I’m starting to question if public Accounting is the right fit for me. I began working at a small firm three months ago with little to no prior Accounting experience. Currently, I’m working as a tax associate, and I find myself struggling to grasp the concepts and processes; everything seems so complicated and confusing. It feels like I wasn’t given adequate training and am simply expected to know everything, which is frustrating for someone who’s new to the field.
I’ve tried reaching out to my coworker for assistance, but she’s usually busy and provides only brief explanations that often leave me feeling more lost. I’m worried that I’m not meeting expectations and that they’re going to be unhappy with my performance.
With the tax deadline in two weeks and so much work still to do, I feel overwhelmed. As someone who’s still getting the hang of things, I know I’m not as quick as I’d like to be, and that adds to my stress. I’m genuinely reconsidering if public Accounting is for me because I feel like I’m not cut out for it.
Has anyone else experienced challenges when starting out? Is it normal to feel this way? How long does it usually take to feel more confident in this field?
One response
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time right now, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. First, I want to reassure you that you’re not alone in feeling this way when starting out in public Accounting, especially in a high-pressure environment like tax season. Many people feel similar struggles when they’re new, and it doesn’t mean you’re “dumb” at all.
Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this challenging period:
Communicate with Your Manager: If you feel comfortable, consider talking to your manager about your concerns. Express that you’re eager to learn but are feeling overwhelmed and could use more support or structured training.
Seek Resources: Look for external resources that can help you understand the concepts better. There are plenty of online courses, webinars, and forums where you can find valuable information.
Break Down Tasks: Try breaking down your work into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can make it feel less daunting and help you focus on one thing at a time.
Practice Patience: Remember that everyone learns at their own pace. It’s normal to take longer when you’re just starting. With time and experience, things will start to click.
Connect with Peers: If possible, try to connect with others who are in the same boat as you. Forming a network can provide support, and you might find that they have similar experiences.
Reflect on Your Progress: Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned over the past three months. Even small victories are worth acknowledging!
It’s completely normal to question your fit in a role when you’re feeling stressed, but don’t rush into making any decisions just yet. You may find that with a little more time and support, things will start to make more sense. Hang in there! You’ve got this.