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How is the worklife balance when majoring and working in finance and accounting?
Hi im a 12th grader and was wondering how the worklife balance is in both accounting and finance when majoring and acitvly working.
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Isaiah’s Answer
I only worked summer jobs while pursuing my accounting degree, but during the school year I was a captain of the University basketball team, which consisted of as many or more hours as a full time job. We also missed a lot of school due to traveling for games. Time management is essential, you have to find what works for you. Being realistic with yourself is also important. If you know a certain subject maybe takes you a little more time to understand than others, you have to make sure you give yourself enough time to succeed. This may mean making sacrifices in different areas. The time needed to get an accounting major is very doable, make yourself a schedule so you can fit in coursework and studying in the free parts of your busy days. The more disciplined you are with your schedule the more time you will have to enjoy the social aspects of college which are just as important!
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Michelle’s Answer
It’s great that you’re already thinking about work-life balance — that kind of self-awareness will serve you well in any career, especially in Finance.
From my experience, work-life balance can shift depending on where you are in your career. Early on, you’ll likely be responsible for more process-driven tasks like weekly reporting, quarter-end close, or annual planning. These often come with tight deadlines and recurring cycles, which means you might find yourself working longer hours during those busy periods. That said, you do become more efficient with time, and those same tasks take less effort as you build experience.
As you grow in your career, your work may become more strategic and project-based — involving cross-functional collaboration, problem-solving, and decision support. At that stage, you often gain a bit more control over your schedule, which can help improve work-life balance.
The key is to be intentional: set boundaries, check in with yourself regularly, and make sure the work still feels fulfilling and sustainable. If it ever starts to feel overwhelming or out of alignment with your priorities, don’t hesitate to talk to your manager or explore roles that better match the balance you’re looking for. Finance offers a wide range of paths — from high-intensity roles to ones with a steadier rhythm — so there’s room to find what works for you.
From my experience, work-life balance can shift depending on where you are in your career. Early on, you’ll likely be responsible for more process-driven tasks like weekly reporting, quarter-end close, or annual planning. These often come with tight deadlines and recurring cycles, which means you might find yourself working longer hours during those busy periods. That said, you do become more efficient with time, and those same tasks take less effort as you build experience.
As you grow in your career, your work may become more strategic and project-based — involving cross-functional collaboration, problem-solving, and decision support. At that stage, you often gain a bit more control over your schedule, which can help improve work-life balance.
The key is to be intentional: set boundaries, check in with yourself regularly, and make sure the work still feels fulfilling and sustainable. If it ever starts to feel overwhelming or out of alignment with your priorities, don’t hesitate to talk to your manager or explore roles that better match the balance you’re looking for. Finance offers a wide range of paths — from high-intensity roles to ones with a steadier rhythm — so there’s room to find what works for you.
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Hi Gian,
That's a great question and a common topic in the Accounting and Finance professions. When majoring in these fields, time management and having a study plan are crucial. Setting study goals and noting assignment and test dates is beneficial, but it's also important to take breaks and enjoy hobbies to reduce stress. While working and studying for my degree, I used a planner. At the start of each semester, I would write down the due dates and test dates for all my courses. This allowed me to plan ahead around my work schedule and avoid being surprised by upcoming assignments. With a plan, the coursework can be very manageable!
That's a great question and a common topic in the Accounting and Finance professions. When majoring in these fields, time management and having a study plan are crucial. Setting study goals and noting assignment and test dates is beneficial, but it's also important to take breaks and enjoy hobbies to reduce stress. While working and studying for my degree, I used a planner. At the start of each semester, I would write down the due dates and test dates for all my courses. This allowed me to plan ahead around my work schedule and avoid being surprised by upcoming assignments. With a plan, the coursework can be very manageable!
Updated
Kennedy’s Answer
Absolutely, this is an excellent question! Balancing your work and personal life is crucial, no matter what field or profession you're in. The time you'll need to set aside for work or study will vary based on your chosen major and career, but it's always beneficial to reserve some time just for you. This personal time could be spent engaging in hobbies or sports, or simply unwinding and taking care of yourself. Looking after your physical and mental well-being enables you to give your best performance at work or in school. So, remember to prioritize self-care and relaxation in your busy schedule. It's not just about doing well, it's about feeling well too!