<p>I have a question. I know that Big 4 employees work their butts off the first few years at a firm, working 60-80 hour weeks at times. My question is: Does this keep up through manager/director levels as well? Does it ever slow down after you advance? </p>
<p>I also understand that the Big 4 is known as a good place to launch your career: Is there any way that leaving the Big 4, you can go to a job with more normal hours? I am very interested in accounting but do want to have a life as well. I suppose my question is should I look elsewhere for a career of this sort? Outside of the Big 4 are there chances to work less hours but still have a decent salary?</p>
<p>I’m trying to figure out the same thing, heres what I’ve found.</p>
<p>I think there are other careers you can get with an accounting degree such as financial analyst.</p>
<p>Also some small public accounting firms work normal hours when compared to their big 4 counter parts</p>
<p>And private accounting/corporate accounting usually will have a normal ish schedule</p>
<p>Just get a job at Fortune 500 company. Their employees generally work normal hours. For instance, I and my colleagues have a 9-5 schedule most of the times.</p>
<p>on the whole, at the Big 4 you will work relatively “normal” hours outside of the few months of busy season. And yes, most people work there for a few years, then take one of those magical recruiter calls saying “hey, come work for us for half the hours and twice the pay” (slight exaggeration). </p>
<p>Yes, you can go into private accounting right off the bat, which will have better hours, lower pay, and more obstacles in the way for advancements. Big 4, due to their high turn over rate, is much more set. You work for xx years, you will have yy title and make $zz a year. Private is not this way, especially if you start there without Big 4 or large regional firm experience. </p>
<p>As far as working less hours, just keep in mind, most people who advance in their career regularly and are successful will on average work more than 40 hours a week. I’m not trying to come off as one of those workaholic types who only cares about career prospects, because I am not. I care very much about “having a life”, and my upbringing made me realize people can be happy and content with modest salaries. However, to succeed and advance in your career, you have to be willing to work outside the 9-5 we have been taught is the absolute max.</p>