quitting my big 4 job 

I quit my job im the middle of the Big Resignation. I was actually putting off quitting for almost 6 months and had no jobs lined up anyway so I decided to stay. It only made me burn out more so I quit and the feeling of telling your boss you’re leaving is the best feeling ever. 2 senior managers tried to talk me out of it ( and even hinted that I’d be welcomed back if I choose to return) but I was firm on my decision. It is dreadful to tell your manager/s but you gotta put yourself first at the end of the day! They’ll find another person to fill your position, but you can never replace your health! ❤️ so excited in what comes next and goodluck!

I relived quitting my job at EY last year with this video, I took a year break too and now I'm excited to be employed again. With all the news of the looming recession along with inflation, its nice that Accounting is relatively recession-proof and not prone to layoffs! I hope you're enjoying your well-deserved break and and you get to do what makes you happy!

Your Big 4 vlogs are how I found this channel. I only worked at smaller firms and have always been curious at how things may differ at the Big 4. Appreciate all of the vlogs you recorded during busy season

Congratulations! I admire the courage you had to quit the job. I’m excited for your future!

I admire you for your decisiveness and taking a leap. ❤

This is actually so encouraging to hear that there’s options and it’s okay to take a break. I’m starting at a mid tier firm soon and while I’m excited, I’m also scared. I subconsciously view enduring in public as a challenge that I must accomplish.

Your situation is similar to mine. I worked at PwC when I was going thru some major life changes, moving in, planning a wedding, busy seasons, etc all at once. It was many years ago now and I never gone back. I became a mother of 2 and launching an online workshop for mental health. It is a completely different career path and it is a much meaningful one. May you be able to find your passion in your work and life too. ❤❤

You’re such a hard worker, and I’m sure you will find a job that you like, when you are ready.❤

Aww so happy for you girl! Props to you for recognizing burnout and doing what is best for you and your mental health 🤎 Subscribed after loving your “busy season” vlogs, but definitely staying because of YOU regardless 😊

Of all your videos, this one impressed me the most. Best of luck on your new adventures.

All the best for the next chapter, Sally! It's great to listen to yourself and know when to take a break. Hope you can get some clarity during the next few months and see where God takes you for your next chapter :)

This was so relatable! I just quit my job as a Supervisor at an organization I was with for 8.5 years. I went through the same emotions, had goodbye meals with my teams and sent a goodbye email to my staff. lol I'm currently on a 2-week break before I start my new job as a systems analyst with the State. I'm SUPER excited for this opportunity. Good luck on your journey!❤

Congrats!! I'm really happy for youu

so happy for you! you need to prioritize your mental health❤️

so happy for you! congrats❤

i am super duper proud and happy for you, Sally. Thank you for sharing this.

This makes me so happy to see so many young people doing this

I also left big4, just before burnout. I worked almost for 5 years and during this time my parents has died, which led to depression and unproductive working hours. My mind is not really focused to work but think about my memories with my loved parents how they sent me to UK and pay all the tuition and living costs etc I felt really guilty because my parents had to work extremely hard to pay my UK expenses. 😢😢😢 During this 5 years time i also gave birth to my son married and settling down was also hard for me. I think big4 of all around the world need really to focus on the time management and staff allocation, as their labour turnover seems highest and the fastest comparing other organizations. Work life balance is vital also physical health as well as the mental health is really important. Sally i love you and take care ❤

Felt emotional at the same time felt happy about your decision to take a break. You completely need it and deserved it. Could read it all over your face the amount of hardship you have put into everything. Work, Studies, your relationship with everyone. Wishing you the best,

Hi Sally! I've been a long time subbie of your channel, and this is my first time leaving a comment on your video. I just want to say that what you did was amazing! I also recently left my accounting job and felt the same way as you did. I worked very hard for years but it was so stressful that I gained 30lbs over the course of 6 years working there. Props to you for putting you and your mental health first! I wish you all the best and can't wait to see what life has in store for you! Thank you for sharing 💜 Love you!

omg same! i also keep these snip of good messages that sent by the people i worked with for the same reason of looking back at it whenever i feel overwhelmed at work. cause let's get real, working at big 4 isn’t a fairytale you'll definitely have to have a strong heart. thank you for putting this kind of vlog, it gave me a sign to quit my big 4 job this november. btw you did a good job, Sally! you’re so brave 🩵

Yes, it's definitely much needed to take a break after years of burnout and working and juggling with life, while in survival mode. And I'll tell you this: Don't feel guilty for taking a break. You might think to take a few weeks or months off, but trust me, it can take years even! But no matter what, really take the time to find self-healing, reflection, and peace. I too know too well of being newly married, and completely moving to a new place to start a new life. It's rough. So many things happened in life, but you haven't had the time to process much yet. And what's also hard, is that there is hardly anyone who can relate to what you've gone through/going through. And while time may pass, still, there will be people who will ask "what's your next plan," or the endless questions of "when will you have a baby?..." As frustrating and annoying those questions can be, be true to yourself, and trust that God will provide and guide you through life no matter what. No matter what people may say, as long as you know that God is for you, and He is with you, then that's all that matters.

So so happy for you Sally🥳🥳

you're amazing, girl 💛

All the best for your next phase in life! Mustn’t be easy making the decision, great for recognising what’s more important and works for you better 😊 new sub here, looking forward to more vids!

I remember finding your channel because of your big 4 video over a year ago! Im glad you’re moving on to better things Sally!

I’m a college student right now, and I defiantly understand the working thing, I’ve also been working sense 16, and I was always working full-time jobs while being in school and getting burned out and I thought I could do the same thing in college. The minute I went to college while working I begun to get severely depressed, and my family was actually the people who told me to quit my job. I was working 10hrs a day and now I’m kinda paying for it. I was a pre-dental hygiene major but I recently decide to change my major to accounting. I also quit my job toady, and this video made me feel like it’s not the end of the world.

new subbie here, found you through tiktok months ago. I am feeling excited for you!! cheers to fun-employment and this new chapter of your life 💛. I look forward to your next video

Hi Sally, I love your videos! I'm not sure if you've talked about this in your videos before, but if you're comfortable can you do a breakdown of how much your renovations were for your home. 🥰

Hi Sally! A big greeting from Australia. I submitted my resignation yesterday to the same firm you worked. I can totally resonate with you as we have a lot in common. Bing a Korean immigrant, accounting major (I assume you are based on a line of work), risk averse, having plan B,C and D, dealing with imposter syndrome and hustling for decades, etc. I've been preparing for quitting for months and finally made a big move for my next chapter of my life. I am leaving this corporate world after 16 years as a banker and business consultant and trying to build a retreat centre in Bali. I still not sure what challenges will come but surely know what I want to do next. Sending you a big hug from other side of world - 언니가 호주에서 응원할께요!

I quite my job about a month ago and took a few weeks off. I felt the same exact way as you do. I'm still recovering and each day I'm feeling better and less stress. So good for you for choosing you!

I hope I had the courage to quit my job. Congrats! I wish you all the best.

yah working in a Big4 is a total grind, but it sure does look good on your CV/resume and shoots you up the ladder a little quicker, especially if you get up to a Senior Manager for a few years. One of my former co-workers stuck it out for 10 years at KPMG getting up to Senior Manager (he had no plans of being a partner). Upon leaving KPMG and working for various private equity companies, he went from Controller, to VP of Accounting/Finance, and is now a CFO at another company all in a span of 5 years from leaving KPMG. He told me his KPMG background helped in his progression because the executives at the various companies that interviewed/hired him were former Big4(Big6) associates/managers/partners themselves. It's almost like a fraternity. High level companies tend to like Big4 background employees in their Accounting leadership, why ? because the auditors for the company are mostly likely to be Big4 firms as well and since both sides (the client accounting leadership and it's auditors) are cut from the same cloth, the client will know how to supply workpapers/PBCs and their is a level of respect and communication between both sides.

Thank you for showing me your food. Amazing. I started my accounting by agreeing to my 1st year of Accounting and commerce degree. I appriciate watching this to hear your perspective.

I used to work in accounting and switched to Finance at a big 4. I like the Finance work but a lot of it is new to me that I did not learn in school so it was definitely a harder start. However, I do like what I do and the benefits BUT I definitely think I am underpaid sometimes because I started off as Staff again because I lacked finance experience vs my accounting. Been here for a year and a half and still plan to stay a bit longer before looking into other lines of work.

Quite a sad video 😥 but hope you succeed in anything you do in the future. Was quite a good job to have but ones personal life and wellbeing should take priority.

Hi Sally, I just resigned my first job after post grad too. The big 4 bank. I also taking time off from all the burn out and trying to figure what I really want. Just going thru a few interviews and talked to the management team because I wanna see who m gonna work with. I dun wanna rush into the new job either.

Amazing video, love the courage in making the change! I am also deciding on finding a new job so I am at same place right now. Love your video and you are a beautiful person!

can i ask what you did to prepare before deciding to quit? for example, did you save up for 6-12 mos worth of expenses before you took the plunge to quit without any other jobs lined up? ty!

Hi, Sally!! 🤚☺ I can resonate with you as we have a lot in common.. Sending you a big hug from other side world..🤗🤗

Sally Kim my sister really really enjoyed watching your vlogs so so much you are my inspiration and I wish you have a wonderful day always💖💫🤗

i’m also in that stage where i’m so burn out and just want to quit this big 4 job ☹️

Hey sally! Me again, the one who commented in a video before saying I was studying for the cpa. Just wanted to get your thoughts since you are one.. if you were in my position, would the cpa still be something you’d prioritize? I am an accounting supervisor and wanted to just know more, so I can be a better leader. I wasn’t necessarily wanting the certificate, I just wanted the knowledge. I’m currently suffering from burnout. It comes in waves and I have moments of determination to just go for it since I’m studying and learning anyway. But my mental health is really taking a toll lol. I have limited social life and I’m neglecting people in my life I care about because I’m so busy with work as it is, and then studying. My worry is that a company (not necessarily the one I work at now but in the future) won’t take me seriously because I don’t have a cpa, even if I do have the knowledge. However I’m a little jaded because I’ve had coworkers who have their cpa but aren’t the most knowledgeable or helpful in the team. And I’ve also had managers who have zero knowledge and also no cpa but obnoxiously good people skills which is how they got to where they are. I don’t want to be a bad leader who has no knowledge (which is why I want to learn more) but at the same time I feel like I want to prove that you Don’t need the cpa to climb the ladder. Long comment and idk if you’ll see this but hoping I could get some advice from you or anyone else reading this because life right now is tiring and I think I need some help lol 🥲

I quit my job today huge relief but I have literally no idea what I’m doing next😅

Hi sally, do you think you can make a video with tips for those who are about to start at big 4, especially with how to not get overwhelmed with busy season?

Cheer for you! I know this happened a while ago. Just unfortunately we couldn't meet in person in SJ EY office before you left. Good luck with new journey!

Random question but what keyboard is that

Hi Sally! I just want to ask what size did you get for your standing desk? I’m planning to buy one as well :)

Hi Sally! You got me hooked on the Bare chicken nuggets (they literally taste like the ones from Chick-fil-A)…Now can you please tell me what the name of those delicious looking Perogies are, so I can buy them too.😁 Greetings from NC

Consider in house finance / accounting at a company down in LA. Maybe even a good startup. Hours will be more consistent and at the right company you’ll feel happy to be a part of something growing.

watching this as i prepare to give my notice and hand in my resignation later 😅

What does Paul do for work?

Hi Sally, can I know the name of the firm you working for?

All those alternatives are better than quitting. Unless you are filthy rich you need the security of a steady income and social media is not the way to do that. People with two incomes are getting by and now you are down to one.

Time for a vacation or what 😂😂

Hello, I haven't slept and I've been working for the last 36 hours straight. This video just came to me in the right moment. Really want to quit but I am afraid I cannot find another job with my current salary level and I don't know how to do anything else but auditing. Please, someone who had been in my situation and can give me an advice.

So what has happened job wise in the last eight months? Did she ever find a new finance/accounting job?

You deserved a break, girl!

Are you still working in the accounting industry ?

I did just over two years at pwc. Didnt learn a thing but rolling forward excel files. The mass email is cringe sorry. You just tell people individually. It means more and not cringe.

which big 4 firm was she employed with

Do you have your cpa

Who are "the big 4?"

I’m hearing this a lot from these influencers on Itube They get burnt out It’s my belief I could be wrong is that they realize they can make more money on UTube full time Some of them I don’t believe are realky burnt out they can make so much more and they don’t want to do their regular jobs anymore

you mean Ernest young

I see ...

you can be a supermodel your so beautiful wow

You look tired and stressed in this vdo. Everything will be ok. You just need to take a break.

Decided to click on this video cause I'm resigning tomorrow. Its not one of the Big 4s, it's probably like top 6 I guess😂 But the burnout is definitely there. I didn't like the fact that to be considered hard working, I would have to go through so much stress dealing with multiple clients, and work overtime without getting paid for it. Decided public accounting just isn't it for me.

Hi, I started watching your TikTok and your Instagram. and I started following you also. Thank you for being real and being yourself. I really appreciate all of the videos that you do while you're working your corporate job. I have the kind of thoughts like you, like wanting to quit and do something I really love instead. But I decided to do it when I reached 31. I gave myself 2 years to think and plan before I'm 31. I really hope you find something that you really love and enjoy doing. I love you so much!!!! Sending all the love from Malaysia

dam fine

If your tired after work why just take a rest after work and inserted spending the time recording the video on RU-vid

I’m thinking of quitting as well but idk if it’s just a quarter life crisis thing

I cut my hours to only 21 a week

Move to a commercial role. Just don't go to the Banking and Finance sector. Property finance is demanding. There are so many jobs that can give you work/life balance in Accounting. It will all work out eventually so have a break and move on!

I just noticed something, from some angles you kinda look like Krystal Jung 😊❤

可愛い😍

Not saying all Do this but I believe it’s more about the money then they let on

you just keep on eating

🤍🤍🤍

Promo SM

I quit my job at EY almost a year ago and so when I saw this video, I was so excited for you! I discovered you on Instagram with your "day in the life of a big 4 accountant" reels and it was so cool to see someone in big 4 doing social media as well! It definitely feels nerve-wracking but very relieving to quit big 4 and I'm proud of you for taking action when you sensed signs of burnout. I quit for the same reason in that I couldn't motivate myself to do anything at work and so I decided it was time for a change! I went to grad school for a year to get my Master's as a full-time student and now I just started a job that has a much better work life balance and more aligns with what I'm interested in. It really feels like everything fell into place! I hope you're continuing to enjoy your well-deserved break and wishing you all the best in whatever you decide to do and I'll definitely continue to support you wherever life takes you! 🤍