Truth is, I’m scared 😕 I’m a 31 year old woman starting my career at Big 4. Aside from not knowing what to expect, I want to make sure I have the energy and stamina to keep up with work’s demand. I have no husband and no children. I still live with my family. I plan to start in the gym to build some momentum. I would love advice from everyone to navigate at least the first 2 years of my career. What do you for energy and stamina? And especially what do you do during that time of the month?

I started my career at a big 4 only 3 years ago. I am 40. If you go in with an open mind and ability to take constructive criticism from people 5-10 years younger than you, you will be okay.

I’m going give an honest answer of my experiences

Back in the day cpa firms especially big four wouldn’t hire you unless you had 150 credit hours to sit for the cpa exam. So I worked a fund accounting while getting my ms in tax eventually at age 26 got into smaller cpa firms. Which in my opinion small CPA firms sucked. often times I was the only female, little female leadership, long hours, non interesting work, and the grind was real Eventually I got on at one of the big four - more interesting work but Tough conceptually. I was always proud of the work I did there. Idk it’s a hard game - keep utilization high, find the people that are rooting for you and stick to them.

Also know this doesn’t have to be the rest of your career. You can take this experience pivot into something else.

Congrats on getting on at the big four that’s not easy especially older you get 👏 you re going to be fine :)

I came in as an experienced hire at 35. Just do your best and know you’ll get through it. It’s normal to worry but you’re not special (in a good way) or out of place. You belong and you can do it!

I started as an audit associate at 31. The first year was really hard, especially since I was put on new clients after busy season officially ended. It sounds sad, but I slowly got used to the long busy season hours. Protect your health- get enough sleep, try to eat well, and move your body. It's hard to set boundaries when you first start but try to recognize when you're at that point where you need a break. It's best in the long run. It also helps to know how to work best (e.g. when you're most productive). I'd definitely recommend getting your CPA exams done ASAP before you get more responsibilities, so you have more options if you want to quit. Good luck!

Single, 31 female also. My advice for your personal life - automate as much of your tasks and chores and batch appointments or errands to have more time for other aspects of life or work. You’re bound to get tired and forget at some point.

1. For finances, set up your credit cards to auto pay, set up automatic recurring investments in different accounts, set up automatic transfers from checking to savings, etc.
2. Get an automatic robot vacuum and schedule it to run when you’re at the office.
3. Set up reoccurring subscriptions for things you consistently buy
4. For pet - get an automatic feeder. Mine is for seven days so I only have to refill the kibble once a week.
5. Figure out when you are i busy season so that you can schedule appointments and events outside of busy season. For example, 2 weeks before my busy season starts, I will do my annual check up with my doctor, dentist appointment, vet appointment, car detail, home maintenance work, haircut, and facial all in the same week. Get birthday presents and cards that will happen during the busy season ready in advance.
6. If you travel for work, have a to go carry on luggage ready with 2 days of work clothes, pajamas, toiletries, and electronic cables so that you have less to pack when a last-minute trip comes up.
7. Have a specific day each week that you batch your errands and chores. After I work out every Saturday morning, I run all of my errands like dropping off packages, doing curbside pick up for groceries, get gas, and treat myself to lunch or a coffee. I’ll come home and meal prep for the week, clean my house, do laundry, etc.
8. I use my Google calendar and have my work calendar pulled into it so I can see personal and work all in the same place. I use Apple health to track my periods. I will add the expected days my period will happen to my Google calendar. I will start taking Midol the day before it is expected based off of my Google calendar to minimize cramps.

If you have an assigned desk that you are not switching from constantly, I make sure my drawer is stocked of the vitamins and medicine I take, healthy snacks, and a pair of UGGs. My feet get tired during busy season and I will switch to my UGGs if I’m late at the office, usually after 7 PM. I also keep a pair in my car because they’re comfier to drive in than heels and loafers.

I started at 42. I didn’t struggle with energy. The fact that you are not married and don’t have kids helps. It will still be difficult during busy season but I think you will be fine.

No need to be scared! As a new associate they don't expect you to know much on your own. You will usually be able to refer to the prior year work papers as an example for anything you do and you'll have the senior associate to guide you. The hours can be long, but just have the goal of putting in a few years to get your CPA exam and then leaving for better work-life balance. Just keep your head down and try your best, but don't forget to take care of yourself as best you can.

I started at Big 4 at 30 years old. I didnt struggle with energy until I was pregnant when I was 32. Never really recovered from that.

I started working in call centers fresh out of high school then pursued entrepreneurship after that. 10 years post graduation from high school, I decided to start a career as an accountant.

I’ve done this and I had a 4 year old at the time. You can do it! Dive in! Take the opportunity if you want to travel…tell them you’re willing to take on travel assignments when they come up. It will be crazy hours, but you will build so many amazing connections along the way, some good friends I still keep up with years later, and some professional. But dive in with your whole heart and be willing to take different assignments as different experiences. The more industries you can get experience with, the better.

Girl you got this! I came to this country with experience worked at PWC in Brazil. Started here at mid size firm at 28. Still am in public after 16 yrs. Just pace yourself today environment allows for flexibility take advantage! As long as you learn is responsible and accountable, you will be fine! Good luck. 🍀

Well I started at BDO at 44 single mom with a 5 year old as an experienced audit associate. Had to pull 55 billables. I got it done. With no other responsibilities you'll do just great. Go to all the stupid office parties and get to know the co workers your not much older than those right out of college. So im sure you can make some friends. Make sure to ask questions and keep notes on workpapers that apply to all the work you'll be doing. Keep some examples of it for your own benefit.

Congratulations! I haven’t worked Big4, but have pulled some decent hours during the thick of busy season in audit. I generally work better late than early so I have developed the ability to work late into the evening and sleep until I had to get ready in the morning. Others are the opposite and can wake up at 4-4:30 and get good uninterrupted work in. Also plan for working Sat/Sun during busy times. Make sure your family knows and that you appreciate them not guilt tripping you for working. You’re probably going to want to sleep or relax when you have the opportunity.

As an associate it’s important to join social events. Dinner or drinks when others are going out. Establishing those relationships is important with your seniors and above especially. They’ll think of you when they have charge work. Always respond to emails as soon as you can and if you use dedicated blocking for your day let people know how to reach you if urgent.

Also the most important for any associate is to ask questions! The sooner you can work independently the better for your seniors and above. This comes from being a constant pest and asking and learning. Cling to those who are good teachers.

Find someone who feels to be a good mentor for you and stick/build relationship with them. It’s good to have an advocate as you grow your career in firm. Also, you can always split personal and work life, but jst be ready during busy season hours would be around 55 hrs and more depending on your client. Best of luck to you!