Do most people really “make it”?
About 4 or 5 years ago, I spent a lot of time on this subreddit seeking advice on breaking into finance. I think I was in my first or second year of college at the time.
With a low GPA, I often encountered encouraging comments suggesting that if I networked hard enough, I could land a finance job. However, I quickly learned the hard way that entering the job market was much tougher than I had anticipated. Eventually, I took a position in public Accounting and decided to pursue my CPA. Honestly, I’m satisfied with this path now and can’t even recall why I was so fixated on finance when I didn’t really have the personality or work ethic that seemed to define those who succeed in that field.
I used to admire stories of individuals with a 2.1 GPA who turned their lives around or those who landed comfortable six-figure back-office roles just a couple of years out of school.
While I believe these success stories are real—and probably more common in the U.S. than in Canada, where we have an “overeducated” population and fewer opportunities—I can’t help but wonder what percentage of this subreddit actually achieved what they were aiming for. I also question whether many of the users here are still students.
One response
It sounds like you’ve gone through a significant journey of self-discovery, and it’s great to hear that you’ve found a path that makes you happy in public Accounting. The transition from aspiration to reality in the job market can be tough, and it’s not uncommon for people to face challenges that push them to reassess their goals and strengths.
As for your question about whether most people “not make it” in finance or similar fields, it’s hard to quantify. Success can be very subjective and depends on individual definitions, circumstances, and happiness. While there are certainly stories of people overcoming odds with perseverance and networking, many others find their way into different roles that align better with their skills and interests—just like you did with Accounting.
The idea that this subreddit is filled with students or those seeking finance roles is plausible. Many are looking for inspiration or affirmations of their own paths, while others might be sharing their successes, which can create a somewhat skewed perception of the realities of the industry.
Ultimately, what matters is finding a career that suits you and brings satisfaction, whether that’s in finance, Accounting, or another field altogether. It’s important to embrace your unique journey and recognize that there are many fulfilling paths out there, even if they don’t look like the stories we often hear.