Struggling with My Articleship: Seeking Guidance
Using a throwaway account for this. I joined my current firm at 20, with little research and a rushed decision, and now I’m regretting that choice.
I’m part of a small firm with around 20 employees, which includes partners, accountants, and about 7-8 articles. Unfortunately, the firm has minimal work opportunities, very limited exposure, and a few toxic partners. Most of the capable seniors I knew left shortly after passing their exams for better prospects.
I’m now six months away from completing my two-year articleship, but I’m skeptical about transferring since they likely won’t allow it, and even if they did, I doubt any firm would take me for just six months.
Here’s a breakdown of my experience so far:
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Preparing and filing ITRs 1 to 7 for minor clients, which have been straightforward with little complexity—only learning the basic filing procedure.
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Handling GST returns 1 & 3B for minor clients, often dealing with just one or two invoices a month.
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Miscellaneous tasks, such as entering data in Tally, finalizing accounts for small companies and LLPs, and preparing employee salary computations for March.
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Filing TDS returns (24Q, 26Q & 27Q) and making necessary corrections.
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Preparing workings for GST audits and GSTR-9 for minor clients.
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Calculating advance tax computations for minor clients.
My concerns are numerous:
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After 1.5 years, I feel I’ve gained no substantial learning. I’ve yet to experience a full-scale Audit, tax litigation, or bank audit—none of the enriching experiences that would help me in interviews.
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I’m embarrassed about my situation and hesitant to ask for help. My friends and family think I’m doing well in the CA course and have a decent level of knowledge and confidence, but that’s far from the truth.
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Former seniors from my firm have told me that all this minor work holds no value on my CV. Interviewers have been quite direct about not considering such experiences relevant.
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I have no idea how to handle the work pressure that comes with being a CA. My current firm has virtually no pressure, and I worry I’ll become overwhelmed in a busier environment.
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I also fear being outdone by colleagues who have more experience when I move to a larger firm.
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My seniors are unresponsive and show no interest in mentoring articles.
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Considering all of this puts me under immense stress. I feel like I’ve hindered my career due to my initial naivety in choosing this firm.
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This has led to a mental downward spiral, affecting my studies and leaving me feeling low when I get home.
Am I in a hopeless situation? Has anyone else faced something similar, and what advice would you offer?
One response
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to improve your situation.
Reflect on Your Goals: Take some time to think about what you want to achieve in your career. Understanding your long-term aspirations can help guide your decisions during the remaining months of your articleship.
Maximize Your Current Experience: Even though your work has been minor, try to make the most of it. Ask for more responsibility if possible, even if it’s just preparing reports or analyses that can demonstrate your ability to learn. You might not be exposed to large projects now, but any experience is a building block.
Networking: Reach out to other professionals or seniors who are working in areas you want to explore, such as audits or tax litigation. They can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities for freelance projects to boost your experience.
Self-Learning: Focus on developing your skills independently. Utilize online resources, take courses, or read up on topics related to auditing, taxation, or Accounting practices. This knowledge can enhance your understanding and make you more confident in interviews.
Explore Transfer Options: While it may seem challenging, consider discussing a transfer with your current firm, if it becomes necessary. Document your achievements and express a desire for growth. Some firms may respond positively to your ambition and allow you to leave sooner.
Mental Health: It’s crucial to address your mental health. Consider speaking to a professional or a counselor about how you’re feeling. They can provide you with strategies to cope with stress and anxiety.
Prepare for Interviews: Focus on how to sell your skills and experiences effectively during interviews. Highlight what you have learned, even from minor tasks, and express your eagerness to grow and learn more in a different environment.
Stay Positive: Finally, be kind to yourself. Many people have had rough experiences during their articleship. What matters is how you respond. The skills and resilience you build now will benefit you throughout your career.
You’re not cooked! Many professionals have been in your shoes and managed to turn their situations around. Use this time to focus on personal growth and set yourself up for future success. Good luck!