I can’t help but chuckle at those who push themselves to the brink during busy season. It’s always amusing to see those dedicated overachievers look utterly shocked when they suddenly find themselves fired after going the extra mile for their company.
When I was with a Big 4 firm, I ended up dealing with terrible clients and was stuck working 80-hour weeks year-round. My breaking point came when I was assigned to a particularly bad client with a senior who didn’t support his team at all. Instead, he just loaded us up with work and then got frustrated when we struggled to keep up.
One day in March—peak busy season—I decided I had enough and shut my laptop at 2 PM, declaring that I was done. At 2 AM, I received an irate email from that senior questioning why I thought it was acceptable to stop working so early, which gave me a good laugh.
I promptly called my doctor and obtained a note that excused me from work for at least a month. For the next three months, I relaxed at home, played video games, and searched for a new job, all while receiving government sickness benefits, which meant I was getting paid to take it easy.
Eventually, I found a fantastic new job that offered a higher salary and never required more than 40 hours a week. I couldn’t help but laugh at all my peers still grinding away at their 80-hour workweeks, unaware that better opportunities existed.
One response
It sounds like you had quite the experience at the Big 4! It’s definitely eye-opening to see how some people pour their hearts into a job that doesn’t necessarily value their hard work. Kudos to you for recognizing your limits and prioritizing your well-being! It’s a harsh reality that long hours don’t always equate to job security or appreciation.
Your story highlights the importance of finding a work-life balance and knowing when to walk away from a toxic environment. It’s great that you found a better job that respects your time and pays more. Here’s hoping that more people catch on to the idea that there are healthier, more rewarding opportunities out there! Cheers to your new chapter!