I Quit my Accounting Job | How I Knew it Was Time to Quit

Oh Heyyyyyyy! I missed y'all more than you know. Thank you so much for your patience while I was MIA. Whew, the burnout was real. Anyway I am back now and ready to catch up. First things first- I quit my full time job in accounting. I actually did it!
I had been in my role as an investment accountant working for a large insurance company for two years and while it was a fantastic job, I had to let it go. In today's video I will be sharing how I knew it was time to quit my job and what I did to prepare for my departure.
There were so many signs that reinforced my idea that I needed to quit my job and as time progressed I could no longer ignore them. I have held a job since I was about 15 years old and I have always appreciated the stability and predictability of having a job. In 2020 I had a major mindset shift. I decided that I wanted to work my job and not have my job work me. I recently started my own accounting practice and really loved the flexibility that having my own business afforded me. So I made a plan and quit my full time job so that I could focus on my business.
I hope this video brings someone clarity and provides insight into the process of quitting your day job. If a job is no longer serving you, please know that it is okay to walk away from it.
Song: Shine by Alvin Risk
Intro Song: Waves by Founder
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I own and operate a virtual accounting practice where I offer accounting and tax services to solopreneurs, with an emphasis on social media influencers. If you would like to learn more about the services I offer, click the link below.
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[@simplylicia]

My last day in corporate was June 10th. I'm set to launch my CPA practice in September. No clients yet but I'm much happier with the freedom and needed the break to truly focus on being self employed. Glad I can come to your channel because I relate to many parts of your story

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Congratulations and much success to you with your practice. I’m so glad you found this helpful

[@choosetoshine2610]

Good for you! Wishing you abundance and blessings!!

[@misterj3133]

Congratulations

[@dtae7855]

I’m not even in accounting or have any interest in it, but I still watched this entire video bc your personality is so warm & inviting. Plus, I love seeing Black women flourish. 🙂 Congrats on your endeavors!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Omg this is so sweet. Thank you so much ☺️

[@4Ever_2Eternitii]

One tax season was all it took for me to know this could not be my life, that firm had they had me stressed out like i was saving lives lol, industry is definitely my route

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Industry is such a breathe of fresh air after being in public. I loved my transition and it gave me the space to create the life I always wanted

[@sowmindful1501]

Hello, I’m sorry I’m a little confused, but what do you mean by Industry?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

@@sowmindful1501 so industry just means you work in the accounting department for a particular company, like if you worked as an accountant for CocaCola that would be industry. When you work I’m public accounting you serve the public so it’s a variety of clients instead on just one.

[@sowmindful1501]

@@TheAccountingStruggle Oh okay, thank you for clarifying! I’ve been looking into getting my BS in Accounting through ASU Online (I work at Starbucks and they pay for the tuition.) and I think Industry would be something I’d prefer over public. I’ve seen a few other videos on what it’s like to be an Accountant, and many say they have weekends off - start their days at about 8 or 9, and are off around 4:30 (Except for tax season of course.) but I’ve been with Starbucks for 8 years as a barista, and I’ve been looking for something that’ll still give me some work life balance, (I have a dog who’s my best friend, and I’d hate to leave him home alone for 10-14 hours a day.) and I’ve gotten down to either shooting for a degree in accounting, or going to a trade school, but I want to give Accounting a go, before doing something that’ll wear out my body faster. Thank you for the reply, it looks like I should steer clear of Public Accounting.

[@hajarab8222]

Reading this comment made me burst into tears. I've felt so alone after speaking up about how hard it was for me to deal with my first tax season. I had comments that agreed that it was indeed hard but that I was exaggerating on the effect it had on my physical and mental health. I am now on my second tax season, and I had a nervous breakdown because of the stress. I'm questioning my worth and it started making me heavily anxious every single morning. Industry is definitely a better choice, I hope I get the courage to quit and pursue that route for better work life balance. You made a great choice and I wish you all the success and happiness and peace of mind because no amount of sacrifice for your job will ever give back your mental and physical health 😊

[@sandramish2229]

Congratulations girl you made the best decision for your self and family. Everyone needs to find what gives true financial freedom and happiness, if your 9-5 gives you that then keep it! I Just found your channel. You rock 👍

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you!!!

[@vivianablast3980]

I’m so unhappy right now. Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope to find something different…

[@kellison77]

I was in the same boat 11 years ago. I had a corporate job and my side business and I asked myself one day. "Self" "How do you expect to get 100% from your business and you're working it part-time ." And then I had the ah ha moment. That day I did the budget report gave it to my supervisor along with my 2 week notice. I am cheering you on with pompoms. Congrats

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Yes this is the talk I had with myself. Thank you Kay!!!!

[@natashaj9169]

Thank you so much. I find most videos about "leaving the 9-5" a bit negative and they have a bit of hate towards work... where as I also feel like yourself I don't hate work it's just time to leave....but not in a angry and desperate way, thank you for you for your story!!!!

[@11Elleve11]

from one [mentally] struggling accountant to another - i love how HONEST this video is! i'm currently stuck between the W2 and freelance jump, and after one terrible accounting experience to another, I'M EXHAUSTED. the constant hustle from one company to another, all with promises of grandeur that never deliver, however, it only looks bad on YOUR resume. i'm about to jump ship from my current employer and build my clientele, but admittedly the jump is scary, and i love listening to these stories from other fellow accountants that validate my experience (IT'S NOT JUST ME!!!). bravo to you girl! love this journey for you! and hopefully mine will culminate too! :)

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you! Listen both journeys have their challenges but with entrepreneurship I have more control to cut back when I’m overwhelmed without feeling like I’ve failed

[@DrCozetteMWhite]

Courtney...I am so proud of you! I smiled throughout the entire video - YESSSSSS! You made the best decision you could have made for you and your family!!! And your response to management was on point - *"I do have goals and they are SMART goals but they have nothing to do with this company. I had to make a decision and I CHOOSE ME!* Always here to support you!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much for everything Cozette! Your coaching and guidance was so instrumental in my decision 💕

[@xboxgang5087]

SO RELATABLE!!!! I’m not as Senior in my career as you (currently: Intermediate Accountant at a public company) however I went through exactly what you described here in the past year and a half. Long story short i also started to see signs from the universe (11’s on the clock for a month and. A half straight) so, I followed my gut, quit my boring job, stayed unemployed for a month and found an amazing opportunity with a great company which will allow me to pursue my 2nd passion parallel to accounting: which is IT!!! 🙏🏽❤️ love your content. You deserve more subscribers! - from Vancouver, Canada

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much for sharing. I hope all is going well in your journey

[@Thatgirl009]

This video is one year old and I’m finally at my end. I’m really considering my exit plan. I’m 32 and have been running my own tax office for 8 years. Tax season is always stressful to me especially dealing with the lower income clientele. With all my new procedures in place and new staff, I was expecting a smooth tax season but none the less, it’s still chaotic. Over the years I have tried different methods, plans and procedures and the “mess” of tax season is still a “stress”. It’s good money but no amount of money is worth my mental health. What’s a girl to do? 😩

[@mra.4466]

The pandemic drove me to start my own CPA business as well. Your story is similar and inspirational. From the money you want to save and healthcare(still no idea of how to cover that), not feeling like your growing/challenging yourself. The more you stay into a role, the harder it becomes to take that leap and leave. Since im not married or have kids I think now is the best time. The worst-case scenario is if you don't like running a business and it doesn't work you can always go back from the networks you built and your experience. I plan on going completely in my business next year. Your video gives me the added inspiration. Thank you.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Awww this is so good to hear. Yes I absolutely think the best time to make the move is before you start a family because all your costs will go up from there and it’s always scarier. You can do this and like you said, the working field isn’t going anywhere, you can always go back

[@Teestarot333]

I had my boss tell me that’s just the way it is around here you get used to it. Then my boss said on text you’re fighting fights you’re not gonna win you might as well give up. All I was doing was advocating for the team I manage.

[@TravelingHearts]

Thank you! I randomly came across this video, and this was the sign I have been praying for.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

God shows you what you need exactly when you need it. I’m just the vessel ❤️

[@moneyhoney2485]

Thank you, this is my life story lol. My resignation letter is being drafted..lol I wish you all the best in Tax Season 2022.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much

[@samgk1614]

I have been following your story since you posted your first video. Just want to say I appreciate the time you took to let us know about your journey. I currently just finished my internship and already know that I don't want to keep working for a firm for the rest of my career....I'm picking up the skills I need and starting my own business showin u support from 🇨🇦

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

🥺🥺🥺omg OG fellow struggler 🥰. Thank you so much for the support. It’s important to keep an open mind when you’re trying out different jobs and if you know it’s not working by all means, get your experience and move on. Best of luck to you!

[@jenniferbrat]

listening while working on a tax return with a shit load of foreign mutual funds and excess distributions. i was wondering about exit opportunities just yesterday and now this video comes up... makes me really want to sit and think heavily about my future, but first, let me finish listening to this video and get back to work!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully this video helps with a little perspective!

[@hiitsme3039]

Doooo it

[@Loreyna32]

The background music is kind of distracting. But, overall the video was good.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Yeah I was thinking it was a little louder than usual but the upload took so long I just couldn’t take starting over. Thanks for the feedback

[@elisapierre-procope9177]

Omg I'm so proud of you!! I've been a follower since you were taking the CPA exams. You have been such an inspiration to me. Keep it pushing🙌🏾

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much Elisa! 💞

[@PocketWatcherJT]

Congrats 🎉 on the career move! You can do it ✊🏿

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much

[@Kat-ws5wn]

I know this comment is late,, but if i could id give you multiple thumbs up. I absolutely agree with you regarding the signs/symptoms experienced that led you to quite. I agree that having a job is a blessing as you say but you know it's time to quite your job when you dread going to work, when you get anxiety on Sunday right before going in to work, when you can't see yourself with the company long term, when you don't have time to do what you want to do, when you have lost your sense of self to your job. Thanks for sharing 💗.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much ☺️ I haven’t regretted my decision yet but of course I miss the people

[@patricewilcox]

So happy for you! You Genuinely seem excited for the future. Wishing you all the best.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much!!!

[@MichelleMurphy]

LOL I love your banter. It feels like I'm really talking to one of my girls at the bar or a restaurant. And congrats on the leap! And yes healthcare -_- lawd.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Haha I always feel like I’m talking amongst family

[@sharondawilliams2469]

Congratulations! Our experience in the accounting field parallels with our desire to start and excel in our own business.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Yes! It’s not for everyone but it has been great for me so far

[@willeeuhm]

Glad to see you're onto bigger and better things, Courtney!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thanks so much Will ✨

[@SisiphoAmelieLeeZinja]

given this new wfh environment, as a junior employee it's so hard to feel like I am growing, collaborating, excelling and doing things that are meaningful for me. i have been working for a year now, only black women in the organization -- like I feel like I suck at this (which makes sense bc it's my first time doing any of this), but I feel like I don't know if I don't know how to ask for support or if this is something I really want and should just quit and move back home and leave USA forever. I have a lot to think about, I like being comfortable but every day I have so much anxiety...

[@xboxgang5087]

If I could chime in with any advice, as an Intermediate Accountant with 4 years of experience, I really think you should try to either work in the office 1-2 days a week to really try to get that person to person contact and collaboration. Much easier to gauge how much support you can receive! If it still doesn’t feel right, look for a new job! I’m from Vancouver however I recently quit my boring dead job and just joined an amazing public company at my current role. I swear there’s better out there! “the Great Resignation” - all the best! 🙏🏽

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I think you should stay and push past the discomfort. The first couple of years are always like this, feeling like you failed at something. The struggle part is a great way to learn. I do agree with the other advice that you should try to get in the office if possible. It makes a huge difference when collaborating. I hope this helps

[@PHlophe]

Senior accountant here , after 7 years it is time for me to move into entrepreneurship as well. The only person that knows is my other half. she supports me. Both my parents are accountants . This is going to break my parents hearts because our jobs are respectable and its the ultimate symbol of corporate tidiness. You look like the long lost sister of youtube Gugulethu Nyatsumba. Similar style, even. Look her up . I am pretty sure you'll feel related.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I think you should go for it if that’s what you really want. Also, I looked her up and wow, she is amazing. I hadn’t heard of her before now. Thank you!

[@pearlivory3483]

My life right now. I quit my job in 2021 and had already started my business September 2020. I also do taxes. But then I also picked up a public accounting contract with a firm so I’m doubling up on my own clients and the contract with the firm. My own clients- not making enough to replace my old income. Need to restructure for sure.

[@liljay0687]

Loved this! Very motivating, I have the same goal of leaving corporate and doing my own thing!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Go for it! But have a plan first of course

[@bonitah4482]

Congratulations! So excited for you and wishing you the best! Thank you for giving such valuable points to consider when wanting to take the entrepreneurial route! Hopefully one day, I can gain the confidence to take that route. But for right now, I’m comfortable working behind the scene.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much! You will definitely gain the confidence with time. I’m a completely different accountant than I was 5 years ago and even still I get nervous and second guess myself

[@walkerwill60]

Congratulations! Super excited for you

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much!

[@dawandorsey2635]

Thanks for the content. Good luck on your next venture.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much

[@Quilt4Joy]

You’re awesome - your personality is bomb, Sis!

[@loveofpassion7908]

Hi! Would love to hear where you are today! Looking forward to the video whenever you get time because I’m thinking about starting the same journey !☺️

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Hey there! I’m planning to make this my next video ☺️ hoping to record and post within the next week so make sure your notifications are on

[@mrelitefalcon5]

Thank you so much for the video!! Very inspiring. Congrats!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much!

[@xzandriaweil]

Thank you for sharing your journey and testimony.

[@catvenom1646]

I’m currently studying Accounting and a first year in college. I don’t hate accounting or regret taking accounting. I have a little experience of it but it does not really interest me anymore because it is so draining. I believe that there are other more opportunities in the future other than this course. I really want shift/switch my major because of this reason, although I am still contemplating my decisions. I strongly agree that accounting life is also not for me. Should I change pathways? Enlighten me.

[@marriejames01]

How far have you gotten? If you’re more than half way I’d say get the Accounting degree and add a second major or minor. Perhaps you’d like Finance better?

[@DreamFirms]

Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you for watching!

[@dreamchaser5758]

I think Supervisors can intuitively sense when people have entrepreneurial aspirations or are cultivating independence in other ways by becoming debt free, building savings, consistent side hustles and developing an investment portfolio. Companies in various industries love desperate employees who are on precarious financial footing because the live in constant fear of being let go and set few, if any, professional boundaries. I cannot speak to your situation. But under the guise of goals is often a covert inquiry into why aren't you kissing our ass?

[@50Rides]

I want to quit my accounting job I feel my life is stuck at this point, I have so much burden in my mind, no freedom no time for myself what to do

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I totally understand this feeling. I recommend really saving and building up your skills before quitting so the pressure to quickly find something else doesn’t become too much

[@sofiesop1rey2]

Girl I feel you same here with 2021 tax season was murder!!!!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

It’s like each year gets worst but I’m praying the next season is better

[@angelstclair3430]

hi! I'm a first timer here, love your energy!!. i also have a question... did the existence of ethical issues in accounting make you have second thoughts on pursuing a career in accounting?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much! No, ethics is an important part of the job but it did make me think twice about WHO I take on as a client

[@angelstclair3430]

@@TheAccountingStruggle thank you so much!

[@SisiphoAmelieLeeZinja]

so useful, thank you!

[@harryb1210]

I loved the creative side of excel and I was good at it so I went back to school for business analytics. Majoring in HR Analytics. Accounting just wasn’t for me.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Accounting wasn’t that much fun for me during college but it got better for me once I started working. It’s just not everyone’s cup of tea

[@unrealisticthoughts406]

Congratulations on your new journey!. May success continue to come your way. What was the process you went through to get QuickBooks certified? Is there a specific place to go or can the certification be completed online?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you! You can go to Quickbooks and do it for free

[@unrealisticthoughts406]

@@TheAccountingStruggle Thank you! 😊

[@misterj3133]

Congratulations!

[@versacejazpineaples]

missed you!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

It’s great to be back 💓

[@emyriam2009]

Hi, what quickbook certification training did you take? How did it take you and how it cost? Thank you 😊

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

There is an online Quickbooks Certification available for pro advisors and for advance. Both courses are available for free at the QB website

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

You can do the whole thing within a few daus

[@emyriam2009]

@@TheAccountingStruggle great, thanks for sharing the info.😊

[@JanayDiamond]

I love your hair!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you!

[@kednelewis2930]

You mentioned a business coach setting that help you set pricing etc. where did you find business coach.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I found her on Instagram. Her name is Dr. Cozette and her website is: my-schedule.timetrade.com/app/td-1851447/workflows/3k8jg/schedule/welcome?wfsid=16a5bdb5-baba97f6-16a5bef5-baba97f6-00000002-jsrn3je5dk2989g8d19589ikpng31ubo&view=full&fs=1

[@fionalewis6192]

Hi, I'm in college right now, and I'm still choosing majors. How much did you make in a year as an accountant?

[@brwnboy91]

That opening line = Me this week haha

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

😂😂😂

[@adrienneowen1202]

thinking about doing the same exact thing gf

[@lajjashah1]

Would love to know how you found your clients

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Mostly from IG and referrals

[@japeriawilliams4470]

Can you create a video for how you determined your pricing?

[@japeriawilliams4470]

alsooo your website and pics look AMAZING! Kudos to you for taking this leap, can't wait to hear more about your journey!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I sure can-thank you for the suggestion

[@NATSCOTT]

What are your thought on changes jobs within one year?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I think if t transition really makes sense then go for it but you want to try and feel a job out for at least a year and half before you decide on it. Sometimes our judgement can be clouded in the first year because we are still trying to get acclimated and that can feel frustrating

[@MarieFrance.]

Looking forward tounch my business soon.

[@dianabanaan12]

Do you have your CPA?

[@maddcapper4548]

Girl, u better not catch me on payday..lol...with your cute self..wink...

[@Officialsearch21]

The way she was talking I feel like she worked for PwC.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Lol it wasn’t PwC I promise

[@Officialsearch21]

@@TheAccountingStruggle once you said on boarding omgggg. I hated that place with a passion.

[@jpmarchena703]

That's great news Courtney. Congratulations! Question about your niche - how do you handle SALT for your social influencer clients for revenue like ads and sponsorships? There really isn't any guidance out there on sourcing that type of income specifically... I'm interested to see which states/municipalities go pursue it. Also LOL @ 2021 bzy szn. RIP us. ETA: Great to have you back! Super proud of you and love how integral and honest you are.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you JP! Not going to lie the SALT part can get tricky. For the most part my clients are getting majority of their income from US sponsored companies like Google ads. For the ones that receive international income I find myself doing quite a bit of research. I also find companies like Avalara and Tax Jar to be great resources when it comes to nexus issues. You’re right though-very little guidance available

[@lulut2746]

Congratulations!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you ☺️