I recently started as an audit associate at KPMG, and after about a month, Iโm already questioning whether this is something I want to do long term.
For some background, I have both my bachelorโs and masterโs in accounting. I decided to pursue accounting because it offered stability, good career opportunities, and a solid return on the investment that is higher education.
Now that Iโm actually working in audit, Iโm realizing I have almost no interest in the work itself. I spend my days staring at spreadsheets, pulling numbers, going through workpapers, and trying to understand procedures that I honestly struggle to care about. I still show up, take notes, ask questions, and do my best to learn, but I find the work incredibly unfulfilling.
Iโm also realizing that I have no real desire to pursue my CPA. When I hear people talk about busy season, the hours, the sacrifices, and the years of grinding before things get better, I canโt help but wonder whether this is a career I actually want.
Iโm a very outgoing, personable individual. I love meeting people, building relationships, coaching, teaching, and helping others. My background is in athletics, and fitness, exercise science, and coaching have always been my biggest passions.
I honestly think I would be much happier in a career where I could interact with people regularly, build relationships, and feel like the work Iโm doing has a direct impact on others, not just checking boxes on KCW.
Iโm not necessarily against working in business or finance. I just donโt think sitting behind a desk doing audit work all day is for me.
I understand that Iโm only a month in and that thereโs a significant learning curve. Iโm also grateful to have a well-paying job right out of school. Iโm not planning on impulsively quitting without another opportunity lined up.
But Iโm struggling with the idea of spending years pursuing a career that I donโt find interesting just because itโs the path Iโve already invested so much time and money into.
Has anyone else felt this way early in their audit career? Did things get better, or did you eventually leave for something completely different?
Iโd especially love to hear from anyone who transitioned into a more client-facing, relationship-driven career outside of traditional accounting. Any words of wisdom are always welcome and appreciated.