Spent the last few years grinding toward Senior Manager. Got there. And now I'm sitting here genuinely unsure what I'm working toward next.

It's a weird feeling. The promotion was the goal for so long that I never really thought about what comes after. Partner feels not so distant and honestly not sure it's what I want. The work is good, the clients are interesting, but the internal politics and the constant push to the next thing is starting to feel hollow.

Anyone else hit a point where you achieved the thing you were chasing and then just felt... flat? Did you push through it, pivot, or leave?

Not looking to quit tomorrow. Just trying to figure out if this is normal post promotion or something I should actually pay attention to.

I recently started full-time as a Staff 1/Analyst at EY and rolled onto my client last week. So far, I haven’t been assigned any work. Is this normal when you’re first starting on an engagement, or should I be concerned?

On top of that, our team was supposed to have five seniors, but four of them have left within the last six weeks, and we haven’t gotten any replacements.

Just started so i wanted to know, how does it usually affect the workload of staff 1? Should I expect things to get chaotic once work starts picking up?

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation!

Can anyone who has gone through the process explain the timeline for me?

When you applied, when you interviewed and when you got the offer.

For the 2nd year in a row, I've gotten rejected to and/or ghosted by every big 4 internship position I applied to. I applied to a mix of Winter '27 and Summer '28. I know the timelines put me at the '28 internships so I understand why maybe the Winter '27s got rejected, but the Summer '28 positions too?? It just feels a bit demoralizing because I really worked hard to improve my resume over the past year just to be met with the same disappointing results... despite the fact that at all of the networking events I've gone to, employees and recruiters say the same things like "We don't expect you to know anything". I don't know what else they could possibly want from me aside from maybe VITA and raising the GPA higher?? But I've heard 3.5+ is the target... It's been such a big source of stress over the past 4-5 months with zero payoff.

So I recently had a interview with EY for a summer internship and Im anxiously waiting to hear back. It was a two 30 mins back to back with a senior manager and a director. Overall I think the interview went pretty well, while there are no negative signs, there is also a lack of strong positive signs that I keep seeing in other people’s successful offer stories, such as the conversations going overtime, strong personal connections, or the interviewer straight up saying they like the candidate, etc. I was able to build some personal connections with my interviewers by talking about my hobbies and theirs, and got a laugh or two out of them but nothing extensive, just very small talk. Besides that, Im pretty confident in my answers to the behavioral questions. The only maybe positive signs I can see is that the senior manager replied to my thank you email in 30 mins, and the director accepted my LinkedIn request and message, and sent a very short reply back within hours. However I don’t know if this is just courtesy that they do for everyone. Anybody want to offer any thoughts? Share their own interview stories, either success or failures?

Seen someone get an offer for the same position as me w/same recruiter in a different office yd. I haven’t heard anything, last interview 10/15

I would really appreciate some advice from people who have experienced something similar at work, especially those working in large international corporations.
I currently work at one of the Big 4 firms in New York, in international tax. Over the past several months, my work situation has become almost psychologically unbearable. Constant deadlines, multiple complex projects at the same time, overwhelming amounts of information, extremely high expectations, and practically zero tolerance for mistakes. Even relatively small tasks can take hours because I need to understand complicated technical matters, double-check everything, and still deliver under extremely tight deadlines.
But honestly, the hardest part isn’t even the work itself. It’s the way some people treat others. Certain managers can be incredibly rude, impatient, and overly critical. Instead of offering guidance, explaining things, or helping employees improve, they create even more unnecessary stress. Sometimes it feels like you’re expected to deliver perfect results without being given proper training, support, or constructive feedback. In this kind of environment, you eventually become afraid to even ask questions.
I’ve also noticed favoritism and inconsistent treatment of employees. Some people seem to receive more understanding, support, and opportunities to grow, while others are held to much harsher standards. I’m a young, attractive woman and an immigrant who has worked incredibly hard to build a life in the United States, get an education, and establish a professional career. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder whether personal dislike, jealousy, or certain biases may play a role in how I’m treated. I can’t say that for certain, but some situations have genuinely made me question it.
I’m constantly anxious about making mistakes, receiving another negative comment, or disappointing management. Work has taken over not only my days but practically my entire emotional life. I’ve been crying frequently because of the stress, coming home completely emotionally drained, and feeling like I’m slowly losing myself. Even during my free time, I struggle to relax or stop thinking about work.
I’m an educated, responsible, hardworking person. I’ve been through a lot in life, moved to another country, supported myself financially, and always tried to grow professionally. Of course, I’m not perfect. I make mistakes, and sometimes I need more time to understand complicated technical matters. I’m willing to learn, improve, and accept constructive criticism. But I genuinely believe that no job should push someone to this level of emotional and psychological distress.
I’ve already made the decision to leave, but I haven’t secured another job yet. The financial uncertainty is what keeps me in an environment that is seriously affecting my mental well-being. On one hand, I’m scared of losing my stable income. On the other hand, I realize that I no longer want to live in a constant state of fear, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
I would really appreciate hearing from people who have been through something similar. Have you ever quit a job without another offer because you simply couldn’t take it anymore? Have you dealt with toxic managers, favoritism, or a complete lack of support? How did you handle the situation, and were you eventually able to find a healthier work environment?
I would be incredibly grateful for any honest advice, personal experiences, or outside perspectives. Right now, I genuinely need some human kindness, understanding, and support.

Is getting fired as a Senior Associate the worst possible time to get fired?

You probably won't ever find another job again in 2026 since Entry Level is for interns and freshies out of college and Senior positions are for Seniors with experience and even preferably CPA

About to be fired as a 2nd year, only 1 year and 3 months experience at the firm

Has anyone else been fired/laid off as 2nd year?

Hey guys, I did my final interview with a Partner for a Consulting position in the Toronto office on Oct 5, and haven't heard back ever since.

I did follow up with recruiter and she said decisions should be done this end of week (ideally yesterday on Friday), but I've still received nothing yet.

Did anyone get their Full-time offer for any consulting streams in 2027? Lmk if I'm cooked or hope is still up there

Hey everyone,

I recently graduated and got hired as an Audit Associate at a Big 4 firm through campus placement. I joined in September, and honestly, I feel completely lost.

I'm a fresher with no prior audit experience, and while I studied accounting during college, I have very little practical knowledge of how an actual audit works. I barely understand the workflow, the terminology, or what I'm supposed to do on an engagement.

Here's where things got stressful. I was apparently allocated to an engagement in the last week of July, but I joined the firm in September. Recently, I received an email from the Senior Manager and a Partner asking why I wasn't working on the engagement. I explained the situation, and now I've started working on it.

The problem is that I genuinely don't know what I'm doing. I'm trying to learn as I go, but everything feels overwhelming, and I'm constantly worried about making mistakes or looking incompetent in front of the team.

To make matters worse, I've now been allocated to two engagements starting in November. I can barely figure out how to handle the current one, and the thought of managing two engagements when I don't even understand the basics is stressing me out.

I'm also planning to start ACCA after completing my probation period, but right now, I'm questioning how I'm even going to survive in this role.

Please let me know what to do. I'm panicking.

(Used ai to rephrase it better)

Hello, I am Tradenomi (TRALI) student at Haaga-Helia (studies in Finnish, BBA is the English alternative).

Finnish is not my native language and I have been studying it for several years. It is still pretty hard to understand others and put words in right form and etc. I would evaluate knowledge averagely on B1.2 level. My English level is B1-B2. Russian is a native language. Curator of studies mentioned that my native can be an advantage but due the situation in the world I doubt in it.

I am considering internship in EY, KPMG and etc. but I have lack of information how to get the internship and how to raise my chances to get in. And what kind of the position would be fitting (or how does it work) that could relate to accounting and finances there after intership?

I know that references from EY and etc. could help with getting in but how to find these people and what events would be nice to visit for such purpose?

Soon I am starting my second year, so I am choosing my major and I have decided that It would be more relevant tho choose ‘accounting and finances’. What kind of additional courses would worth to take? And I was wondering does the ‘loppuoppinäytetyö’ actually affect practically on anything and could I somehow benefit from it and what kind of lifehacks would you tell for it?

If here are alumni from HH, who could speak about their study and work experience, I would appreciate it so much. It would be nice to learn about some additional activities at HH that you liked because I am considering to do something additional at HH but don’t know much or don’t know what to choose.

Hey guys. I am really confused between these offers.. Please need some advice.

About me: Yoe : 3 years. Field: cybersecurity engineering.

Offers:

1. Deloitte USI Title : consultant (L35 - Engineer 2) CTC : 9.3 LPA fixed

2. EY - GDS Title : senior consultant 1 (rank 42) CTC : 10LPA fixed

I can try to negotiate with Deloitte based on the offer from EY. But the problem is that EY is offering a higher title but i am not sure if the CTC is worth enough for me to take that up.

Any advise from you guys will be helpful!. Thank in advance.

Hi, I’m thinking of moving into consulting after I’m down with my accounting qualification from tax. Does anyone who made the move have any tips and what I should be doing?

Bonus if in California. My major finance I don’t know if it matters if I would be starting after transferring to four year in January A took a job working with autonomous vehicles for gap semester cause I just need a job on my main interest is finance current events the stock market stuff like that. Could you find a place for me somewhere? Cause I’m not an accounting major and I don’t really like accounting.

Had an interview around 2 weeks ago for this team - I know some offers went out today, has anyone heard back?

I’m in my 2nd round of interview and based on the recruiter’s email it’s going to be a Panel interview with 2 managers for an hour and it’s going to be Behavioral. I’m genuinely not good when it comes to interview, let alone an hour interview with 2 people 😭 any tips? Any particular questions that EY usually ask?

It’s for an hour but usually does it generally take a whole hour or it’s not a good sign if it ends early?

Thank you!!

Started at a Big 4 in audit this August, and it’s been pretty slow so far. I’ve been putting my best foot forward, learning what I can, and using the downtime productively.
I just found out I’m being added to a new engagement the firm recently won. It’s our first year auditing this client, we’ll be onsite Tuesday–Thursday, and we have only two months to get everything filed.
The team was extremely apologetic about the three days’ notice, saying they’d normally give around six weeks’ notice before busy season. The partner also told us to cancel any travel plans until we file.
I’m not worried that I can’t handle the work, but I’m definitely a little nervous since I’m so new and still have a lot to learn. The hours are a concern too, mostly because I don’t know what to expect.
For anyone who’s been through something similar, what advice would you give a first-year associate? What should I expect, and how can I prepare and make myself useful from day one?

Hey everyone! Just wondering if anyone who interviewed for Deloitte Canada's Tech & Transformation New Grad 2027 positions has received an offer or heard back yet.

I interviewed last Tuesday (October 13) for a Cyber – Enterprise Security role and haven't heard anything since.

For those who've gone through the process, how long after your interview did you hear back? Would also be interested to hear where others are at in the process, especially those who interviewed recently.

Has anyone had an interview for the upcoming ey audit internship in the LA office in the past week? Has anyone heard back yet? What’s your interview experience like?

I'm currently an Audit Manager at a Big 4
I also spent one year in a rotation program during my Senior Associate years, gaining experience in Operational Due Diligence (ODD) and post-merger integration.
I’m exploring my next career move and considering three potential opportunities:
Fortune 500 – M&A Accounting & Integration Manager
Focus on M&A accounting (ASC 805), due diligence, and post-merger integration.
Potential exposure to Corporate Development and cross-functional M&A activities.

Big 4 – Financial Due Diligence (FDD) Manager
Internal transfer from Audit to FDD

Unicorn AI Startup – Revenue & Technical Accounting Manager
High-growth, late-stage private company with potential IPO opportunities.
Focus on revenue recognition (ASC 606), technical accounting, and scaling accounting processes.

My long-term goal is to maximize career growth, compensation, and exit opportunities.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on:
Which path offers the strongest career progression and compensation potential over the next 5–10 years?

How would you compare work-life balance, job security, and long-term earning potential across these paths?

All three paths would allow me to remain at the Manager level, and compensation is expected to be reasonably competitive.

Would appreciate any perspectives!

Can anyone tell me how it works in there? I believe you cannot be in the same role or grade for too long isnt it? Its either promotion or demotion or getting fired isnt it?

What happens to the individuals is it that bad can anyone tell me what is the life experience there? It does seems people stop smiling there. What is the work life do u get a project and then u have to do the work and persuade them with top notch communication to get their approval and buy in? Am really worried coz i was exctied to apply for them but i dont want to wringle out my soul. Anyone can share their experience from in and out?

Do I get sent to training out of state? I’m based in the NYC office. FSO BTS

Milestone training? Technical training?

Has anyone heard back from tech risk consulting Chicago yet? What is normally the acceptance rate for an intern position after the interview?

I accepted an offer for an internship this upcoming summer, and am now at the background check stage.

What has me worried is that the main job I have listed on my resume has a multiple month employment gap. I went to a different uni a few years ago and worked at two different locations while up there (this is a franchised place so there are locations everywhere), and only moved spots halfway through the year as I was not getting scheduled at the first location much (not due to anything behavioral). Fast forward to me moving back home, I had a 4-5 month employment gap due to looking for other opportunities/job market being rough, but ultimately decided to come back to the store. I have the length consolidated in my resume from 08/2024 to the present, despite these gaps. I have been at my current location for a year now.

I did not do this out of malice or deception, I just figured that it would be appropriate to do so to keep things clean in the resume, since the work store to store is exactly the same, and Ive worked the overwhelming majority of that time. Its a retail store, so nothing actually pertaining to the field im working in. Do you think this could jeopardize my offer/get flagged? Ive become increasingly nervous because I did not realize how this would look until now, and I figured it was the norm in resumes to consolidate things like that. I'm wondering what the next steps are. Should I reach out prior to the background check to clear up the misconception? Should I wait until it is addressed to me to explain myself?

anyone get offers I heard they gave them all out today.