2 answers
Ryan
Student
Lake Forest, California
1
Question
Asked
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How is accounting as a career in terms of mental health and stress (Including college courses and workload)?
I'm wondering about the field of accounting as a career choice, and am trying to get a better feel for the work and general environment.
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2 answers
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi
Medical Assistant
34
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Ryan,
Accounting is a noble and respectable career that requires organization and structured thinking. But I’ll be honest about how demanding it can be, maybe because my sister is an accountant.
In college, accounting can be challenging because it involves a lot of calculations, keeping proper records, preparing financial statements, and learning about budgeting and planning. It requires regular study and good focus. During exams or professional certification periods( ICAN etc) , the workload can feel heavy and stressful.
At work, stress usually comes from deadlines and the need to avoid mistakes but with good time management and more experience, it becomes easier to handle.
Truth be told, no career is completely free from stress. What matters is your mindset and your ability to grow through challenges. As you gain experience, you also develop resilience.
If accounting is what you truly desire, do not let fear of stress discourage you. Instead, prepare yourself mentally and academically, and you will succeed.
Thank you.
Accounting is a noble and respectable career that requires organization and structured thinking. But I’ll be honest about how demanding it can be, maybe because my sister is an accountant.
In college, accounting can be challenging because it involves a lot of calculations, keeping proper records, preparing financial statements, and learning about budgeting and planning. It requires regular study and good focus. During exams or professional certification periods( ICAN etc) , the workload can feel heavy and stressful.
At work, stress usually comes from deadlines and the need to avoid mistakes but with good time management and more experience, it becomes easier to handle.
Truth be told, no career is completely free from stress. What matters is your mindset and your ability to grow through challenges. As you gain experience, you also develop resilience.
If accounting is what you truly desire, do not let fear of stress discourage you. Instead, prepare yourself mentally and academically, and you will succeed.
Thank you.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
128
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Accounting is actually pretty stable compared to a lot of careers, but the stress really depends on the setting and time of year. In college, accounting courses are known for being structured and detail heavy rather than creatively overwhelming. You’ll spend a lot of time practicing problems, learning rules, and understanding financial systems. The workload can feel intense at first because accuracy matters a lot, but many students find it manageable once they build a routine. It is more about consistency than cramming or last minute studying.
Career wise, accounting tends to have predictable stress patterns. The biggest pressure usually comes during busy seasons like tax season or end of fiscal quarters when deadlines stack up and hours can get longer, especially in public accounting firms. Outside of those periods, many accountants report having pretty normal schedules and good work life balance compared to fields like law or healthcare. Industry accountants, government roles, and corporate accounting jobs are often lower stress than public accounting.
Mental health wise, the pros are stability, clear career paths, and solid job security, which reduces long term anxiety for a lot of people. The downsides can be repetitive work and pressure to avoid mistakes, since small errors matter financially. If you like organization, problem solving, and structured tasks, accounting can actually feel calming rather than stressful. If you prefer constant variety or creative work, it might feel mentally draining over time. A lot comes down to personality fit and choosing the right type of accounting environment.
Career wise, accounting tends to have predictable stress patterns. The biggest pressure usually comes during busy seasons like tax season or end of fiscal quarters when deadlines stack up and hours can get longer, especially in public accounting firms. Outside of those periods, many accountants report having pretty normal schedules and good work life balance compared to fields like law or healthcare. Industry accountants, government roles, and corporate accounting jobs are often lower stress than public accounting.
Mental health wise, the pros are stability, clear career paths, and solid job security, which reduces long term anxiety for a lot of people. The downsides can be repetitive work and pressure to avoid mistakes, since small errors matter financially. If you like organization, problem solving, and structured tasks, accounting can actually feel calming rather than stressful. If you prefer constant variety or creative work, it might feel mentally draining over time. A lot comes down to personality fit and choosing the right type of accounting environment.