What next after burnout from big4

[Peachhearttree]

2 months after burnout from Big4. I have started to feel more like myself again but I don’t think there is going back to this environment so will hand my resignation.

The time I have had to heal has been great, I am so exercising more, eating better, reading, feel happier and more relaxed, loving the freedom but may feel different in winter with the short days and teens back to school.

I am an Accountant, I don’t want to go back to the rat race but need to make a living; I am early 50s, not enough pension. DH wants to retire in 4 years when DC2 finishes school.

What options are out there? Term time jobs, part time jobs, work for myself, work in a school,

Would be grateful for any advice.

Stand firm on being managed out. You may still get a pay off come the inevitable next redundancy round. Big 4 cutting a lot at the moment.

I can tell you that in my firm we have a lot of capacity and not looking to recruit much. We just had a lot of people leave in tax due to partners retiring and their old teams moving on and their work is moving to specialists elsewhere rather than re-recruit locally.

Our audit team is still growing and can always recruit but I sense that's no good to you.

An experienced ex big 4 manager who is happy being a manager would be a good fit for a mid tier firm like GT or BDO but as with all finance jobs there would still be a need for some work beyond 9-5.

I resigned without a job to go to. I figured I’d find a job most easily through word of mouth, and that was definitely the case, and how I got my job (as well as several other potential jobs). A charity, bit if a step down in pay, but it has been a thousand times more rewarding.

I know people who’ve gone public sector for the pension, but it can be a bit frustrating (red tape and culture) if not what you’re used to.

Honestly you need to LEAVE, it’s like a bad relationship, keeps you there as you get sucked into thinking it’s normal, then it breaks you down you’ve got no belief in yourself anymore and you think it’s you that’s at fault not the job.

I hope u find some balance OP.

OP, I have recently stopped working in Finance due to burnout from a senior finance role in the NHS, (which turned out to also be a perimenopausal attack).

Word of warning on NHS Finance jobs. They can be incredibly stressful. I routinely worked 60+ hours a week, my trust and the ICB were toxic. The funding cycle is ridiculously frustrating, and trying to embed change (even simple quick wins) will make you want to kill yourself.
I have since found out there are some positions that are well known for having a 4 year life span in the NHS.

Please be careful, the job market is tough. I have been fortunate to be shortlisted from over 200 applicants on 3 occasions for HOF positions in the charitable sector, got through first and second stage interviews, to have a particularly cruel new style third stage where you meet the board, have coffee with the teams that will report to you, sit on sofas and chat with your peers, only to be told that the position has gone to an internal applicant. The last one has really got to me. I don't think I can go through it again.

From what you are saying, I would really encourage you to push for OT to support you with an internal move. If you have any menopausal symptoms, this could help strengthen your need for change.

Best of luck, and sorry you have experienced something similar to me.

Thank you. This is my conclusion,

I enquired and I could do a phased return if the dr recommend it

I thought long and hard and I think is prolonging the unavoidable.The energy in the team is not great and there is a disconnect with my immediate partner.

I like the Company and my previous team, the people in general; enjoyed the first 3 years; thought I stayed until retirement; but I can’t stay where I not wanted, still get a bit emotional/tearful when I think of it.

My motivation and confidence has been damaged enough and I can’t let it damage anymore, I need to put myself first. Happy to take a pay cut if needed.

I won’t go to the whole managed out thing as It won’t be easy.

Time to move on.

If you like the firm but not the team then I would push for input from OT to see if you could be moved to an internal support team.

Thank you. I have enquired and I need to apply for vacancies; also look at secondments opportunities, contact some people.

I would agree with this.
As an alternative, a friend switched to a smaller firm and became a partner there very quickly.