Why Does My First Real Job As An Accountant Feel So Empty?
Bit of background context: I recently finished school and got a job at a local accounting firm. I am doing a cadetship and got accepted into university part time. My degree will take 4-6 years and certification after will take 2 years. I get Thursdays off to study for uni but certification must be outside of work.
I've been working for about a month and go to sleep just about every night feeling empty and so hopeless about my job. I don't mind it during the day, but it feels like a waste of my life most of the time outside and a little inside of work. My day consists of someone giving me a few tasks and then leaving me alone, I then sit next to a couple of people and match transactions, complete tax returns and business activity statements for the next 8 hours without really talking. Rinse and repeat. I understand that jobs aren't supposed to be fun but it just feels so empty and depressing.
I get paid quite well $47k before tax (considering i'm a first year and still training) but i've also heard accounting salaries are horrible once you're qualified. I wouldn't mind the salary too much if it was a job I truly enjoyed.
I used to work at Domino's as a shift runner, and I liked the work there much more than the work as an accountant.
I've got about 24 days before I need to pay uni fees. Should I keep the job or change careers into something more engaging that I would be happy to do?
Posted Mar 3, 2026, 11:40 AM UTC