I'm an accountant, a CPA actually. I didn't see myself becoming an accountant when I was younger, but then who does? It's rather surprising how many people go into accounting, when the profession is completely in left field for kindergartners.Yet it's an essential part of the business world and many of the most powerful people, CEOs of major corporations, got their start in accounting.

Being an accountant definitely has its perks. I feel a certain sense of job security, given the current economic climate. Compared with a lot of the guys I graduated college with, I'm sitting pretty easy at the moment. I'll admit that accounting isn't for everyone. If someone in college came to me and asked me if they should go into accounting, I would tell them to do what they love. I don't think that anybody truly loves accounting (because if you do, then there's probably something out there that you would love even more). But for people who don't know what they want, if they can really get into accounting and get some sense of pleasure, purpose, and accomplishment out of it, I can't recommend any other job or lifestyle over it.

The drawbacks of accounting are plenty. Especially as an entry-level associate, the hours can be long, for both tax and audit tracks. The corporate climate of being in the "Big 4" can be stifling at times. Then there's the necessary CPA exam followed by the CPA CPE continuing education. I feel like the outcome is better than the alternative though. I love what I do and I plan on doing it for several more years. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.