Quitting my $80,000 Big 4 accounting job
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- Sometimes in life I believe we just have to commit and take that leap of faith. Excited for this new chapter of my life going into 2024 and hope to show everyone my growth :)
Follow me on Instagram:
/ leoxlsb
chapters:
0:00 intro
1:02 talking to manager
2:35 how I got into public accounting
3:31 culture at my firm
3:51 why I don't like the work
4:50 future 2024 plans
6:20 perfect timing
7:33 last day in the office
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I quit my teaching job that also paid me $80k, great health benefits, and a pension.
I hated my life. I wasn’t living and I was miserable.
Now I’m on a new path. I’m back in school, learning about things I actually really enjoy, and am excited about my future! I feel alive again!
No amount of money is worth to it to stay in a miserable job that takes your soul. Good for you!
What were you teaching and what degree are you getting now? just curious.
What’s better than a teaching job? You get much more vacation as a teacher with all the protection and benefits. Every where else is worse
Wow thats the most I’ve ever heard a teacher making😊
@@ShondaD_ teachers around here all make six figures
When you have Jesus life cant be miserable 🙏💜
Ty for sharing. I am not in accounting, but I work a corporate job and can relate. I’m also at 80k, but have never felt so unfulfilled/unhappy. Proud of you for having the courage to make a change and share your journey with us.
Thank you best of luck to you as well
" I don't have anything lined up" probably the best thing for you. A blessing in disguise to find your true passion/life. Respect. never ever quit.
Not really. Job market is tight right now.
@@Kenndy16 fuck a job. I have so many friends/co workers who cannot take a risk because they are literally stuck. The worst possible outcome is you end up going back to your boring desk job. Take the risk while you can/if you can. Even if that means your bank account hitting $0. At least you gave it a shot
@@RobertandRudy uh I'm not sure I would give someone that advice in today's economy with inflation being where it is. Unless you're born with a silver spoon or still live with your parents, most people can't afford to take a "risk" or letting their bank account hit $0. It's better than to have a boring job feeling stuck than not being able to afford your mortgage/rent or dinner. Your boring job should be a means to an end. Go to school while you work, and start a new profession, or find a something you love to do while working and build on it. Your career should fund your dreams and should not be your forever place if you don't find it fulfilling. No disrespect but I think this is reckless advice. Fortunately, this guy will be fine because he's an Accountant with a CPA license. He'll have a job tomorrow if he wants.
I feel you bro. I'm an accounting student with two more semesters left of university. I'm about to turn 22 soon. I've really been contemplating so much about what I really want out of life besides a stable job, which is mainly why I chose to study accounting anyway.
Finish your degree. Accounting degree is a trade regardless if you wanna do it or not. You will always be guaranteed a job. Then do what tf you wanna do
Do it for 5-10 years just grind and build up a solid 401k so it can compound over time and try to buy a 200k house and pay it off while working then do what you want.. your going to have to sacrifice at some point in your life.. your just going to have to decide when… now or later
@@Jrmint568 he will find out the hard way. He should’ve been grateful he was even making that much. Jobs own us, not the other way around. Now he might have to get Prol wages.
Do it then get IT certificates for a back up skill.
Stability is must....if you want to raise family in future there is no denying facts,
You are young, Have hunger to learn more skills specially job oriented or which somehow enhance your career, Keep a discipline life , Then it really won't be boring
I had a $110K job. Was under a lot of stress. Quit. Now I make less working part-time remote from home but have no stress. EDIT: it's helped me learn to be less materialistic, not living for more "stuff". Life is better.
This is the mentality I hope to get to. Really glad you were able to shift your perspective
@leoxlsb thank you. No stress and having work-life balance is good. Stress kills. Also, I am happy not trying to keep up with the Joneses. . Best wishes on your journey!
What do you do now ?
Really great to see this video! With the job market being as tough as it is, I have one opportunity in consulting lined up that’s also pretty compliance heavy and I really don’t want to take it. But seeing you here, is like seeing me go down that path and regretting it. So thanks for showing me, that we don’t have to just take that path!
respect for doing this, prioritize your mental health and happiness. i know its hard to quit a stable job, especially being from parents of a traditional asian parents.
love how you’re doing this with an all or nothing mentality! wishing you the best can’t wait to see your journey with lots of success to follow!!
thank you for the positivity 🙏
I also left accounting at 24 from my auditing job at RSM. Best decision of my life. I've now been a UX designer for the last 7 years and realized that taking time for yourself and upskilling is essential in this era. Take your time finding out your next gig, good luck and don't be too hard on yourself.
Accounting is definitely not for everyone and I’m happy that these accounting firms help people figure out. However, 10 years into accounting and I finally make 400k in the industry - I realized what all the grind was for and regret not leaving for the industry earlier just like my friends did. Happy that more and more people left the field of accounting because it’s boring and unfulfilling and competition for a job in this field now is really not as fierce as before 😂 but honestly, is financial analyst really that interesting? No. Is software engineering really that interesting? No. But they are jobs that pay well and so people are drawn to them. Accounting just gets bad name because people can’t get rich. But accountants in tech and finance also make good money.
@@marg8315 Are you a partner now then ?
Accounts can get rich, with a CPA you can become partner. If your story was true you would know this
@@mickeybeavison1053 of course I know this. But do you know how hard it is to make partner before the age of 50? Not many people these days stick around in the big 4 public accounting companies long enough to make it worth it. My salary when I started in accounting was $57k. I started making +$200k in a FAANG company at 28. It was well worth the switch. I’m also not working 80+ hours a week like accountants, especially during busy season.
Agreed, I wanna do data analytics and be a respiratory therapist 😅
wow! courageous! a real YOLO move.....love the belief you have and definitely hope this leads to the exact thing that you would love waking up to everyday! all the best x
I quit my $100,000 trading job 3 months in bc of toxic work culture. I started this year in July and quit September. the time off from corporate bullshit is truly liberating and eye-opening. enjoy it (I’m also 24 lol)!!
this will be my best or worst decision haha
Can someone from accounting get into IB, if yes? Can you tell me what could be the pathway please.
What did you trade and what are you currently doing now? If it is equities, do you trade for yourself now?
It's not a $100K job until you actually make it. You would qualified for food stamps with what you made.
was lucky to have ran into your video man, cause I feel much of the same things you do. I'm 26 but in the medical field and can relate. Originally felt pretty set on this field partially to make my parents happy and had some interest in it in the beginning. But the longer I stay the more I just don't feel like its very sustainable mentally for me. Felt like I was the only one who felt this so it's refreshing to know I'm not alone and it really is a new chapter in my life. Am planning on working towards small business, content creation and eventually bigger investments to give me income as time goes on. The other reason I want to leave too is the scheduling. I don't mind working hard for a period of time but i swear its so tough to actually get time off for cool events happening in the week or trips your friends want to go on in the summer. That work life balance is priceless. Best of luck bro, you got this!
Good luck man we are rooting for you
Thank you for sharing your story and showing this piece of your life, in a similar position and it was so validating to hear. Wishing you the best as you continue in your new journey!
Thank you for the support, wishing you the best as well
Hey Leo, as a fellow small TH-camr who also started a channel this year, I have mad respect for you taking this leap. Trust the process and things will work out, you got this 💪🏻
thanks so much, I’ll be giving it my best 🙏
Did the same in September brotha. The grass is truly greener on the other side.
My last day is Friday. I have 3 months of expenses saved & it’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done 😅 I’m proud of you for taking the leap of faith. I have no doubt you’ll do amazing things!
thank you! I'm glad you are also taking a risk to pursue your dreams, stay strong and I hope you achieve everything you want 🙂
Thanks for sharing and good luck on your future endeavors.
Best of luck my boy✊🏾🙌🏾
I’m 22. I love my job rn but I also have so many crazy interests that I want to pursue. Im glad TH-cam recommended your channel and I’m excited to watch your journey.
Hows accounting treating you cause i see some people say it sucks but others say its not bad and im new to the whole thing so any insight helps
Thats awesome you have the best of both worlds. Pursue and try everything it will be much better than regretting
Best of luck in your journey. So brave of you. You’ve chosen a great time to take this path 🎉
🙏🙏
I respect this bro! best of luck super admirable
looking forward to see you do big things
🙏
Good luck bro i am rooting for you
Kudos to you! I could never do the corporate thing so I decided to start my own business out of college. But you’re young - take risks now and if haven’t yet - get comfortable being judged for not following the conventional path.
Because at the end of the day owning your own success and failure is better than living some else’s version of success! You’ve already done what 99% of folks can’t do - but when you actually take the risk YOU GOT SKIN IN THE GAME. It may not be an easy path but it’ll be worth it.
I completely agree and it's very admirable to hear that you started your own business. Thank you for the encouraging words 🙏
Onya bro. It's quite scary to venture out into the unknown, but like you said now is the perfect time to do it. Good luck!
thank you!
Our life’s are so similar! I’m also currently at big 4 and thinking to leave but I’m just scared to take that leap. But if it’s not now then it’s never… I feel you
just think to yourself which decision you will regret more later if it doesnt work out (failing at something you tried or regretting that you never tried)
I’m rooting for you my guy. Let’s do this
Thanks g appreciate the support
Congrats bro, good luck
It is not stupid to quit your job. Sometimes in life bad things have to happen first in order for better things to happen. Only you know what you feel and know what you are going through. I am so proud of you and very positive you will succeed.
This means a lot from a stranger, thank you for being understanding and supporting
Very cool video, I hope you get more visibility for your next videos and I wish you all the best for the future you have a lot courage to quit your comfort zone to try new things !!
thank you I won’t let the people down 🫡
Why did you leave and what did you switch to? I was dead set on getting my CPA. Now I’ve realized with or without the CPA I just don’t care. So I wanna leave now.
Im gonna watch this journey, idk, i just feel like you got something in u. GL man, lets make 2024 our year alright lol
appreciate you g
Coming from RSM and having my CPA. I understand and I'm proud of you bro. I made the leap a while back and I'm grateful. It does get scary but I keep my eye on the goal.
props for taking that risk, glad I’m not the only one haha
You're definitely not @@leoxlsb
Why did u quit?
I'm currently a staff accountant a medium sized firm and I agree with literally everything you have said when it comes to not have interest in getting better and not wanting to be an unhappy CPA for 30/40 years. i also do content creation but am so much more passionate about it. Hopefully I can make a decision before the 9/15 & 10/15 extensions season. i wish you nothing but the best in your content creation and business venture. You gained a new sub! 🙏
I’m subscribing cuz im in a similar spot in life. Thanks for putting this out there
Best of luck brother! I spent 1 year doing audit at KPMG and had a lot of the same feelings as you. I was the only one from my intern class that didn't accept their return offer. Best decision I ever made 4 years later.
Thanks man, its always a great feeling to know you made the right decision even years later
Subscribing to follow your journey! I’m in my 30’s with a wife and kid… so I can’t wait. But will be need to see how things pan out for you!
I’m about to put in my two weeks on Monday. Also work in PA. Wish me luck :P
I admire your ability to take risks to potentially improve your life in the end. I hope you succed!
appreciate you!
You need more followers cause you content is really really good!
Congrats on the Leap of Fatih Leo! I quit corporate TWICE! LOL - when you've caught the Entrepeneur bug, its got you for LIFE. Keep up the good work and wish you all the best. God bless
thank you for the support!
Wish nothing but success for you good luck 👍
All the best bro! 💪🏼
🙏
in life there are people who must take the separate path in life and they will always be able to chase their dreams and get them. In our society we don't emphasize that enough. But honestly man, from just listening to you, I think you just watched one to many TH-cam videos. I hope you find what you are looking for but I don't think you will get what you think you will get out of it. best of luck
good luck man hope you make it
thanks boss
corporate in the front and party in the back ... digging the hairstyle!
great video, thank you for sharing your story!
lol when you bleeped out the name on the call I initially thought you called them a curse word 😂
🤣🤣
I thought he said “hey fuckface”
Hey Leo, you’re not alone buddy. I quit three corporate jobs already and never going back again. Every time I was there I feel like I’m a complete different person. It just wasn’t for me. I would get so happy when I get off. Accounting was fun in college but I really hate the profession. I’m now looking to change careers from accounting into tech or aviation. I wish you best of luck. You just gained a new subscriber.
🙏🙏
lol the aviation bug bites when one feels trapped... i defuse it with flightsims, and am grounded soon afterward.. otherwise, stay safe
Awesome video 🙏🏽
You got this!
You will appreciate your decision one day
Thank you for the support
I found your content very helpfull. Wish you best of lucks and I believe you God will make a way for you😊
Thank you 🙂
Inspiring my G, keep posting!
thanks my guy
Best of luck man!
🤝
Accounting is tough. Either you love it or hate it. Your whole life will revolve around your job. Deadlines, financial reports, etc. It is hard to take off.
Nice man, its going to be hard but just keep grinding :)
yessir persistence is key!
i saw one video of your day in the life of accounting and to be honest i thought you were just some regular joe shmo but the area just didnt seem to blend in with you only when you were done with work and you began to work out is where i can see you for who you truly are the way u pushed urself it felt like there were 2 different people in the same video i hope you find what it is youre looking for youre taking this step that many people are afraid to do but atleast youre doing something for change hope to see a success story from you in the future
thanks my man really appreciate your comment
hopefully you have a good backup plan or another job before quitting!
If you are in Accounting, get some IT related certs for compliance and auditing career. US PCI, GDPR, etc...compliance jobs for financial institutions are plenty!
I just quit my banking corporate job myself and started to become a day trader in the stock market. My parents are always worried for me just like you brotha. Just turned 24 and day trading instead of going into office has open my eyes so much more. Keep it going bro. Work life balance is key. Fuck the 40 hours and spend it on yourself G
99% of day traders lose money, 1% are profitable, even less make a stable living. should’ve kept the banking job 💀
Give it a year or two you’ll be broke buddy 😅
@@anotherasian3514 got a paid off for house, got savings and everything. Have fun working for the rest of your life lmao. It ain’t for me but you do you. By all means go ahead and be a slave and work those hours but I’m gonna enjoy my life
@@Mustang85635lmao it’s okay, If I go broke I’ll go back to a 9-5.
I’m young and have a paid off home for myself. No need to be working when i consistently make $200-300 every day in the markets. Life is competitive bro. Just because you didn’t make it doesn’t mean other people won’t. Good luck to you and your 9-5 brotha
Speaking facts man appreciate the encouragement and wishing you the best as well
KPMG - the back brochure gives it away :P
I want your old job so bad 😫 It’ll always be an option for you though, while you’re young is definitely the best time to explore something new! Can we see some Korean mukbangs or just more vlogs would be nice too!
Definitely could do some mukbangs and planning to do more vlogs soon!
I’ve been a CPA and tax preparer/consultant for 10 years. And I quit last month. I think tax it is awful. Low paying, long hours, little Ben. And I applied for the last 10 years to get into other accounting areas. No one wants someone with tax prep experience. So I decided to travel and then join the military. Maybe I’ll work in accounting maybe not. But I won’t work at an accounting firm again. That’s for sure.
Thats awesome to hear I’m glad you decided to change directions. Thank you for your service!
Goodluck🎉
Facts, it’s difficult to take such risks when you have a family to take care of. My dad was really into investing several years ago, even into bitcoin, but the reason he couldn’t was because in the case the stocks/crypto wouldn’t make money, our family would be in a difficult financial situation. I’m 19 and majoring in Accounting and Finance and I also want to start a company or try something on my own while I’m young and this video really helped me solidify that thought
Wish you all the best boss!
🙏
Best of luck u got this
good luck man, I worked 2 internships in big 4 and lateralled into something else instead
I went to school for Accounting. I did an accounting gig for a CPA firm. I hated it.
I couldn’t stay looking at a computer screen all day lol
I do loans but enjoy talking to people daily. Glad I left and doing something else. Now I can go talk to people and make some money.
I'm glad to hear that you found something you enjoy more that gives me hope haha I'm not against all 9-5s
Good stuff my man ! Wish you all the best ps on the same boat 😢
lfg!
WHOOT WHOOT can’t wait for some bartender Leo content 🥳
might not be bartending but something new for sure 😎
You got this bro
I hate accounting . People in accounting a r e mean unhelpful . Don't teach you. Anything and expect perfection
You didn’t tell a lie hahaha. I left Accounting
@Chillingisbae my brother. Good 👍 for us
I been unemployed 10 months though
What are u doing now
That's because it's all practical knowledge....once you learn it you can eat their job easily. That's what i learnt
@@theoblanca1062 so they don't show because it's easy ?
@@HUMAN-VERSION4 if i want to put it on scale, it's medium..... All we have to do is get accustomed with Accounting standards
All in God timing. Perfect timing
👍
yes trusting God and the process 🙏
Subscribed because awesome!!
Hilarious that this pops up right after my busy season ends. I don't know if I can do another busy season lmao.
i like your content, please do more videos and i will support you
$80k in NYC today really is like $50k before COVID in NYC. They really are squeezing every ounce out of the young people there.
Thats why theres many young people like the guy in the video and such as myself who are checking out of shitty corporate America and starting their own business. Its better to own your business, be self employed, 1099, than work for someone else.
@@erwina4738 I was once that guy, I just moved out of the big metros and into a secondary market city. The key is to keep your job and transfer.
It’s sad to hear as someone going back to school for accounting. I’ve worked in retail my whole 20s and want a change. It seems like every job now people hate.
Hey I don’t mean to discourage you with my choices. You should be proud for going back to school and making a change. There were many people at the firm who were passionate about accounting and those were the ones I was most jealous of. You can also like accounting much more than me everyone is different and it will be better than retail.
I accepted offer at Big4 on west coast as Auditor starting in July. Also soon to have CPA license, 2 exams to go. I'm also scared that I will not like it. The part that scares me most is the mundane day-to-day of it all and staring at a computer for 10 hours a day.
congrats on finishing through half of the cpa exams, that is a huge accomplishment. as for the work itself, play it by ear and reevaluate after a few months. it will still be a great experience and doesn’t have to be a permanent choice
I don’t know him, but I’m willing to bet you this: he’s keeping his CPA active, or going to regret it. - there’s a shortage. Money is finite and never going anywhere.
The world needs Accountants and we the people are going to start investing government funding into financail professionals because technology will not take allll the jobs. It needs to be programmed, people need to understand the computers, tech requires human input. In the future, accountants and especially CPAs will be earning 100k right out of college and CPAs will earn 250k within 10 years. It’s like a doctor or lawyer, don’t fuck around, get your money.
Thanks for the input. I have a different perspective. Sometimes people make choices and go into an industry that seems like a good fit through perception, they perceive themselves in that role in the beginning and imagine it being a great fit. It could be due to many different things, for example, I was inspired to become a CPA because I love the ins and outs of a business, the language of it, the way it operates, the income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows, the "Marty Byrde" of Ozark vibe. But the reality of it is much different than how its imagined and perceived by the person initially.
People want to feel like they are producing or engaging in something of value, and the title of a position and its perceived value to the world is not correlated, at least on an individual basis. Once this feeling of producing value is gone within the individual, even though the position is highly valuable to the marketplace at a macro level, all kinds of things happen, including depression. Mental health is super important, you don't want to go down that scary path.
So, just because an industry is projected to grow or the position itself is becoming more valuable, does not mean that the same value is reflected in the individual.
Again, whether you are a garbage truck driver or a CPA/Lawyer/Doctor, the feeling of value contribution is paramount, not the position itself, otherwise its hell and suffering.
Peace.
@@Baldfade_brie
Courage is the way can go further
Don't throw your hards work away, all that hards work dedicated in study to get where you're at today. I hope that you take a break for a time being than go back into accounting with a different firm company if that's the case. I couldn't think of a different occupation where we can sit on a chair and do something that is easy as accounting. There are mostly physical jobs which are so exhausing. I know there's loads of paperwork and long hours of work in accounting. I might be going to study myself into an accounting but not higher rank like you're. And I'm 37 this year old which is pretty late for me. Your so young only in your twenties and my wishes all the best to you in life. I'm studying to become an accounts assistant myself ha ha!
definitely not Im keeping my cpa license as insurance for if I need more stability of income! also good luck with your journey
I’m in a mid sized firm and this is my first busy season. I’m seriously in need of changing careers. Busy season is killing me. I enjoy audit but the hours are too much. I’m seeing a lot of videos like these where people quit public accounting jobs.
Btw I live in Chicago too!
I dont regret my decision to work in public accounting but also not regretting my decision to quit. Keep your head up, the experiences will still be worth it!
I also left my Big 4 job recently. Figuring out how to pay my bills is scary but I need to do this at this point in my life. 5 years of nonstop corporate 9-5 grind. I need to try something else.
We will figure it out and blessed to be in a position to go back to corporate. Good luck with your future endeavors
Good luck chief
🙏
all the best
🫡
As Accounting majors the idea of getting a CPA license from a Big 4 is drilled into our heads, as if this is the only way to succeed. I quit public accounting at 26 and took time off to travel. I work in a public university now - with great work life balance and better pay. A year from now you'll look back and be so happy that you won't have to work for billable hours anymore. Good luck!
Found your channel a few days ago, it's good shit. Im no expert but I think you'll do pretty well if you keep pumping out videos
this means alot, I’ll make sure to give each video my best
@@leoxlsb Def, once you get that momentum TH-cam will start pushing your content. I'll be tapped in. Good luck man
i'd recommend taking a week or two off and solo travelling different part of world just to relax and refresh
Good luck
good luck
I said the same before, my manager said I’m probably hormonal and thus need to reconsider my decision.
I wonder if I'll feel this way sooner or later. For context, I am curently a Sophmore at University and started recruting for Big 4 in my freshman year as soon as I entered college. I was even part of some program with Deloitte even before I began my college career. I'm 17 right now and will start my first Big 4 Internship this summer. I'm curious to know how getting this experience early on will change my perception of life and what I really want out of it.
Its always better to be aware earlier and try figuring things out that you like or dont. Taking the time to ask yourself the hard questions and not avoiding them is important to not let life flash by you and be filled with regrets later on
Good for you! Keep grinding.
You got it champ
Thanks boss
big4 firms have been the most under-reported labor / human exploiters in Western society (it's 100% an controlled oligopoly) ... and the accounting industry wonders why there's a 'muhhh accountant shortage'
haha totally agree
I’m at 80k at a factory but I am also seeking new interests. I just want a job in my city. Been driving an hour away and a hour back for 3 years now and I don’t want to continue to commute especially not for 20 years. I have recently applied to two new trades/ companies that build the machines that I use and that other factories use. I always found there work more interesting then just setting up the machines. I want to build the machine. I will take a pay cut. One advertised for 26 an hour starting and the other one I asked for 26 an hour. The second company had a range of 22-30 an hour but I asked for the middle range because I have no experience in building machines.
Thanks for sharing, I'm praying for you that you are able to find that balance and do the work you want to do. You got this
I got fired from my $80k job so I didn't have an option. I never felt great there anyway so maybe not a bad thing but I had to take a big pay cut because my record is now down the drain. Idek what I want to do anymore.
Congrats! I am currently an accountant working in the private equity industry. I’ve never worked B4 or public accounting but I want to give B4 a shot. Am I crazy for wanting to go to B4 to get the experience on my CV? Currently a corporate accountant making $75K. August 2024 will make my third year in the accounting field. Went from making $17/hr as AP clerk to $75K which is my current salary (after jumping around a few times). I’m also still in school and won’t graduate with my bachelors in accounting until December 2024.
I don’t work for big 4 but I work in mid size public accounting firm for 8 years, just switch over to government accounting. I think going to public accounting is a good decision if you want to one day be partner or make to CFO/controller. You have to stay at least 7-10 years to get there. You will be working 40 hours after season (6months). The other 6 months, they will expect you to work 60-70+ hours (high stress - deadline, notices, client needs…..). If that’s the route you want to pursue, it is probably worth it. If you run it by hours, you will be making less (in public accounting) than what you are making right now. But you will get your money worth if you make it to partner, controller or CFO (do give it at least 7-10 years). I think audit busy season may be different, may be someone can chime in.
You got this buddy
miss you brother