Exploring a Career Shift: From Payroll and Expense Auditing to Accounting or Computer Science

Your Current Position and Career Goals

At 39, you have been working in payroll and expense auditing, but your job feels stagnant. You are contemplating a career change in either accounting or computer science, which would require pursuing higher education. Before making any decisions, let's explore the intricacies and potential challenges you may face.

Understanding the Dynamics of a Career Change

While your current job may seem uninteresting, changing to a field like accounting or computer science can present both opportunities and challenges. For instance, a career in computer science will offer new challenges and changes every few years, which can be both stimulating and demanding. If you enjoy continuous learning and problem-solving, this could be an excellent fit. However, it may not be suitable for someone looking for a more comfortable, low-effort job.

Leveraging Your Background in Computer Science

Given that you have spent your entire career in computer science, transitioning to a computer-related job in the accounting field might be a logical and lucrative career path. This transition can be achieved by leveraging your skills and knowledge in business and accounting to find relevant computer-related roles. This approach can provide a smooth and potentially high-rewarding career move.

The Importance of Higher Education and Learning

While it is essential to pursue higher education, whether through college or alternative methods, it is crucial to find a learning path that works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. For example, taking a part-time class can be a great way to assess your aptitude and interest in programming before committing to a full-degree program.

Assess Your Current Job and Skills

To make an informed decision, it helps to evaluate the aspects of your current job that you enjoy and those that you are good at. Payroll and expense auditing can be intense, especially in forensic audits. However, there are ways to move into more interesting and challenging areas in auditing. For instance, you might consider specializing in IT roles, tool development, or even moving into forensic or law enforcement fields.

Building on Your Existing Knowledge

At 20 years into your professional life, it is often better to build on what you already know and can do rather than starting from scratch. By leveraging your current skills and knowledge in a way that aligns with your interests, you can make a more informed and potentially more successful career transition. Consider exploring areas such as IT, forensic auditing, or even business intelligence tools, which can offer exciting and fulfilling opportunities.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to make a career shift or stay in your current field, it is important to be proactive and thoughtful in your approach. Assess your skills, interests, and the potential challenges of different career paths. With the right mindset and preparation, you can make a rewarding and fulfilling career transition.