Mar 12 2008
It’ll All Be Worth It In The End
It’ll all be worth it in the end. It’s a phrase that I’ve been hearing on an ever increasing basis over the past two years and it’s a phrase that is really beginning to grate on my already frayed nerves.
Why are my nerves already frayed? Well, I’m studying accountancy and I’m not entirely sure why. And why have I been hearing the above phrase on an ever increasing basis over the past two years? It’s two years since I began my number crunching studies, and whenever I tell anyone what I’m studying, I get strange looks and THAT phrase.
It’s as if people just aren’t sure what to say. I’ve never heard “Oh, excellent, what a great career choice” or ” Cool, that’s an interesting course“. I’ve yet to hear “You’ll make a wonderful accountant” or ” Oh my God, I’d love to study that“. Instead I get, “oh, ok, well, I guess it’ll all be worth it in the end“. Hence: frayed nerves.
Which brings me back to the question: why the hell am doing it? I don’t really have a firm answer. I guess, after years working in a hotel and feeling like I was digging a deep depressing hole for myself and my future, I thought a bit of paperwork, in the form of a diploma, degree, first-aid certificate, whatever, might give me the helping lift I needed. And I AM good at this stuff! I take to it quite naturally and find much of it interesting, but……argh!
A friend of mine, she poised a question last week (while I was in a pub rather than college). She knew me back in school and is a good friend even now; she pointed out my creativity, my love of drama and the arts, etc. and asked if I saw myself as an accountant when done with my studies. It was the first time I had thought about it. Truthfully, I can’t! I can’t see it at all. I know the course will stand to me, regardless what career path I head down. It’s good to be able to keep a firm eye on the monies. So, I don’t think I’ll be abandoning it. I just wish it was a little more fulfilling.
So, if we meet (EllyBabes this includes you), and should the topic of my studies come up, please for the love of Bono, DO NOT say “it’ll all be worth it in the end“. Lie to me! Openly patronise me! Tell me what a great course choice it is. Tell me that all the most wonderful people study accountancy. Tell me it’s a sexy subject. Tell me anything that sounds half way positive. Just don’t say…THAT!!!
Thus endeth the ramble!
You do know Darren, that at some stage it WILL actually all be worth it in the end? But damn you, you don’t need to study or do anything and you’ll still succeed.
Gimme a shout when you’re done with the accounting studies! Us self employed types need accountants!
D, you have far too much faith in me.
K, you may regret saying that. I’ll be knocking at your door in no time.
You are very creative
Have you considered collaborating with a friend on a play?
Actually, my first question would be “Are you taking ACCA qualifications?” – And I’ll explain why if you come to the Random Drinks!!
Plus accountancy is a wide field – there’s no need to end up in a large firm – lots of creative people need understanding accountants too!
Hmmm! Yes, indeed, I am in the midst of the ACCA exams. I’ve just begun F7 and F8.
And thank you for the positivity! 🙂
Oh, and Gary – NO! I have never considered this and I will never consider this. It’s an awful idea! 😛
Ah Darren, I’m sure Gary would really like you to play with him!
This commentary just took a strange turn for the worst.
And I was involved. Again 😛
Darren,
Revel in your creativity. Embrace your accounting. Seek to be a joyous blend of both the eclectic and the FRSA mandated.
Much like Skywalker the Younger had to embrace the existence of light and dark in order to truly master the force, if you embrace the yin and yang of things you will,….
…in time….
…through dint of your efforts and abilities…
…be one of the most, if not the most….
… CREATIVE accountants in the country.
And then every SME owner and dodgy politician will beat a path to your door.
What Elly says! Go listen to her she gives good advice! Don’t tell her I said that. 😉
You need to do something that you’re going to enjoy and are passionate about, be in accountancy or something more creative.
Can you see yourself in 20 or 40 years time being happy in your accountants job, or can you see yourself being happier in a job which involves your creativity?
Lol your blog makes me smile. I want to visit Ireland someday 🙂