"The "who's to say?" argument has no real force in my opinion.The problem only arises when you couch the distinction in terms of damage done to parties. The problem disappears when you think of it in…"
Wrong career path?
Background: I am 23, college educated, and I work full time at an accounting firm.
The fact: I think I hate my job.
My thoughts: I majored in accounting during college because I thought I would have great job security. Since I was hired 20 days after graduation, I would say that I was correct. I have only worked at the firm for a few months, and since I have never been one to quit things in a rash manner, I plan to stick with my job for at least a year, if not a bit more.
My problem is that I have no drive or desire to excel in my current career field. Accounting bores me, it seems pointless to me, and I do not enjoy it. I dread Mondays, I feel lethargic and unmotivated most of the time. One one hand, the people I work with are very nice, but I hate the minutiae of the office life.
My work ethic is high, my boss is happy with my learning and efforts, but he has no idea I hate it. My real question is, has anyone felt this way before? Am I just a twenty-something adjusting to the "real world" and do I need to just suck it up?
For those of you who have made a drastic career change, did you just go for it? Did it work out? I would really love a job with purpose. Sometimes while auditing a client I think to myself as I examine yet another balance sheet, why the hell does this matter? Why am I doing this? The only good this serves me is a paycheck, and the only "good" I am doing the client is a service so that they can get an "ok" stamp on their financials.
I have always pondered a career in the military or law enforcement, and whil I realize there are plenty of mundane jobs to be had in inside sectors, at least I would be serving a purpose, or a calling, so to say.
Any way, it's pretty obvious that I needed to vent, and for that, I appreciate your patience. For those who offer advice about any part of my rant, I genuinely appreciate it.
Thank you.
The fact: I think I hate my job.
My thoughts: I majored in accounting during college because I thought I would have great job security. Since I was hired 20 days after graduation, I would say that I was correct. I have only worked at the firm for a few months, and since I have never been one to quit things in a rash manner, I plan to stick with my job for at least a year, if not a bit more.
My problem is that I have no drive or desire to excel in my current career field. Accounting bores me, it seems pointless to me, and I do not enjoy it. I dread Mondays, I feel lethargic and unmotivated most of the time. One one hand, the people I work with are very nice, but I hate the minutiae of the office life.
My work ethic is high, my boss is happy with my learning and efforts, but he has no idea I hate it. My real question is, has anyone felt this way before? Am I just a twenty-something adjusting to the "real world" and do I need to just suck it up?
For those of you who have made a drastic career change, did you just go for it? Did it work out? I would really love a job with purpose. Sometimes while auditing a client I think to myself as I examine yet another balance sheet, why the hell does this matter? Why am I doing this? The only good this serves me is a paycheck, and the only "good" I am doing the client is a service so that they can get an "ok" stamp on their financials.
I have always pondered a career in the military or law enforcement, and whil I realize there are plenty of mundane jobs to be had in inside sectors, at least I would be serving a purpose, or a calling, so to say.
Any way, it's pretty obvious that I needed to vent, and for that, I appreciate your patience. For those who offer advice about any part of my rant, I genuinely appreciate it.
Thank you.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joseph R. on -
I think I was in your shoes a few months ago. I am also 23, college educated, and I have a great job. I graduated last December and got my current job a month later. I work in IT (but in a sort of unusual role).
I understand the wanting to have 'purpose' in your job ( I was a psychology major, so I wanted to help people in my work), but I am glad that I stuck with my current job. It took me a while to realize that I had a good thing and that your job doesn't have to have fulfill you in that way (Hobbies or volunteering can do the same thing). Also, for me, adjusting to working full time was really difficult.
So, I guess my advice is try to stick it out (like you planned) and see how you feel then. If you aren't happy then maybe a career change would be a good idea.
I apologize if this post is kind of rambly - I haven't finished my coffee yet.
-Joseph
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Permalink Reply by Matt on -
There are a lot of people out there like you, and how you handle it is based on what you want out of life.
I got lucky, the job I am in right now, though not exactly what I wanted, is turning into the job I was hopping for. The question I would have is, What exactly made you want to go into Finance in the first place? Was it just the job security or do you have any active interest in the actual field?
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Permalink Reply by Will on -
It's easier to get a job when you already have one. So it would be unwise to just quit. Explore while you're getting that paycheck. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by LShieldes on
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You are still very fresh out of school so you are still expecting things to happen on the semester scale and now that you are in the real world you are having problems with the fact that you have never really had to exist not on the semester plan.
I strongly suggest you start looking for hobbies and things outside of work.
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Permalink Reply by Brian D on
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I'm 23 and I've had similar thoughts. I quit my job a year and a half ago because, like you, I just didn't like being stuck in an office all day. I was offered a part-time position, which has helped, but I've been trying to find full-time employment ever since. Keep in mind that the economy is still terrible, and you are lucky to have a job. Do what others suggested and try to find fulfillment outside of work and/or find something else WHILE working at your current position.
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Permalink Reply by Claude on -
I think many people have been in that position. Myself included.
If you don't want your education to go to waste and you want something that feels like a higher purpose, maybe you could consider forensic accounting. Simply put, they're the people that study suspected criminals records to look for foul play. Yeah, its still accounting, with a little detective work thrown in.
Just a thought.
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Permalink Reply by Rick Shelton on -
I was just going to suggest that. In addition, with your degree, you can apply for the FBI as a special agent, and yes, accounting degree should help.
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Permalink Reply by Shane on -
These days the FBI is looking for accountants and MBA holders for special agents as opposed to Criminal Justice degrees.
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Permalink Reply by Native Son on
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The FBI requires new Special Agent recruits to have "at least three years of professional work experience." That's right there on their web site.
BTW, gentlemen, it's Special Agent (since it's an official job title).
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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on -
They're also looking for attorneys. You can substitute advanced/professional degrees or military service for work experience in some cases.
I went through some of the FBI Special Agent selection process before withdrawing because my wife got pregnant.
JB
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Permalink Reply by Native Son on
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Although most of the slots that don't require the "professional time in grade" aren't for Special Agents these days.
Historically, starting when Hoover got appointed in 1924, the FBI has seriously looked for Accountants (preferably CPAs) and Attorneys for the Special Agent ranks.
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Permalink Reply by Rick Shelton on
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thank you for the correction.
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