career change

I've been a teacher for 5 years. (3 years math at one school and 2 years ELA at another). I am certified for both 7-12. I've taught 7th and 8th. I hate the new school I'm at. I'm miserable here,

Lately, I just felt like I dont want to teach anymore. I started at 21 and I want a change. It's taken a long time of thinking, but i want to go back for another MA. This time in accounting.

I signed up for the GMAT (test to get into business schools) for Dec 18. I want to start at SUNY Westbury this spring. I'm so nervous, but I need this change.

Anyone a career changer? Anyone a CPA??? Anyone take the GMATs?

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I am none of those things but I just wanted to say good luck!! It's great what you're doing!!

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Thank you!!! :)

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I am a lawyer and am now getting my executive MBA at Columbia, while working full time. The Columbia program is also full time but meets on alternate weekends for LONG days

Let me know if you have any questions.

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I'm not in business, but I'm changing my field from Student Affairs to creative writing...I'm applying for my MFA in Poetry (it's a terminal degree), and I'm hoping to be a professor in creative writing in the next few years!

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I'm an accountant, was in public accounting for 3 years after I graduated and been in forensic accounting for about 5 years so I can definitely comment on a career in accounting if you want to talk more.

Just curious, do you HAVE to get MBA? How about Masters of Accounting? It depends if your college classes can count towards the degree. I'd look into it because it could be a year less than MBA.

DH is starting NYU part-time MBA in February. He didn't have a business degree and needs MBA to get further in his company so it makes sense for him.

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Posted by rdubs

I'm an accountant, was in public accounting for 3 years after I graduated and been in forensic accounting for about 5 years so I can definitely comment on a career in accounting if you want to talk more.

Just curious, do you HAVE to get MBA? How about Masters of Accounting? It depends if your college classes can count towards the degree. I'd look into it because it could be a year less than MBA.

DH is starting NYU part-time MBA in February. He didn't have a business degree and needs MBA to get further in his company so it makes sense for him.

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Definitely going to fm you later to talk more. I am going for my Masters of Accounting, but Westbury requires you take the GMAT. Is that unusual? Are there jobs available in accounting now or it's hard right now? Thank you!!

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Posted by jackieee

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Posted by rdubs

I'm an accountant, was in public accounting for 3 years after I graduated and been in forensic accounting for about 5 years so I can definitely comment on a career in accounting if you want to talk more.

Just curious, do you HAVE to get MBA? How about Masters of Accounting? It depends if your college classes can count towards the degree. I'd look into it because it could be a year less than MBA.

DH is starting NYU part-time MBA in February. He didn't have a business degree and needs MBA to get further in his company so it makes sense for him.

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Definitely going to fm you later to talk more. I am going for my Masters of Accounting, but Westbury requires you take the GMAT. Is that unusual? Are there jobs available in accounting now or it's hard right now? Thank you!!

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If you are getting an MBA it is required to take the GMAT, however for an MA in Accounting, usually the GRE is required.

I took the GMATS and got my MBA from Stony Brook about two years ago. I did pretty well on my GMATS, studied on my own, didn't take a class.

I have been an accountant for the past five years full time and worked part time all through college. If you are going into public accounting, its essential to get your CPA, especially if you are going to go to a Big 4 company. If you want to work for a company and just do general ledger type stuff, then an MBA is great.

From talking with my piers and co-workers when I was deciding which way to go (MA vs. MBA), hands down everyone told me to go the MBA route. It might take a little longer but it will benefit me a lot more in the end. However, that is not to say that an MA isn't good, any masters is a huge accomplishment and will look great on a resume. But the way it was explained to me is a Masters in better for specialized fields....like a Masters in Taxation, since you can't get a MBA with Taxation concentration, kwim??

As far as the accounting field goes, its ok. Yes it can get a little boring but it all depends on what type of work you do. I'm actually making a career change and I'm hoping to leave the industry in a few months.

Lastly, if you don't have your undergraduate degree in Accounting, you won't be able to sit for the CPA. You need somwhere around 33 credits in Accounting to sit, plus 36 more in business, economics, etc. Its hard to get all of those requirements with just a MA or MBA.

Hope all this helped! And good luck!!!

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Thank you! I just got nervous that I registered for the wrong test and wasted 250, but I called westbury and they require the gmat for MS in Accounting. Whew!

Why are you leaving the field if you don't mind me asking. What type of business are you going into? Thanks again. I'm nervous! But its something I used to want to do! I think I'd enjoy it a lot.

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I like what I do but I don't love what I do. I work for a large utility company and get great benefits and pay but I finally realized if I can't see myself doing this for the next 40 years then I need to leave. I found something I love to do and things are going really well. (don't think I can really say on here if you know what I mean )

Accounting is a good field and usually a stable job which is great but for me, I would rather be doing something else. Also, I want something with more flexibility so when I have a family I can be there for the kids but still have a good income. Accounting (at least in the field I'm in) is very demanding. The first two weeks of every month during the month end close I work at least 20 hours in overtime. On quarter closes, I work overtime the entire month and forget year end, I'm in a cave for at least three months. While I find my work rewarding and I don't mind the overtime, I have to start thinking about the future.

Have you looked into the MBA? What is making you get MA in Accounting vs. MBA in Accounting?

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A career change at this age is a great idea.

Just be warned, I have MANY friends who are accountants and CPA's and they hate hate hate it. I know one who actually went from accounting to teaching b/c she couldn't sit behind a computer desk anymore for hours on end.

As with any career there are those who either love it or hate it.

Either way good luck!!!

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Posted by AdriandSteve

A career change at this age is a great idea.

Just be warned, I have MANY friends who are accountants and CPA's and they hate hate hate it. I know one who actually went from accounting to teaching b/c she couldn't sit behind a computer desk anymore for hours on end.

As with any career there are those who either love it or hate it.

Either way good luck!!!

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The thing about the accounting field is there are a lot of different routes. I did public accounting at first at a large CPA firm in Manhattan, it wasn't for me in the long run but I didn't just sit at a desk with my computer each day and I was fairly happy; it was a great start and I was able to leave and work anywhere after working there. I now do forensic accounting/consulting which is exciting and different each day---I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I have some travel, all types of clients, no busy season, and great pay and benefits.

Most accounting jobs will provide great pay and benefits but can't say all are exciting. I personally could never work in private accounting (working for a private company instead of having clients) but I know a ton of people that do. Usually hours are more regular (9am-5pm) in private accounting but I'd rather work longer hours and be happier.

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I have no adive for you but good luck!

I graduated with a degree in psychology and aspirations of being a school/child psychologist... Then realized that kids are sad situations, parents are hard to deal with, and I have low tolerance for crazy people...

Then I went back to school to be a nurse. Now I'm an RN and I LOVE MY JOB!

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I hear ya about the career change.

I took the GMAT in order to go for my MBA. To be quite honest, my suggestion is to get yourself the Princeton Review and the GMAT for dummies. Review the books, take the online exams, etc. That will help you prepare for it. Also, it will give you the chance to reveiw some information that you probably haven't seen in years. I hate taking tests, but I have to say I only had to take the GMAT once. I think I got like around 600.

Don't be nervous. If you feel you need a change, go for it. It is never too late. Actually, my mom did something similar and actually the exact opposite of what you are planning to do. My mom, late in life, was a couple of credits away from getting her BA in Accounting......realized that she really loved to teach, so she switched paths and became a teacher instead. She has been a teacher for the last 14 years. So it is never too late to change.

Wish you all the luck on the GMAT!!

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Jackie, Just something to think about. . . . I have worked with a bunch of people that have gone back to school to become a teacher because they want to be on the same schedule as their children.

I am sure you will do what is right for you – just a thought.

Good Luck!

BTW - I’m not an accountant.

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Posted by mariedsgn

Jackie, Just something to think about. . . . I have worked with a bunch of people that have gone back to school to become a teacher because they want to be on the same schedule as their children.

I am sure you will do what is right for you – just a thought.

Good Luck!

BTW - I’m not an accountant.

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Yes, this is an extremely important point to think about. I know you've mentioned TTC as soon as you can and the hours as an accountant might make it harder when you do start a family.

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Jackie, I know you said youre miserable at your new school. Do you think if you tried a different age group (such as high school) or district you'd be happier?

I had moments last year I was ready to give up. I'm in a private school now (same district) and I LOVE it. I also realized I'm not a big fan of Middle School but prefer teaching H.S.

I know its always not easy to find a teaching job- but maybe you can try a different grade level and district if the opportunity comes up?

No matter what you decide though- good luck!

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Posted by bride2be1012

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Posted by mariedsgn

Jackie, Just something to think about. . . . I have worked with a bunch of people that have gone back to school to become a teacher because they want to be on the same schedule as their children.

I am sure you will do what is right for you – just a thought.

Good Luck!

BTW - I’m not an accountant.

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Yes, this is an extremely important point to think about. I know you've mentioned TTC as soon as you can and the hours as an accountant might make it harder when you do start a family.

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This is the only thing holding me back. We do want to start having a family right away. :(

And Colleen, I'd probably be happier teaching math again. I loved it my first 3 years. This new school just made me so jaded and hating my career. I don t know what to do...