I’ve been getting a lot of recommendations from GPT to consider a career in Accounting, and it almost makes it sound like the most exciting path out there. I’m really looking for insights from real people about this.
To give you a bit of context, I’m in my mid-30s, currently pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree after spending 15 years in retail and customer service. Right now, I’m enrolled in a Computer Science program at my local college.
However, I’m finding that the realities of being in CS are more challenging than I anticipated. There seems to be a significant amount of unpaid work and “upskilling” that’s expected outside of regular job hours. I genuinely enjoy the math involved in CS, but the ongoing pressure to constantly learn new technologies and complete countless coding challenges is overwhelming.
For example, I feel like there’s this relentless push to keep up with demands like “grinding Leetcode daily” or obtaining various certifications that each company requires. One employer wants A+ certification, the next requires CCNA, and another only hires if you’re familiar with Angular rather than React. It often feels like I need to continuously upskill before I’m even considered qualified for a position. If I were 22, that might be more manageable, but at 35 with a host of responsibilities, balancing a job with extensive coding study is proving to be tough.
I’m really seeking a path where I can graduate, land a decent-paying job (around $22+/hr in my area), and feel stable without the extra demands of constantly learning outside of work.
After running several prompts through GPT about potential career options, the suggestions that keep coming up are Accounting, trucking, and Bookkeeping for farms and small businesses, which I believe also ties into Accounting.
I’m sharing this here because I want to know if these ideas are genuinely viable. What’s the reality of a career in accounting like? I’d love to hear from those who have experience in the field.
One response
It’s great that you’re seeking insight from real people on this! Accounting can definitely offer a structured career path compared to computer science, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the expectations and continuous need for upskilling in tech.
Here’s a breakdown of what a career in Accounting is generally like:
Structure and Predictability: Accounting often has clear expectations and timelines, such as tax season or monthly close periods. If you enjoy a structured environment, you’ll likely appreciate that aspect of the job.
Diverse Opportunities: Accounting offers various career paths—public accounting, corporate accounting, auditing, tax, forensic accounting, etc. You might find a niche that aligns with your interests.
Work-Life Balance: While busy seasons (like tax time) can require more hours, many accounting roles can offer a more balanced work-life schedule outside those times. Once you’re established, it’s common to have more predictable hours compared to the unpredictable nature of some tech jobs.
Underrated Fun: While “fun” might not be the first word that comes to mind for everyone, many accountants find enjoyment in problem-solving, analyzing data, and uncovering insights about financial performance. It can be satisfying to see the tangible results of your work.
Career Stability: Accountants are always in demand, providing job security. It’s a profession that can withstand economic fluctuations to some extent.
Licensing and Certifications: You’ll likely need to pass the CPA exam if you want to advance in public accounting, but many find this to be a manageable goal. The investment in certification can pay off with greater job opportunities and salary increases.
Continued Learning: While there is some expectation to stay up-to-date with financial regulations and technologies, it tends to be less intense than in tech. You won’t be expected to constantly switch languages or frameworks.
Ultimately, the switch to accounting could align better with your desire for a career that offers a decent wage without the pressure of constant upskilling. It’s worth talking to professionals in the field—maybe consider job shadowing or informational interviews to get a first-hand perspective. Good luck with your decision!