Job Advice Needed
Hello everyone,
I’m seeking some advice regarding my career trajectory. Two years ago, I started my first job out of school as a staff accountant at a smaller company. The pay was decent and the team was fantastic, but I felt there wasn’t much potential for growth. After a little over a year, I was recruited by a top 10 public Accounting firm where I interned, to work as a consultant (not in Audit or tax). They made me an amazing offer that I found hard to refuse, and I likely wouldn’t have left my first job if it hadn’t come along.
Now, after about 8 months in this new role, I’m starting to have doubts. I’m finding the busy season hours challenging and I have a growing preference for working in industry rather than public Accounting. My internship at this firm was part-time, so I didn’t get a complete sense of the work environment, and I anticipated that it might differ from my expectations. There’s also been a lot of turnover on my team, which adds to the discomfort.
My main concern is the brevity of my experience if I decide to look for a new job again. I’ve read that frequently changing jobs early in your career isn’t necessarily a huge concern, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. I know I need to weigh all the advice carefully and ultimately make my own decision. Thank you!
One response
Hi there,
It sounds like you’re in a challenging yet common situation that many professionals face early in their careers. Transitioning from an initial role to a consulting position within a well-respected firm is a significant step, but it’s equally important to prioritize your happiness and career satisfaction.
Here are a few points to consider as you weigh your options:
Evaluate Your Goals: Take some time to reflect on what you truly want in your career. If you feel drawn to industry roles over public Accounting, that’s an important insight. Consider what aspects of industry appeal to you—stability, work-life balance, project variety, etc.
Networking: Leverage your network. Reach out to former colleagues from your first job, connections from your internship, or professionals in the industry roles you’re interested in. They can provide valuable insights into their experiences and possibly lead you to new opportunities.
Skill Development: Think about any skills or experiences you might want to gain while you’re in your current role. You can focus on learning as much as you can, which will make you more marketable when you decide to make a move.
Short Tenures: While it’s true that moving around early in your career is becoming more accepted, it’s important to frame your transitions positively. Be prepared to articulate what you learned from each experience and why you’re seeking a change.
Consider Timing: If you’re contemplating a move, ensure it aligns with your financial and personal situation. If there’s a possibility of a break due to a job search or a transition period, plan accordingly.
Explore Internal Opportunities: Before making a move, consider discussing your feelings with your current manager or HR. There might be opportunities within the firm that align better with your interests and goals without needing to change companies.
Ultimately, trust your instincts and focus on what will make you happiest in the long run. Good luck with your decision-making process—you’re in a great position to choose the path that best aligns with your career aspirations!
Best,
[Your Name]