Navigating the Challenges of a First-Year Associate: Finding Your Path Forward

As a new associate in a Big Four tax firm, it’s common to experience a rollercoaster of emotions during your first year. Currently, I find myself in an incredibly challenging position, working from home while struggling with the overwhelming pressures of this profession. As I near the end of my first year in July, I can’t help but feel lost and unsure of my future.

Due to recent changes within my firm, most of my fellow first-year associates have either been reassigned to different groups or laid off entirely. Out of a cohort of five, I am now the sole surviving first-year associate in my area, which adds an extra layer of pressure as I attempt to manage the same workload that once belonged to a larger team.

In the coming weeks, I am scheduled for 40 plus hours each week, with many weeks creeping upwards of 50, 70, or even 80 hours. Recently, I’ve been informed that I will be taking on two additional clients that haven’t yet been added to my schedule. This influx of responsibilities has left me feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to manage my time effectively.

On top of work, I’m grappling with the challenges of the CPA exams. Coming up, I’ll be attempting the AUD section for the fourth time. To add to my stress, I just received my third FAR exam score, and despite feeling more prepared than ever before, the results indicated that I actually dropped 17 points compared to my last attempt. The disappointment of barely missing my goals weighs heavy on my mind.

The exhaustion is palpable, and I dread the months ahead, which promise to be just as relentless. However, amidst all this turmoil, I’m haunted by the fear of not advancing to senior status—especially when the job market appears so bleak right now. It forces me to question whether a career in Accounting is truly what I want, or if it’s time to rethink my professional path altogether.

I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. The pressures of being a first-year associate are significant, but it is essential to seek support and strategy as we navigate through this tumultuous time. Whether it’s reaching out to mentors, finding community with peers, or even exploring alternate career avenues, it’s crucial to remember that there is always a way forward, even when the path seems obscured.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, know that it’s okay to feel