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Is it possible to have a good work/life balance as a CPA?

I am currently working towards a career in accounting at my university, but after speaking to some accounting recruiters and doing some research I am not sure if I should reconsider. I' have heard so much about the 70 hour work weeks and the constant stress of working for a big 4 firm. I would not mind doing this while I am still young but I would dread working this many hours later in my career So my question is if it would be easy to transfer to a company with less hours as a CPA after I have a few years of experience under my belt. When i am 30 years old will I be able to obtain a 9 to 5 job? Or is this career only for workaholics? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Public Comments

1. I'm not understanding why you have to work for a "big 4 firm"? I know numerous private CPAs and CFPs who do just fine and have a great quality of life. I also know plenty of business CPAs who work quite a bit less than 70 hours per week and still have a good quality of life. 9 to 5 jobs probably won't exist for you as a CPA since there will come times (especially at tax time, end of year/fiscal year, and quarter end) when you will need to put in 12+ hour days for a period of time. For private tax CPAs, this obviously is around April 15.