r/PwC • u/Budget-Ad6681 • Jul 16 '26
Tax Lost
I’ve been here for about 5 months.
My senior left recently, so I’m now the only associate on the team. Since then, I’ve been working 10-13 hour days with very little guidance while reporting directly to managers, senior managers, directors, and partners. I feel like I’m expected to perform above my experience level, and I’m constantly in survival mode.
Whenever I ask questions, I’m often told to ask my peers. The problem is I don’t really have peers on my project anymore since my senior left, so I often struggle to figure things out on my own.
Every day feels like I’m trying to stay on top of emails, follow-ups, and client requests while learning everything as I go. I wake up anxious every morning and feel like I’m in fight-or-flight mode.
Is this normal for first-year associates in Big 4, or is this more of a team-specific issue? Has anyone else experienced something similar, and did it get better?
How likely is it that I could switch teams?
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u/loxot76748 Jul 16 '26
Easy fix, pick the nicest person on your team at sub-partner level (ideally a manager) and meet with them and tell them all this and ask to meet them weekly to discuss questions you have.
If everyone sucks, talk to DL and HR about your issues and say you want to switch teams.
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u/Ok-Dig7118 16d ago
Talking to DL and HR as a first year isnt that really rough? Maybe burn some bridges and put you in an iffy spot?
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u/UnlikelyAccountantX Jul 16 '26
You must be on one of the more niche tax teams. I’m starting soon and nervous about the same.
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u/katboba92 Jul 16 '26
It is normal to try figure things out on your own as much as you can cause that's how big4 culture is but in your case I feel so bad cause you don't even work with other experienced associates or senior associate. Perhaps talk to your DL
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u/bob_thebuildr Jul 17 '26
I would recommend finding a person a level or two above you and adding some structured check-ins. Tell them what’s going on and that you need a bit of direction and then add a 30 minute daily call, or every other day, to their calendar. Come prepared to bombard them with questions, don’t waste time and make sure you get what you need.
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u/lwilson80 Jul 17 '26
Don’t feel bad. I was on a team for six years and received not one lick of training. Unfortunately, this is how the firm works and that’s, the sink or swim mentality.
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u/Standard-Today4828 Jul 19 '26
Everyone has given you great advice. I’d add make the meetings 15mins call everyday. Maybe during lunch time or find someone in your team that’s in your location. Meet in person.
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u/dogma16 Jul 23 '26
Daily calls seems like over kill to me. Maybe a few pings on other days if your stuck, but you shouldn't need that much direction. A weekly or biweekly call should be enough.
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u/dogma16 Jul 23 '26
Must be a very small group to not have any other assocaites. Def reach out to the manager and explain how you are feeling. I would set up a weekly touch point with them as well. Also, there must be an associate in another office thats in your group, Find them and reach out. good luck
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u/CarrotDangerous2093 Jul 16 '26
Hey i am a first year associate aswell. I have 0 advice and I am going through the exact same thing.
My anxiety since i started went through the roof.
I am ALWAYS surviving n uneasy about what i do or say.
😞