like

I definitely see some of this in myself. The culture of overwork is so toxic. Thankfully my office is more on the chill side, but I’ve still caught myself in this weird competitive mentality.

like

Related Posts

Boutique or big 4?

I'm currently an ops manager at a big 4 in London and received an offer from a small boutique firm with 25-30% pay rise.

I'm also in the process with Accenture but I feel like I'm not sure if I'd jump just for the money but also change in environment.
What type of things would you be asking yourself if you were in my shoes and debating to jump ship?

like

Anyone here looking for an accounting manager in industry? I have five years of experience including regional firm, Big 4, and industry. Recently, I moved into consulting but it’s a bit uncertain with trying to get clients, plus I’m ready for management. Looking mainly for a small private or public company in retail, media, advertising, publishing. Thank you! I’m in Dallas, but open for remote work!

likefunny

Hi! I just got converted to full time as a intern, and received this email about 401k which I don’t quite understand. Does the 3% means the match that company gives to me for free? So I don’t have to contribute anything to my 401k while getting free 3% match money? Thank you!!

Post Photo

Product Design Engineer, interviewing at Apple (Cupertino) and at Meta (Seattle/Redmond). Not at the offer stage yet, but I'm contemplating where I would relocate with family.
No idea about team/culture/stability differences yet.

The non-work factors I'm debating are:
1. Cost-of-living (housing!). Could probably afford a nice ~$1.25M SFH in Seattle suburbs sooner than a fair $1.5-2M near Cupertino.
2. Public School quality. Unsure private will be affordable.
3. Weather/region: activities

like

I’m currently a Manager with 8 YOE, half of it in a mid-tier consulting firm and the other in a Big 4. Starting to look for an exit to industry and aiming for 220-250K base. Currently at $170K base and specializing in cyber security - is this too aggressive a target and if so, what should be my target for base + anything else (with the split)?

likehelpful

Anyone delaying a car purchase due to Covid to see how everything pans out?

likehelpful

I’d love honest reactions to help ease my mind. I’ve been paying lower rent (like 1400) in HCOL city last few years. Finally debt free from grad school as of this year. Total comp is now low 200k. Does 2800 for rent (im looking at new leases this week) feel high? Moderate? Just want a pulse check on if I’m being reasonable with the 2800, compared to how others think about it. I think it’s ok given HCOL and I now work from home. Disclaimer: this isn’t humble brag stuff. I just want real advice.

like

Curious for some advice…

I currently have a Cap One Venture card. I have had it for a couple of years now but I am interested in upgrading to a Venture X card.

No promotion has been offered to me to upgrade my existing Venture card to a Venture X card.

Should I wait until that promotion is offered to me? Or would it be dumb to apply for a Venture X card separately and a) hold both cards or b) close out the original Venture card.

like
like

Ripple XRP - Bloomberg terminal, bank partnerships, Amex, and more - Forbes, Fortune, Business Insider articles - recent jump to $0.74

like

How much does it cost to buy into Big 4 as a partner?

likehelpful

Hello Gang, Trying to evaluate a offer I just received. The offer need to relocated from Minneapolis to Palo Alto area. Tech company. HR roles(title downgrade). YOE 6. Base comp is 125k with 10% bonus and 15k RSU. Not sure if this is enough for married couples, early 30 no kid but plan to have family. Total house hold pretax 250k. We feel this might not be enough from the post we see. Should we make the move? Though please

like

Uber credit card vs CSR?

like

My wife is using my credit card too much.
Monthly around 13K.

Everytime I confronted her the ending is always the same, I loose the argument and end up paying everything.

like

Experts - Best redemption option for Amex reward points (the ones that come with standard green Corp Amex card)??? I use them on Amazon but checking to see what other options are better...

like

new to investing. have done some research - reading blogs and a few books on investing. I still have the question of do individuals that take the index fund route… do you all purchase the same funds for different accounts? Example, would you invest in VTSAX across a brokerage and roth account, or would you take a different approach for each account?

like

I just logged in for open enrollment and see that my benefit costs are increasing quite a bit. Family of 4 - medical/dental/vision will be about $345/pay period plus whatever I contribute to my HSA. Is this the norm now or is this way too much? We are also on an income based rate plan and I recently crossed into the bottom of the most expensive tier so it’s an even bigger hit over the normal YoY increase.

Looking for recommendation - books, blogs, podcasts etc to learn about investment in stocks, bonds, options, commodities etc? TIA!

like

For those whose big 4 employers sponsored their visa to the US, how long are you required to work for that firm before leaving?

like

Welcome to indirect tax, where the exemptions are made up and client's data doesn't matter

like

More Posts

Little brother is graduating undergrad with plans to go to grad school. What’s an appropriate cash gift amount?

like

Hi IQVIA friends, I am looking for some guidance here. Currently designated at Indegene as pre-sales solutions manager but work pre and post sales till delivery construct gets matured. Have experience in solutioning and strategising commercial and non commercial global content & web production, marketing communications and Omnichannel campaign, along with Patient Support Program design. 6yrs of experience Any roles that fit my skills at Iqvia ?

like

actively searching in sql+aws cloud domain. need referrals

like

Subletting my apt starting mid Nov (flexible with dates and price). Catalyst Chicago, West Loop, Luxury apts, 2b/2b. Please DM me if you or anyone you know may be interested!

Hello, I’m currently a student at the university of minnesota studying health service administration. I’ve decided to switch over to tech, and begin learning more about front end development. If anyone would like to connect and has any more information please leave a comment! :)

like

Hey fishes, Got an offer from Schneider Electric. Can someone please help me with below queries: How is work life balance at Schneider Electric ?
What all locations have their offices? And is it really possible to get internal relocation?

like

Hi Fishes,
Suppose my mechanical engineering experience is 4 years
After that I worked in data science for 1 year
Later on
Can I show my past 4 years experience as data science experience when appearing for next interview.

like

Currently in salary negotiations for converting from a consultant to an FTE with Fortune 50 financial institution. Role will be Senior Product Owner (Vice President). I have 10+ years direct experience as a Product Owner (also served as a Product Manager within a company). Top performer, excellent references, and has demonstrated success in role as a consultant. What are some typical salaries of Senior Product Owners with similar experience? Location is Charlotte, NC.

like

Anyone else sickened by Amy’s use of her black kids as props? You didn’t have to tell us that those two black kids were adopted, but way to make them feel different.

like

How long am I going to wait for DJ41 fluted, jubilee?

like

Had salary discussion on Feb 2
Got selected in final round mail on feb 4
Hr said offer letter will released by Feb 7
Didn't get the offer letter
Still shows shortlisted in portal
What should I do now?

You guys know about AI trading system? It’s actually the most efficient way to trade right now. Everyone in it is actually making over $1500 — $2000 weekly

like

Multiple open positions for the Support domain at VMware, interested please DM.

Post Photo
like

Any agencies looking for an intermediate team?

like

Is it possible to get a convenient location transfer in LTIMindtree? Or it can be decided only after the project allocation?

like

Hey everyone!
I'd love to get your feedback on our subscription marketing service.

My partner and I created a cost-effective subscription so small / medium-sized businesses could focus more running their business and strategies without the need to hire in-house, manage multiple freelancers, or fight with agencies.

We do this with a proprietary Workspace so marketing managers can delegate projects, connect with our team, and download completed work / files.

What are your initial thoughts?

like

Parthenon hiring at the moment? The EY careers site seems to be under construction until End of Month. Senior associate level.

like

Favorite science show to watch as kid?

like

I'm shocked by the number of parents who don't understand the basics of technology/internet. I don't mind helping them, but it is time-consuming one on one. I wish the school would have training for them.

likehelpful

I’ve been with company for a little over 3 years as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. There’s been recent changes within Leadership that has caused everyone to leave, except myself. My workload has increased and I’ve taken on a bulk of the work as we rebuild our team. All recent hires on my team, same role as me, has been receiving a much higher salary. Of course the market has changed since I’ve been here however, the newbies are reaping the benefits of it. How should I request for a raise?

like

Additional Posts in Accounting

As a senior, I am dealing with trying to get answers from management but those above me want to be the filter and asker of all questions with the client. That is fine, each team has a preference.

But the questions do not seem to get asked or when they do the answer isn't right. How do others deal with this issue?

like

Had anyone gotten a PIP, put in your notice to quit, and was asked/convinced to stay?

like

How much do senior tax analyst positions pay in LA and San Fran? If I’m making 130k as an S2 in NYC, is it possible to jump to 160k range?

like

What is your monthly grocery bill and how many people/pets are in your household? Trying to see what a reasonable budget would be. Thanks!

like

Who ultimately decides the compensation offered to a candidate when being hired? Recruiter only? Hiring manager? Trying to figure out what aspects of the offer are owned by each person involved in the recruiting process (salary, sign-on bonus, level, etc).

like

thinking about taking a serious pay cut to have a life. my biggest concern is if I regret the change. PA does offer some wonderful opportunities. just wondering if I can last.

like

Can you use EY connect portal to book personal travel? Then pay Amex directly for cost? I know u need to allocate it to a code, maybe an internal code and call in internal travel? Found a good deal

like

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

likesmart

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

Let's set some goals together. What do you want to accomplish this week?

uplifting

Please tell me that somebody out there agrees: the new Google suite rebranding looks all the same and I can’t remember how many times I opened google maps when I wanted mail and opened meets when I wanted calendar. C’mon Google! What the heck!

likefunny

Partners or whomever can help me understand about billing and hours. To keep things simple, let’s say you only have one staff to work 1,700 billable hours a year on a $60k salary and you have only one job that and the rate charged to the client is $300/hour and an projected hours budget of 1,700 hours. So ideally you would have revenue of $510k. If the staff takes less time partners make less money and if they take more time partners make more money while the staff keeps the same salary?

like

Have you ever seen clients leave "intentional" errors in their financials to see if their auditors find them? Sometimes I feel like some clients leave hidden bombs hoping they can get away with them.

like

Do you know when we hear about raises, PBB this year?

like

Best cpa prep course/materials?

like

How do you all meet people? I work 60 or more hours a week and travel around 70% of the year. I'm not really a tinder type person, but I'm about desperate enough to try anything these days.

like

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

like

Just got through my first year end review cycle. Employment is still intact even though I'm on a PIP so that is a huge relief considering what I've been reading here.

like

What to say on compensation calls? They give u the numbers. You say ok. What else?

like

Hello Fishes
Got an offer from Deloitte as senior, audit private for 76k Toronto.. Is it Senior 1 or 2..
Do I accept the offer
Thanks in advance

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