Help me salvage some kind of a career

I am in need of some serious career advice and could use some honest answers. Basically, I'm not happy where I'm at and doing what I'm doing but I'm having a hard time jumping ship because I have such an easy job right now.

My goal is to narrow down the options of what sort of job I can get and what would be a good fit for me. Currently I work in public accounting, specifically tax and have been working in public accounting for 8 years. I used to think I wanted to become a partner but I'm fairly certain I'd be miserable as one. I'm worried I've wasted so much time and effort and now need to start all over in a career I'll like even less.

Let me give some brief background. I'm 35, white and male. I live in southern california but I'm ready to move anywhere in the country that's less crowded. I have no family yet so there's nothing to stop me from doing this. I have a bachelor's in business administration from a good, small private university and an MBA from USC that I got in 2012. When I first finished college in 2003 it seemed like the only companies hiring were mortgage companies so I found a job as a loan officer and did this for a few years. It taught me that I really loathe sales. I then made a career switch to public accounting and have done it for 8 years. Now I'm thinking I need to try something else before I get too much older.

Are there any career possibilities where I can leverage my MBA and/or CPA license to get a good position? I'm most interested in working somewhere where there is opportunity for advancement once you've shown you're capable. Any thoughts? Guidance?

I forgot to mention I don't work for a big 4 and never have. I've only worked for small local firms but I've gotten quality experience.

3 Comments
 

I'm like the same person as you, only a bit younger with no MBA. I left LA and greatly miss it though. The social/fun/activity scene there is killer - make sure you pick a place you actually will enjoy if you leave, I have realized that a career doesn't mean much if you're not happy with life. Your attitude is what carries you to bigger and better things.

 

Have you looked at going in-house to corporate jobs? I don't know your current pay level or whether you're willing and able to take a pay cut, but the MBA and CPA should get your foot in the door for interviews. If you're moving out of southern California (which I have previously done), taking a pay cut might not be a bad option as the cost of living is generally cheaper in other areas around the country.

 

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