<p>Hi Everyone,</p>
<p>I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Education with a 3.91 GPA from a pretty obscure Midwest State University at the age of 22. After teaching for a bit I realized it wasn't right for me at this specific time in my life and was lucky to stumble into a job at a local business (through connections) where I manage the books and generally do a bit of everything.</p>
<p>The business is tied down to where I grew up and I have no desire to be here much longer. So I have two options, both of which offer different rewards/risk. Having learned the business I could open up my own retail ecommerce website (the company I work for is wholesale). I've done the numbers and based off of what retailers we sell to are doing, who I personally think I could do better than, I would make at lowest $45-50k a year. I'd own my own business, but i'm not passionate about the product or what I would be doing. On the high end I could be making $100k plus a year. But I also would have no retirement and no benefits.</p>
<p>My other option I am strongly considering is applying to the University of North Carolina's Masters of Accountancy program. It is a one year Masters program tailored for people like me with zero background in Accounting. I am a very good writer, very personable, speak well in front of others, etc. I am also extremely organized and enjoy organization, my only fear is that my math background is very limited. The highest Math I have ever taken is Algebra 2. I am confident in my academic abilities, I know I'm an intelligent person and I take school very seriously, but how Math intensive is Accounting? I hear mixed responses from everyone I ask.</p>
<p>I would love to hear from some current accountants regarding what they think about their career and if placed in this situation as a young person what they would have done. One other thing to note, I am a hard worker and will always be on time to work/stay late. When I taught I was the first teacher there and the last to leave nearly every night. With that said, I want a career that will allow me a good balance between personal life and work life. I have no desire to work 50-60+ hour weeks regularly. My end goal in accounting would be to secure a government job, hopefully with the FBI and to work as a forensic accountant. Using my degree to do something I enjoy while still feeling I am doing something positive with my work.</p>
<p>Sorry for writing a book, but would appreciate any responses and advice.</p>