Weighing the Move from Corporate to Industry: Achieving a Work-Life Balance
As a senior associate at KPMG, a leading figure in the realm of consulting, you’ve undoubtedly honed your skills amidst a demanding environment. However, the allure of a better work-life balance, especially when you have two young children, can’t be overlooked. This raises a pivotal question: should you transition from a corporate role to the industry?
For many professionals considering such a shift, one primary consideration is the work schedule. Those entrenched in the industry often experience a work structure closer to a traditional 9-5 routine, a stark contrast to the unpredictable hours that can characterize corporate consultancy.
For individuals who have already embarked on this path, what insights might they share about their daily schedules? Generally, industry roles can sometimes offer a more predictable and manageable time frame, allowing for personal time and family commitments outside of work hours.
Balancing professional ambitions with personal life is vital, especially when juggling parental responsibilities. As you contemplate this potentially transformative decision, it’s worth exploring various industry sectors to identify roles that align with your new priorities and lifestyle aspirations.
One response
Moving from public Accounting at a firm like KPMG to an industry position can be a significant career decision, particularly when motivated by the desire for a better work-life balance. Here are several points to consider that might help you make an informed choice:
Understanding Industry Roles: In industry, work hours can often be more predictable compared to public Accounting. Companies in industry usually maintain a standard business hour schedule. It’s not uncommon to find roles that adhere closely to a 9-5 workday, which can better accommodate family responsibilities and personal time. However, it’s crucial to note that this can vary significantly depending on the company’s culture and the specific role.
Job Function and Responsibility: Roles such as financial analyst, internal auditor, or corporate accountant often provide a more stable schedule. Consider roles that emphasize financial planning, analysis, or management Accounting. These positions may not require the same year-end or quarterly deadline pressures typical in public accounting.
Sector and Company Size: The industry sector can influence work hours. For example, working in a tech company might offer more flexibility and remote work options compared to manufacturing. Additionally, larger companies might have more structured HR policies around work-life balance than smaller or rapidly growing startups, which might demand more time.
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance: When interviewing, inquire about company policies on flexible working hours, remote work possibilities, and culture around work-life balance. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask prospective employers how they support working parents and what sort of support systems they have in place.
Career Growth and Development: While moving to industry might offer a better balance initially, consider long-term career development opportunities. Some find industry roles become repetitive without the diversity and challenge they enjoyed in public accounting. Ensure that the company values professional development, provides educational assistance, or has clear progression paths.
Networking and Consultation: Speak with colleagues who have made a similar transition. Networking within industry-specific forums or groups on platforms like LinkedIn can provide first-hand experiences and potentially even job leads. Consider reaching out to recruiters who specialize in placing accountants into industry roles for insights into which companies align with your work-life balance goals.
Financial Considerations: It’s also prudent to evaluate how a move might impact your earnings both immediately and in the long term. Industry roles might initially offer a slight pay decrease, but often come with other compensatory benefits like performance bonuses, stock options, or more comprehensive health