Quitting my Big 4 Accounting Job

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 18 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 84

  • @JohnHobitakis
    @JohnHobitakis Місяць тому +22

    “From the outside, everybody wanted to get in; and from the inside, everybody wanted to get out” ~ Peter Theil quote. He was referring to his experience as a new lawyer at one of the top firms.

  • @tten8192
    @tten8192 6 місяців тому +19

    I just quit my big4 job last week, I also felt so relieved and at peace once I sent that resignation notice. Congratulations and best of luck in your future

    • @AlexandraLee-1
      @AlexandraLee-1  6 місяців тому

      im so glad you are at peace. thank you!! and best of luck to you as well

  • @GnarshredProductions
    @GnarshredProductions 6 місяців тому +21

    Dont give up on accounting career just because of one bad experience at a "Big Four" firm. There are so many opportunities in the field of accounting and finance it is a good career path. Try to find a small local CPA/accounting firm that works with small businesses that sort of work is a lot more fun and rewarding than being in a cult corporate environment. Im at a small firm and I love the work I do nobody micromanages me and after only one year I am already doing most sections of the audit and preparing the financial statements If I have a question I just ask the partner who has over 30 years experience and he teaches me how to do everything.

  • @yoochul6215
    @yoochul6215 6 місяців тому +21

    Congrats on leaving! I wasn't in the big four but was in multiple different corporate companies and had the exact same experience. I just quit a month ago myself and from what I got out of it: working long hours for pennies (even though I was making six figures), major decline in mental health eventually affecting my physical health, corporate politics is real and i'm not about it, got major ptsd from the chimes of outlook and teams, hated every second working and not working because all i could think about was work or the thought of having to go/login to work during the weekends or PTO, the stress anxiety gave me such bad heart palpitations, headaches and strained neck muscles, got no energy for anything. I still had anxiety during my last 2 weeks but after it was over is when I felt peace but I still get ptsd from the outlook and teams chimes. I will never work in corporate accounting again or any corporate job ever again. The only thing i regret was not quitting earlier so i commend you on taking early action to change your life for the better. Wishing you luck!

    • @AlexandraLee-1
      @AlexandraLee-1  6 місяців тому

      im so sorry you experienced so much stress and anxiety from your job. i completely understand. the ptsd from teams is so real. a job is not worth your mental health and im so happy you are taking care of you. wishing you peace and happiness my friend. we got this

    • @alterboy1
      @alterboy1 5 місяців тому

      Thank you for sharing. The ptsd with the outlook chimes is so accurate lmao

  • @historicalmind1533
    @historicalmind1533 Місяць тому +4

    Sounds like my exact experience at a big four. My friends that still work there have no life and are miserable but refuse to quit for some reason. Quitting was 100% the right decision for me

  • @rajkumarsenapaty1793
    @rajkumarsenapaty1793 4 місяці тому +2

    I can understand your pain Alex. Even i am also worried about my health and mental peace as well. I had served 3 busy seasons. Appreciate and hatsupp to your decision. You will do great.

  • @Rich24870
    @Rich24870 26 днів тому +3

    Did almost 5 years in Public Accounting. Wish I left earlier. You have made one of the best decisions of your life, I promise you. And I don't make promises, like, at all.

  • @donkard
    @donkard 4 місяці тому +4

    I work in consulting at the big4 and feel the exact same way! Happy that you had the courage to leave

  • @hhour2096
    @hhour2096 3 місяці тому +3

    Congrats on standing up for your values! You’re right that we only get one life. So what are you doing now? Where’s the update video?

  • @imsuperman350
    @imsuperman350 9 днів тому

    We need an update video!

  • @Akirameowxp
    @Akirameowxp 7 місяців тому +15

    It’s not easy to quit something you worked so hard for. Good luck!

    • @AlexandraLee-1
      @AlexandraLee-1  7 місяців тому +2

      absolutely thank you for the well wishes

  • @Focused_Lari
    @Focused_Lari 16 днів тому

    Where the videos at?? GREAT VIDEO!

  • @Horatiojohnsonn
    @Horatiojohnsonn Місяць тому +2

    Audit is known to suck, I wouldn’t completely write off the field entirely as not every place is like that. That type of job is not for everyone, glad to hear that you did what was right for you.

  • @thephotochad
    @thephotochad 7 днів тому

    Good for you, Chica. Best of luck.

  • @M-ih3ly
    @M-ih3ly 5 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing. I’d be interested in another video about your big 4 experience

  • @Kpop2dance
    @Kpop2dance 21 день тому

    I am very proud of you! You are going to be good! don't worry!

  • @samrusoff
    @samrusoff Місяць тому +2

    How come no follow up video on what you're doing now, 5 months later?

  • @chandleryan1347
    @chandleryan1347 Місяць тому

    Go with what your heart says. Rooting for you!

  • @liambraithewaite6415
    @liambraithewaite6415 21 день тому +1

    The email is crazy. Stress out your whole workforce when only a portion is getting laid off. The mentality in these companies is insane

  • @Anum-t3h
    @Anum-t3h 4 дні тому

    I feel like every public accounting like this. I worked in boutique public accounting and day 1 was miserable to the point it was making me sick and i had enough

  • @lonelytraveller4222
    @lonelytraveller4222 7 місяців тому +5

    You go girl! Find your joy and happiness in life! Great decision!

  • @nicholasamore1508
    @nicholasamore1508 13 днів тому

    I’m at a T10 but I sympathize with this video. After busy season, my claw back clauses won’t trigger anymore (so I don’t have to pay back my bonus). I’m def quitting.

  • @erica653
    @erica653 4 місяці тому +4

    corporate jobs are definitely all like this. good for you you are free

  • @deersakamoto2167
    @deersakamoto2167 19 днів тому +1

    "below minimum wage (if you take hours of work into account".."$74k/year"
    Given the $15 min wage in Boston, that's 95 hours a week of work. Did you work 13.5 hours a day without weekends?

  • @wendydate8799
    @wendydate8799 4 місяці тому

    I dont know you but im so proud of you! Greater things lie ahead for you❤ all the best!

  • @jnkvngz2965
    @jnkvngz2965 Місяць тому

    thanks for sharing your experience alex

  • @MS-37
    @MS-37 2 місяці тому +1

    It must be nice to have an education in a field that pays well and has employment opportunities. It’s hard out here with know degree or certification

  • @risecelestialstudios
    @risecelestialstudios 7 місяців тому +2

    Love this !!

  • @valentinsaik6754
    @valentinsaik6754 4 місяці тому

    so.. how's your recovering going? Are you feeling better now?

  • @Dynomite611
    @Dynomite611 Місяць тому

    Honestly, big 4 isn’t the way to go that’s what a lot of people told me. Starting at a smaller firm could be better but it has a lot to do with the team you’re on. I studied and got my cpa and that’s all I ever wanted. Once I got my cpa, I was very depressed because I felt empty. The turning point for me was also during a busy season, I was in the midst of my 5th season. I literally logged off for 30 seconds to get dinner at 8pm. My manager hit me up and was like don’t sign off, we have work to do. I was like can I finish eating?

  • @tommyseacat3580
    @tommyseacat3580 7 днів тому +1

    Micro management is unbelievably bad. I lived this nightmare for years.

  • @TheTruckMeister
    @TheTruckMeister 5 місяців тому +1

    What service line? While there are big culture and workload problems in larger firms right now, I still see lots of lucrative opportunities being in the accounting profession.

    • @shalinireddy7120
      @shalinireddy7120 4 місяці тому +2

      The fact that she said that the work is copy paste I believe it’s Audit

  • @FinancewithXibaobao
    @FinancewithXibaobao 5 місяців тому +5

    Why every Big 4 accounting about 25? There's so many quitting and starting UA-cam. I'm also 25 but in IT nothing like FAANG. Did they scar everyone in layoffs?

    • @ramu992
      @ramu992 5 місяців тому +5

      not layoffs they overwork you

    • @donkard
      @donkard 4 місяці тому +4

      They overwork you and there were layoffs recently. But once you work at a big4 they control your life

  • @JackhammerPossessor
    @JackhammerPossessor 4 дні тому +1

    why would you quit the last week of the month? everyone knows to have your last day early in a month.

  • @MrAhuraMazda
    @MrAhuraMazda Місяць тому

    I quit Big 4 3 months ago and loved it...for a week and this job market BLOWS now im fucked. Well, feels like it now.
    And even in the prestigious M&A group all Associates are "resources" literally looked at like nothing

  • @geovani__marketing
    @geovani__marketing 5 місяців тому

    Good luck on your journey

  • @charlese8361
    @charlese8361 4 місяці тому +6

    was it Deloitte? Sounds like it lol

  • @anthony00055
    @anthony00055 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your experience in public accounting. I went into private accounting after college. It's about the same but on a smaller scale. Has it been difficult finding a position outside of accounting since you have your masters?

  • @hrbllc4206
    @hrbllc4206 Місяць тому +2

    Yeah you are repeating everything I’ve said the last 7 years of my life. I tried to stay in the field (tax side) and it’s been a pain. But I spent those years figuring out what’s next. Figure it out and never look back!

  • @SurpriseMeJT
    @SurpriseMeJT Місяць тому

    The same thing is happening everywhere. In nearly any area of corporations.

  • @nj2mddude205
    @nj2mddude205 2 місяці тому

    Have you considered a job as an internal revenue agent? I worked (now retired) at the IRS and found it challenging to examine the tax records of entities/individuals.The job requires someone who can work independently and is capable of teleworking from home. No copying and pasting involved. But you need analytical and writing skills.

  • @AaronD313
    @AaronD313 8 днів тому +1

    bro how is being a resource offensive, thats crazy

    • @emilyau8023
      @emilyau8023 2 дні тому

      Because it takes a person's identity as a person away? Hello?

    • @AaronD313
      @AaronD313 День тому

      @ hahaha when you work for someone you have a job to do as if you’re a robot. I guess men understand this we’re used to it

  • @Mattallla
    @Mattallla 28 днів тому

    Valid feelings

  • @coffeepandacat
    @coffeepandacat 10 днів тому

    This is very normal a lot of people quit big 4. No worries

  • @lanalipstickIRL
    @lanalipstickIRL 2 місяці тому

    Well tell us more!

  • @glitchgod3868
    @glitchgod3868 5 місяців тому +3

    It's a giant mice lab

  • @9191doobius
    @9191doobius 25 днів тому

    I have accountant friends that work for large corps, 1 with big 4, and all of them hate it. I think you made the right decision. I’m sure there are more fulfilling accounting jobs out there. But honestly I don’t recommend looking for fulfillment from a job. It’s possible in some fields but to me it doesn’t seem like accounting is one of them. Get married and have a family, that’s my suggestion. It’s much better than being a corporate slave. But good luck I hope you find what you’re looking for.

  • @stevenwebbjrhistory
    @stevenwebbjrhistory 4 місяці тому

    Good for you

  • @tommyseacat3580
    @tommyseacat3580 7 днів тому +1

    74k sounds like a lot. Don't forget then government steals what 25 percent of that before you get it. Then when you go to buy something they take another 9 to 16 percent so. Really you made no where near 74k. More like 37k

    • @emilyau8023
      @emilyau8023 2 дні тому

      It's not 25 percent, and it's not stealing. Go find a remote island that has no civilization if you mind paying taxes that in some way always benefits you. You did earn 74k that's why you take home more than with minimum wage and you can retain more by utilizing other deductions.

  • @hsb_116
    @hsb_116 4 місяці тому +8

    “You will ruin your life”, your life will literally be ruined if you stay at a job you don’t enjoy and are miserable 🥲
    Good luck on your future endeavors and may you find something that treats at least human :)

  • @BrokeAgain
    @BrokeAgain Місяць тому +1

    youtube is not gonna pay bills, different algo

  • @WW-lm5ji
    @WW-lm5ji 4 місяці тому

    I respect your choice to leave. I can’t see anything good about accounting cause of the number of hours, and the low pay, excessive overtime. Perhaps it is different working in private accounting but I regret my choice to get a degree in accounting.

    • @marvinramirez5586
      @marvinramirez5586 Місяць тому

      If someone is going for private accounting is it worth getting a CPA at this point?

    • @Ffollies
      @Ffollies Місяць тому

      Not all accounting jobs are the same. I'd never work for a big 4 firm. I did a few years in public accounting for smaller firms but that was just to gain experience. Also did a few years in private. Now I'm in government, working 40 hours a week, plenty of paid leave and retirement benefits, and a salary that more than pays the bills. Working for these big firms are not the way to go if you want a work/life balance.

  • @lukelacasse6412
    @lukelacasse6412 15 днів тому

    You were at a Big 4. Obviously you are smart. Do not stop being an accountant. yes, it can be boring and you have closing every month but you are in a good spot. Don't stop using your mind. ok, you are at the bottom.........but in 10 years you will be the manager. Think about it

  • @Ffollies
    @Ffollies Місяць тому

    Try to get a job with government. City, county and state are less stressful than Federal but they all have great benefits and usually you're working 40 hours a week. Salary isn't great, but all the paid leave and retirement benefits more than make up for it.

  • @raymond_sycamore
    @raymond_sycamore 2 місяці тому

    Paging Aaron Clarey, paging Aaron Clarey.

  • @Dyna_Rev
    @Dyna_Rev 2 місяці тому

    Hope you find what it is you're looking for😊

  • @coldplayer9403
    @coldplayer9403 25 днів тому

    This is hilarious ngl

  • @Twestliw
    @Twestliw 3 місяці тому

    This is literally ever big four big law big banks

  • @jasono.1629
    @jasono.1629 25 днів тому

    Hmm I think you’re misinterpreting corporate behavior. Calling you a “resource” for their department should be considered a compliment (all firms in all other industries also use that term). They are hovering over you to make sure you finish your work in a timely manner because past Gen Z hires of theirs had very low productivity (not a personal thing against you). It would have gone away eventually. Also $75k is normal for zero experience fresh outta college (get roommates). Not sure what you are thinking, probably just your naivety.
    I think a very small (less than 50 people) boutique company would be better for you, but the pay will always be lower than market price then.

    • @emilyau8023
      @emilyau8023 2 дні тому

      Boot licker is what I see. Drank too much of the corporate kool-aid.

  • @willgurr
    @willgurr 2 місяці тому +1

    You're 20 something...you have no idea what a corporate slave life is

  • @martinhopaour5744
    @martinhopaour5744 7 місяців тому +2

    No charismA

    • @AlexandraLee-1
      @AlexandraLee-1  7 місяців тому +7

      i have been a bit jaded lately ngl; however, it has never been a strength of mine. It is something I am actively working on. Thank you for watching!

    • @martinhopaour5744
      @martinhopaour5744 7 місяців тому +4

      @@AlexandraLee-1 sorry for the hate.. lets go! subscribed

  • @Max-us5xl
    @Max-us5xl 3 дні тому

    bro HR literally stands for Human Resources, so yes you are resource

    • @emilyau8023
      @emilyau8023 2 дні тому

      But she doesn't want to be in that type of environment where people are referred to as resources. My company doesn't even refer to people that way.

  • @Jgibson092
    @Jgibson092 Місяць тому

    Scam

  • @Missbeauty2025
    @Missbeauty2025 4 місяці тому +1

    I am contemplating quitting my job as an auditor by the end of this year. After 6 years of anxiety, stress and long working hours, I don’t think I can sustain it any longer!!
    My work anthem - ua-cam.com/video/mj1dd0Kcq8A/v-deo.htmlsi=eQlz6p5PbtU9EAea