For decades, the accounting industry has celebrated long hours like a badge of honor. Whether it’s tax season marathons or public firm pressure, the message has been clear: if you’re not working 60 to 70 hours a week, are you even trying?
But here’s the truth that more women in accounting are finally saying out loud: this model is broken. And not just for moms. It doesn’t even work for most men anymore.
On a recent episode of the CPA MOMS Podcast, Nicole Hall shared her story of walking away from the grind. But this blog isn’t about one person. It’s about a shift that’s happening across the profession. A shift toward reclaiming time, energy, and choice.
The Problem Isn’t You. It’s the System.
Accounting school doesn’t teach work-life boundaries. It teaches deadlines, detail, and discipline. Then, when you enter the workforce, the path is laid out: big firm, long hours, climb the ladder, maybe make partner someday.
Sound familiar?
What rarely gets discussed is the cost. Missed milestones with your kids. Mental and physical burnout. Feeling like you’re constantly behind at home and at work.
It’s not laziness to question that system. It’s wisdom.
The Myth of “Paying Your Dues”
You don’t need to suffer through years of 70-hour weeks just to prove your worth.
One of the most damaging beliefs in accounting is that “real experience” only counts if it comes from overworking in someone else’s firm. But many of the most successful and sustainable practices today are built by people who chose a different route. One where balance is built into the business model.
You can learn on your terms. You can grow at a pace that works for your life. And you can absolutely make great money without grinding yourself into the ground.
What Reclaiming Your Time Really Looks Like
So what does it look like to reclaim your time in accounting? It starts with redefining success.
Instead of asking, “How many clients can I take on?”, try asking, “What schedule supports the life I want?”
Instead of aiming to match someone else’s firm structure, ask, “What services do I enjoy offering, and how do I price them sustainably?”
And instead of glorifying burnout, ask, “What would it look like if rest and family came first?”
Some women structure their firms around 2 client days a week. Others hire early to avoid overload. Many are skipping tax prep altogether and focusing on advisory or bookkeeping with higher margins and fewer deadlines.
There is no one right way. But there is your way.
You Deserve More Than Survival
Reclaiming your time isn’t just about self-care. It’s about building a business that feeds your life, not one that drains it.
That might mean saying no to tax season chaos. It might mean rethinking your rates, tightening your client list, or finally hiring help. It might even mean trusting that the “prestigious” path isn’t the only valid one.
Because you didn’t become an accountant just to survive. You became one because you’re smart, capable, and deeply committed to serving others.
Now it’s time to apply that same care to yourself.
You don’t have to settle for burnout. You can build a practice that gives you your life back.
Ready to take that first step? Join the CPA MOMS community and get the support you need: https://cpamoms.com/start