How often do big 4 auditors compare how their situations are with others working in Fortune 500s, Investment Banking, Consulting, etc jobs?
Sadly, a good amount. Let's break it down -
Fortune 500 - I'm going to group in all public companies here. This is what most employees compare their jobs to. When you audit these companies, you get to say their payroll reports, and so you know exactly how much each individual makes. You get mad when you see people who are not as competent but make a ton more than you. Then while you're slaving away through 8-9 pm, you see these guys jet faster than Usain Bolt at 5:30 pm, so they can enjoy life, and work to live rather than live to work.
Ibanking: You know it's a miserable job but you get riled up when you see how much they make, be it 5x, 10x or 20x the amount you make. It hits you when you audit banking fees on certain transactions, and you look at the amount of money they make for each transaction. You barely ever see them outside of the occasional nights "at the printer" when they walk in in their armani and gucci suits, acting like everyone else around them (the non-ibankers) are peasants. It either turns you off (many of them are glorified douchebags) or makes you want to be them.
Consulting: This is one of those jobs that everyone thinks is ideal. People think you don't pore over the details, and that you're very high level, like Bob and Bob from Office Space.
It's a tough transition though, you'd probably need an mba to go from auditing to consulting. When people realize this, and that you're basically living in hotels 75% of the time, they cut back on their need to join the consulting world.
Basically, every time you compare your job to someone else's, there is a 75% chance you'll feel miserable. I try to avoid it, but fall into this trap a lot. Just shake your head, stop thinking about other jobs unless you really want to leave and can leave, and move on.
Sadly, a good amount. Let's break it down -
Fortune 500 - I'm going to group in all public companies here. This is what most employees compare their jobs to. When you audit these companies, you get to say their payroll reports, and so you know exactly how much each individual makes. You get mad when you see people who are not as competent but make a ton more than you. Then while you're slaving away through 8-9 pm, you see these guys jet faster than Usain Bolt at 5:30 pm, so they can enjoy life, and work to live rather than live to work.
Ibanking: You know it's a miserable job but you get riled up when you see how much they make, be it 5x, 10x or 20x the amount you make. It hits you when you audit banking fees on certain transactions, and you look at the amount of money they make for each transaction. You barely ever see them outside of the occasional nights "at the printer" when they walk in in their armani and gucci suits, acting like everyone else around them (the non-ibankers) are peasants. It either turns you off (many of them are glorified douchebags) or makes you want to be them.
Consulting: This is one of those jobs that everyone thinks is ideal. People think you don't pore over the details, and that you're very high level, like Bob and Bob from Office Space.
It's a tough transition though, you'd probably need an mba to go from auditing to consulting. When people realize this, and that you're basically living in hotels 75% of the time, they cut back on their need to join the consulting world.
Basically, every time you compare your job to someone else's, there is a 75% chance you'll feel miserable. I try to avoid it, but fall into this trap a lot. Just shake your head, stop thinking about other jobs unless you really want to leave and can leave, and move on.
Comments
I am wondering if it is difficult to transition from audit to consulting, and when would be a good time to make the transition?
Also, what does it take to make the jump from senior manager to partner?
Appreciate your insight.