Each January, I wonder why I ever became an accountant. Now, I am retired, but I'm still doing the accounting for two companies that I own with my son. That means that January is absolutely nuts! Every single "loose end" needs to be resolved. Every expense and revenue has to be cut off cleanly for year end. Several spreadsheets need to be prepared for the purpose of doing the dreaded tax return. W-2's need to be issued to employees. 1099's need to be issued to independent contractors. The old year's files need to be boxed, labeled carefully, and archived. New folders need to be made for the new year's files -- in this case about 350 folders labeled, tabbed, filed in order. The daily transactions have to be "posted" in the old year or the new year, depending on when they actaully occurred, and this gets a little strange. Then . . . as if it isn't crazy enough -- all the regular work just continues -- production, payroll, bank deposits, tax deposits, etc. etc. etc.
Oh . . . . I just remembered why I do this. 1) I actually like the detailed, precise nature of the work. 2) I couldn't possible let someone else tend my life's investment. 3) When I originally began to study accounting, it was one of the VERY few careers that paid women as well as it paid men. Inasmuch as I had four little "rug rats" to support -- without the aid of a spouse -- that was a good enough reason at the time. It turned out well. It gave me incredible experiences. I earned an adequate income (notice I didn't say I got rich). It opened doors for my opportunities in local politics, which was what I wanted to do from age 12, but never really thought I would. It was a stepping stone which allowed me to meet and work with some incredible local and state leaders, who have taught me a lot about government, about politics, and about what is important in my own personal life.
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