Mid-20s, been at a Big 4 accounting firm for almost 3 years in a consulting role on roughly $80k package. I'm about to tick over to senior level, but I've got an opportunity to move to a government role in audit & compliance at around $100k. (Update: I am in the tax sector at the Big 4).
Honestly, the Big 4 has run me into the ground. The experience has been great and I've learned a tonne, but the prestige factor doesn't hit the same way it used to and the hours are brutal. At this point in my life, I really just want solid work-life balance and to comfortably pay the bills.
My main concern with the government move is pigeonholing myself. The pay bump is nice, but career progression in the public sector seems pretty flat compared to the Big 4 pathway. Am I overthinking this? I don't plan on becoming a partner. Has anyone made a similar jump and either regretted it or never looked back?
Would love to hear from anyone who's been in a similar position.