Balancing Parenthood and Busy Seasons in Accounting: Insights from Working Moms

As I stand at the crossroads of a new chapter in life—starting a family—my mind is occupied with thoughts about how to juggle motherhood with my career in public Accounting, particularly during the demanding busy season.

During the months from January to April, my work schedule tends to become overwhelming. Currently, I find it challenging to manage even my own needs, much less the responsibilities of raising children. With a minimum of 55 hours a week featuring multiple 10- to 12-hour days and at least one extended workday over the weekend, I often feel stretched to my limits. This intense period lasts for about three months, equating to a significant 25% of the entire year dedicated to work. It raises the question—how can I justify devoting so much time and effort to a profession that is already taxing, without considering the emotional impact it may have on my future children?

To the seasoned working mothers within this community:

How do you navigate the hectic busy season alongside your parenting duties? Do you have effective support systems in place that help make this challenging period more manageable? Have any of you found that the demands of public Accounting led you to rethink your career choices, or even leave the field altogether for the sake of your mental well-being and family life?

Your candid insights would be immensely helpful as I try to understand how others have balanced these intense professional demands with the joys and responsibilities of raising children. What strategies have worked for you, what challenges have you faced, and what do you wish someone had told you before embarking on the journey of parenthood? Thank you for sharing your experiences!