Designated! Now what?

Around three weeks ago, I finally received the email indicating that I have been admitted to membership with the CPA, CA organization. YESSSSSSS, and PRAISE GOD that I was able to accomplish this! This is technically the long-awaited goal since day 1 university, and it has been mmm, 5-6 years ago? So...half a decade hahahaah. I'm really thankful that I made it this far because it wouldn't be possible (not exaggerating) if God was not with me. IT'S ALL GOD ^.^!!! And so, yes...the long-awaited and post-poned question I need to ask myself is, what now? Really...what now?

I've been thinking about this since and there's really three options: 

1) Strive upwards in my career after deciding which group I want to work in

I really didn't think about this...to become a manager and even become a partner one day, but this is an option. Perhaps I am restricting myself of this option because I do not like the idea of more responsibilities and having to work longer hours than what I am doing now. However, it is probably an easier route for me to choose. Although even if I do decide this, I will need to select which group I want to work in - which I've also decided on three groups: Professionals, Real Estate or Toronto Private. At my firm, I am thankful to God that I am well-liked by a vast majority of people, so I have a say in terms of how I want to build my career (e.g. work in this group or that). I was advised to write down the nature of each group to help me narrow down which group I'd like to work in - so here it is!

Professionals

> I started out in professionals since co-op, and I really really like one of the partners there (and well I like them all) because I worked closely with him, so I wouldn't mind working with him again

> I probably won't need to work very long hours, except for month-ends when deadlines approach. There won't be a lot of audits since files will be on a smaller scale so I won't be worn out doing audit after audit

> Will be working with lawyers, doctors, other professionals - sometimes this is hard because they are good at what they are doing but not necessarily good business people. BUT! I can say the same for myself hahahahaha. My friend has pointed out to me before that I only understood business and money in terms of a classroom setting - this is very true. If I work in this group, I can learn to become an advisor to people (and also learn tax-planning and plan out my life while I'm at it because professionals are mainly family-driven)

> Kind of locked in because skills aren't transferable to industry jobs

Real Estate

> Makes up 95% of the files I am currently doing, mainly because of this one big file I've been on for a year. Recently, I told my manager I wanted out because I no longer wanted to work crazy hours and fly for business trips where I work endlessly. Praise God because he was considerate and respected my decision (so I am out of the file! woooo!) 

> Also tax-driven, will be working on smaller files compared to the one I did above

> Dealing with more business-y people (because they are construction people), well, there are senior homes too which I've never done

> higher probability of moving up positions in this group 

Toronto Private

> "You will become a great auditor" - I agree...they are just so smart hahahaha but they just audit, audit, and audit

> More fun and interesting clients

> Challenging - which is something I like...you know...easy and sometimes challenging

> Skills you learn are more transferable (easier to go into industry later) 

> I have the leeway to work from Markham and not be downtown Toronto should I choose this group  

2) Leave the public accounting life and work in industry (live the 9 to 5 worklife! Except not really...)

lol. Bahhahahaaa. Most likely every public accountant's dream to work less hours. I can give this a try...finally dusting off my resume from years ago and refining it. However, even with an industry job, it doesn't necessarily mean I won't work long hours because of monthly reporting requirements and also dealing with the auditors (which is -____-). But if say, a government job...hours are really good hahahaa especially if I am to have a family...

3) Go back to school, study something else, and do something else! 

YAASSSS! Hahahhahaaa, okay so maybe part-time studying because I can't fully commit because I have finances to think about.... but hehehehe this makes me so happy to think about...and maybe perhaps I am able to do this while working! I want to take counselling courses...it's been on my mind for a long time. I've realized that I become energized and passionate from speaking to people; to hear their stories, what they are going through, the happy times, the sad times and just being able to care for them. Or...work at a daycare and take care of little children (early childhood education courses?!). Opportunities are endless outside of accounting hahahahahahhaa!

I enjoyed writing this out, as it puts things into perspective...

One last thing I wanted to record here is the gentle reminder I received to be humble. I got caught up with the success I've had working at my firm (never really made critical mistakes and many people enjoyed working with me) and I was really upset yesterday because it seemed that the firm did not recognize a bunch of us who were designated (e.g. increase in salary, which is fine but that was when I found out they paid me less than what they verbally told me they were paying -___- and I never looked at my paystub #failaccountant). ANYWAYS, I was reminded that first, I wouldn't have received this job because I was never offered this job in the first round - I was second-picked or probably the last option considering the interview was bad. So it was because of God I had this opportunity to work at my firm. It was because of God that I was well-liked and was re-hired term after term and officially full-time. It was because of God that the firm decided to develop my growth and skills with the firm by paying for my exams, licensing and etc. IT WAS BECAUSE OF GOD! God has surely held me with His righteous right hand!! I will pray to remember this and be humbled so not be caught up in this again. I will also be thankful that I have a job and that I can provide for my family. ^.^ God - thank you so much!!!!!