How prevalent is job hopping and taking a career break among professionals at the Big Four accounting firms?

In the Big Four Accounting firms—PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG—job hopping and career breaks are relatively common practices due to several factors inherent in the industry and corporate culture.
High Turnover Rates: The Big Four firms typically experience high employee turnover rates. This is often attributed to the demanding work environment, extensive travel, and rigorous hours. Many professionals choose to switch firms or move into different industries for better work-life balance or to pursue more favorable opportunities.
Career Advancement: Job hopping is often seen as a strategy for career advancement. Professionals may switch roles or firms to expedite promotions, increase salary, gain diverse experiences, or develop new skills. The competitive nature of these firms encourages employees to be agile in seeking growth opportunities.
Taking Career Breaks: Career breaks have also become more accepted as part of an individual’s career path. Employees might take breaks for further education, personal development, or to combat burnout. Some firms actively support this by offering sabbaticals or leave policies aimed at retaining talent after their return.
Industry Acceptance: The Accounting and consulting industries place a high value on varied experience, which might involve different roles across multiple firms. As such, job hopping does not carry the same stigma it might in other industries; rather, it is often viewed as a way to enhance one’s professional repertoire.
Generational Shifts: Millennials and Gen Z, who form a significant portion of the workforce at these firms, tend to prioritize job satisfaction, work-life balance, and personal growth. This demographic is more likely to change jobs or take breaks for personal reasons, including travel or entrepreneurial pursuits.

Overall, while job hopping and career breaks might be more frequent in the Big Four than in some other sectors, they are largely influenced by the high-intensity work environment, the pursuit of career advancement, and evolving workforce priorities.