Challenges of Succeeding in Corporate and Accounting with Amanda Adams

Our latest episode features a candid discussion with guest Amanda Adams, where we delve into the realities and changes in the corporate and accounting sectors, particularly from a female perspective.

Amanda, a seasoned CPA who has carved her niche in serving small businesses, shares her story of starting at a big four accounting firm. Much like many other women in the industry, she faced a work culture that demanded long hours with little flexibility, an expectation deeply ingrained in the finance sector. This not only affects personal well-being but also raises the question of how family life fits into such rigid frameworks.

Our conversation naturally flows towards the particular challenges women in finance face. Amanda and I touch upon the balancing act required to manage our professional careers with family obligations — a juggling act that our male counterparts are often spared from. The corporate environment requires women to demonstrate commitment in ways that extend beyond their job descriptions, showcasing an imbalance within the workplace.

Moreover, societal pressure on image and presentation adds an extra layer of complexity to a woman's career. Amanda recounts how her clothing choice and makeup were subjects of scrutiny, a pressure to conform that cost more than just dollars—it was a drain on confidence and comfort. We've both felt the weight of these expectations, which at one time felt normal but now, in retrospect, seem archaic. This discussion is poignant, given our collective evolution beyond such superficial standards.

Reflecting further, we explore the generational shifts, job market changes, and the dramatic impacts of layoffs which have all contributed to altering workplace dynamics. Amanda stresses how the pandemic became a turning point where valuing herself and her contributions became paramount. It's a story of empowerment and recalibration where the hiring dynamics now seem to favor employees more than ever before.

In our own experiences, both Amanda and I have faced the reluctance to tout our value, a byproduct of a culture that encouraged exploitation and fostered unrealistic expectations. This skewed power dynamic is emblematic of the greater societal expectations that pigeonholed women's career trajectories, especially in spaces dominated by men like accounting.

One of the most subtle yet pervasive challenges we highlight is the constant demand for availability. The transition from being chained to a desk via Blackberry to the current smartphone era has only exacerbated the issue. This ‘always-on’ culture, where professional availability bleeds into personal life, is not only unsustainable but also unhealthy. We discuss how this constant communication can feel imprisoning, creating a psychological burden that disproportionately affects women, who are often primary caregivers at home.

Furthermore, Amanda brings up the fear of negative client reactions and the human tendency to dwell on adverse experiences over positive ones. It's a psychology that feeds into the reluctance to disconnect, perpetuating the cycle of burnout and dissatisfaction.

In an effort to continue the conversation, I invite our listeners to share their experiences in male-centric industries. These shared narratives are crucial in understanding the universal challenges and sculpting a future where work-life balance is a given, not a privilege.

The episode wraps up with a shout-out to a valuable resource for listeners—a guide crafted to assist small business owners in finding the right accountant. It’s our offering to help ease at least one decision-making process.

Before signing off, I remind our listeners of the importance of their ratings and reviews. These interactions are not just for the health of our podcast but a way to signal that these conversations matter, that every story makes an impact.

Join us next time on "Keep What You Earn," and let’s keep the dialogue going. Remember, your experiences are valid, and voicing them is the first step toward change.

What you'll hear in this episode:

07:45 Flexible work hours lead to initial confusion.
09:35 Desire for flexibility in remote work hours.
15:05 Social pressure to conform to appearance standards.
17:45 Hindsight's 2020: Evolve, learn, and drive change.
20:59 Limited encouragement to express self-worth led to exploitation.
24:58 Gender inequality in accounting and career impact.
28:07 Not receiving what I'm giving, leaving.
29:55 Office phones were literally shackles to employees.
33:08 Remembering bad incidents shapes company behavior.

If you like this episode, check out:

How to Break Free from the Corporate 9 to 5

Best Ways to Negotiate Business Deals

3 Reasons to Separate Your Business Money from Personal

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