This time last year I was in orientation at my new job, the first large (35-40 people) firm that I had ever worked at. It was a mix of emotions. Part of me was so excited to work on the larger engagements I had left my previous job to do. Part of me was nervous for the challenge. A large part of me was also sad to be leaving my old firm behind. It was a place where I worked with and for some really fantastic people. Thankfully, I have kept in touch with most of them:) But at the time, it was raw and the idea of not seeing them everyday was emotional for me. Leaving wasn't an easy decision, but with a year's worth of perspective, it was the right choice. Being at a larger firm meant that I was able to work on large scale engagements (audits and reviews - for those not in the accounting industry, just bigger and more challenging projects than I was used to), something I had wanted for a long time but it just never worked out that I got to see those opportunities. This brought with it some real challenges for me! I had done the same thing for so many years that I got really good at that product. I know how to do the smaller engagements well and with efficiency - a very important skill in this industry. This was new - for the first time in a long time I felt completely uncomfortable. Sometimes I felt frustrated with myself that I wasn't as efficient as I was used to or that I didn't already know some of the things I was learning. Looking backwards a year in really helps me see that this means I am growing! I am learning:) It isn't linear, it isn't easy, and it isn't supposed to be. I am exactly where I hoped I would be...though I wouldn't say that I am knocking this out of the park yet, I have risen to the challenges. I have shown up. I have put my heart into my work. And I have also been real with myself. This year I have met some really incredible people, I have learned some valuable things about myself, and I have grown as a professional. Looking forward to seeing how I will evolve in the year to come! Hope that you feel brave in meeting the challenges that lay ahead for you! You've got this!
-Amanda
