In the busy state of my career path, like the wide range of the city I call home, the roads are always crowded. Here, the journey from intern to seasoned professional resembles driving through less of a smooth highway and more rushing-to-get-where-you're-going-roulette trying to avoid potholes. (The dealership loves me and my front-en-lightenment issues.) My initiation into the world of driving was unconventional, to say the least. Around age 13, my daddy, a strong advocate of the "throw them in the deep end and hope they swim" method, decided I should drive to school. The route was similar to driving along the narrow path up to Lookout Mountain/Ruby Falls in Tennessee. YES, o-k, I might be fascinated by large sets of numbers, but I'm afraid of heights! Geez! However, this taught me more about persistence and overcoming fear than any classroom lecture ever could. My dad's advice, "just put your foot on the gas, you'll get there," (the G-rated version of his quote) became a mantra, not just for driving, but for life. Moving to a major city as an adult introduced me to a new level of vehicular chaos. The roads were like a maze of endless traffic, and at first glance it was exciting. "Where is everyone going and why no one told me?" My uncle encouraged me to "get lost" in my new city; I did and I learned all the names and exit numbers off I-285, I'm not telling you how (just round and round you go). Anywho, no one prepared me for the unpredictable drivers and the constant threat of law enforcement ready to puncture (or change the texture of) my driving license with yet another ticket hole (a long, speedy story). Yet, these challenges on the road mirrored those in my career. As an accountant with many years of experience, navigating complex financial landscapes where technology advancement is a speed bump. In the professional realm, much like on the motor speedway, we encounter a variety of drivers: the speedsters racing toward their goals, the overly cautious ones creeping along, and the indecisive lane-switchers. Mastering the art of navigating this environment required a mocha Frappuccino and espresso shot blend of confidence in their own abilities to win today's race. My career, much like my driving record, has been a series of exciting detours and unexpected stops. It's a roller-coaster that teaches resilience, creativity, and the importance of keeping your eyes on the road—or in this case, the balance sheet. For anyone standing at the intersection of uncertainty in their career or life’s path, remember: the journey may be filled with traffic jams and confusing roundabouts, but a lot of determination, and perhaps a good insurance policy, you'll make it to your destination. Just don't forget to enjoy the scenic route every now and then. After all, who knows? You might just discover a new shortcut or, at the very least, a decent coffee shop along the way. I may not have sat for the CPA exam, but sometimes when you're foot is constantly on the peddle, I feel like I'm sitting for it everyday. Navigating life's traffic makes you an expert at handling anything—just maybe not at parallel parking.
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I found myself surfing the sea of job titles on LinkedIn, noticing the different matches the 'algorithm' suggests based on my skills. After over three decades in the accounting world, I've simply been an accountant. Yet, in the corporate world, where titles often lack the creativity of a basic spreadsheet without formulas, perhaps it's time I rethink my own professional label.
Remember Ben Affleck's portrayal in "The Accountant"? Yes, that 2016 thriller! Well, I'm hardly that kind of accountant. While I might not match his craft of intellect, I'd argue I bring a bit more creativity to the pivot table. Clearly, his character thrives on a different set of skills and tools than I use to assist my clients. While he's branded as "the accountant", carrying a briefcase, faux prescription glasses, and a shoulder holster, my style leans more towards an oversized leather bag, reading glasses, comfy PJs, and a stylish kimono cardigan. So, "the numbers slayer" – I think that has a ring to it! Unlike the archaic role Affleck depicts, I don't navigate my professional life with the conventional tools of movie action heroes. Instead, I brandish a cell phone as a calculator, cloud software as ledgers, and a deep-seated passion for dineros, wait noooo, I think I mean numeros. Step aside, Ben Affleck's "The Accountant", for the latest balance sheet rec guru: the Numbers Slayer! This isn't just a typical story of heroism. This is a journey through the wilderness of finance where journalizing and budgeting are as fierce as Daenerys' dragons. In places where most are apprehensive, the Numbers Slayer downloads several spreadsheets simultaneously with a smile. In this world where numbers, dressed in black or red, whisper secrets and ledgers tell tales, like the CIA or the FBI, heroes listen, interpret, and streamline with the might of a thousand formulas all running on a multi-tab workbook. Yes, she’s numbers strong! Benching millions easily. This is where creativity meets calculators, and where accounting isn’t just about balancing books—it’s about charting adventures in the vast sea of numbers. So, my dear friends, if you ever find yourself lost in the land of financial confusion, remember that the Numbers Slayer is just a spreadsheet away. Armed with pivot tables and financial forecasts, this is one hero who proves that when it comes to battling a hostile party of accounts, sometimes the pen (or the stylus) is mightier than the sword. Welcome to the era of the Numbers Slayer, where accounting meets adventure, and where every balance sheet, especially shareholder’s distribution, has a story to tell. I have this piece of art hanging in our living area that my son painted in pre-k. If I can say so myself, it’s absolutely amazing! Every since I’ve hung this piece of art, I referred to him as eVan Gogh. Just when I thought all that he inherited from me was my love for numbers, now I realize he gets his artistic, creative ability from ME as well! Once upon a time, in the world of ledgers and balance sheets, the tools of the trade for accountants and bookkeepers were simple. A pencil for tentative numbers, perhaps a black or blue ink pen for those final, decisive entries. The color palette of accounting was, let's say, rather conservative (boring). Fast forward to the remote-era we find ourselves in today, and my approach to note-taking during the endless Zoom and Teams meetings has evolved into something ... unexpectedly vibrant. Before you judge, hear me out! My notes have transformed into what I affectionately call my "Accounting Coloring Book." No, I haven't lost my math aptitude. Yes, I'm still talking about the same notes that track financial discrepancies, budget revisions, and the thrilling world payroll entries. The difference? Color! Lots of it! And not just any colors, but the kind that make you wonder whether I'm plotting the fiscal year's budget or a color-by-number guide. Here's the method to my madness: I kick off by jotting down the date and attendees of each virtual meeting in one color. Think of it as setting the scene in a warm magenta. Next, I jot down the tasks at hand in a calming turquoise, they actually compliment one another. But wait, there's more. Once I've brainstormed and determined my action plan or solution, it's time for another hue to make its grand entrance. This is where it gets serious— hot pink or lime green serious. By the time I've mapped out my responsibilities and deadlines, my notes are a kaleidoscope of commitments and decisions. The result? A masterpiece that ranks in complexity and color diversity of a kindergarten art project. But don't be fooled; appearances can be deceiving. Every shade has its role, highlighting the critical from the not-so-critical. In this remote work era, my colorful approach to note-taking is more than just a silly habit; it's a survival tactic. Calm down, no one's reading it but me! It keeps me engaged, organized, and, surprisingly, more efficient. So, while my notes may resemble a coloring book more than traditional notes regarding financials, I think I’ve encapsulated the essence of modern accounting: vibrant, dynamic, and, dare I say, fun. So, to my fellow accountants embarking on another Zoom call, armed with your trusty PaperMate pens, I say: Embrace your inner artist. Let your notes be your canvas. After all, if we're going to navigate the complexities of finance, we might as well do it live and in living color. And who knows? Maybe one day, these colorful ledgers will be on exhibit as the masterpieces they truly are. Until then, happy coloring! Ah, the school break! That magical time when the morning alarms snooze indefinitely, lunchboxes gather dust, and school uniforms take a well-deserved vacation in the back of the closet. As a parent, I've navigated this week-long hiatus with the skill of a seasoned explorer—but one who occasionally slips on a trail of empty fruit snacks packs or kick Body Armour bottles. (If I was lost, this would aid in my survival, right?) Let's be real, the anticipation of a school break is similar to the build-up before a season finale of let's say Game of Thrones, 9-1-1, or The Gilded Age. You expect relaxation, bonding, and perhaps tackling that ever-growing list of "fun activities" that, let's face it, often turns out to be as mythical as a unicorn sighting. I mean, I try. The Reality Sets set in Act 1: The Illusion of Free Time Day one kicks off with grand plans. We'll visit museums! We'll bike the Beltline! We'll eat at new restaurants! By lunchtime, we've barely managed to change out of pajamas, and our most significant achievement is a collaborative effort to take a field trip to Starbucks. Sidenote: Chai tea latte is heaven! Act 2: The Tween Energy Conundrum Here's the thing about having a tween at home, their energy levels are as predictable as a Wi-Fi signal with AT&T as a service provider. One moment, they're lounging like Queen Charlotte or King George, demanding snacks; the next, they're bouncing off the walls, fueled by a sudden, unexplainable burst of 'scientific' energy, called FUNK, derived from the yelling on Discord? I don't know! I just know there's no amount plug-ins powerful enough to outpower that Marvel smell! Anyhoo! Whew! Act 3: Extracurricular Negotiations It's extracurricular activities. Or as I like to call it, "How to Persuade Your Child to Do Anything Other Than Screen Time: A Parent's Guide." This week, our activities the "countdown til 12", activity by the dozens I thought, (now serving as a reminder of our ambition over stamina). He did respond "huh?" a dozen times, ate a dozen fruit snacks, and gulped orange juice from the jug in 12 seconds! Mission accomplished not impossible! The Plot Twist As the week winds down, a strange phenomenon occurs. Among the chaos, the mess, and the decibel levels of "he's targeting me!", I find myself not ready for it to end. It turns out, the constant company of my tween, with all the negotiations, the sharing of new shows he wants you to watch with him, (Hazbim Hotel? 😲), or even the eye stance, has become something I cherish deeply. There's a peculiar beauty in the unstructured days, the spontaneous decisions, and yes, even in the heated debates the constant yelling (that someone is targeting "only" him). I've come to realize that these moments are brief, as precious and temporary as the artwork that barely hangs on our fridge. The Curtain Call: Back to Reality So, as we prepare for the return to early mornings, packed lunches, and the daily uniform hunt, I do it with a light heart and huge amount of cache in his browser history. School breaks, with all their chaos and unpredictability, have a way of highlighting the joy in the everyday, the humor in parenting, and the unbreakable bond that forms through shared experiences (and mutual survival). To the return of school, I welcome with a mix of emotions. But fear not, for the ANOTHER break is just around the corner, ready to challenge our patience, fill our hearts, and perhaps, give us a new appreciation for the quiet that follows the storm. Here's to surviving and thriving through the school breaks, finding humor in the chaos, and embracing the beautifully messy journey of parenthood. May your coffee be strong, your patience long, and your school breaks be just the right mix of adventure, relaxation, and funk (just in case I hadn't mentioned it before). Mystery, Drama, Comedy We've all been there—standing in front of a closet packed with clothes, shoes, and accessories, feeling like we have nothing to wear. Then comes the daunting task of moving or renovating, and suddenly, the thought of packing up that chaos is downright excruciating. It's moments like these that force us to confront the clutter, not just in our closets but in our lives. And just like our overstuffed wardrobes, our careers can sometimes feel just as cluttered and overwhelming. But what if I told you that changing careers doesn't have to be about packing up and moving on? Maybe it's more about purging what no longer serves you and making room for new opportunities. I like Marie Kondo and all, but 99% of my items sparks joy. The Great Purge: Out with the Old Just as we periodically need to declutter our living spaces, we must also assess our professional lives. It's easy to accumulate roles, responsibilities, and even entire careers that no longer fit who we are or who we aspire to be. The thought of diving into the unknown of a new career can seem as daunting as tackling that cluttered closet. But fear not! The first step is not to pack up your old self but to purge. Begin by taking stock of your current career: what you love about it, what you loathe, and what you're merely tolerating. It's about identifying the pieces that no longer fit—the jobs that pinch and bind, the roles that are so last season, and the tasks that have faded and lost their color. Embracing the New: Finding Your Fit Once you've cleared out the old, it's time to embrace the new. Finding a new career is much like seeking out the perfect outfit. You want something that fits well, represents your personal style, and makes you feel confident and ready to take on the world. This is your chance to redefine your professional wardrobe and professional environment. Think about what excites you, what drives you, and what you're passionate about. Consider the skills you have that are transferable and the gaps you might need to fill. Just as you might mix and match pieces to create the perfect look, you can combine your existing skills with new ones to carve out a career that's uniquely yours. The Joy of Choice One of the greatest joys of revamping your wardrobe is the plethora (I like that word) of choices available. The same goes for changing careers. The world is your online retail store, with a multitude of industries, roles, and opportunities out there. It's about finding the right fit for you, something that aligns with your values, goals, and lifestyle. Remember, this process doesn't happen overnight. Just as you might try on several outfits before finding the perfect one, you may need to explore different career options before finding your fit. And that's okay! The journey is part of the process. Conclusion: A New You Just as the daunting task of packing can lead to the liberating process of purging and rediscovering your wardrobe, the thought of changing careers can be the catalyst for a profound personal and professional renovation. It's an opportunity to declutter, to reassess, and ultimately, to reinvent yourself. So, take a deep breath and dive into the purge (sorry, I can't shake that word). Let go of the old, embrace the new, and step into a career that feels just right. After all, life is too short to wear an outfit—or a career—that doesn't make you feel like the best version of yourself, especially after a little weight gain. |
AuthorMeet Veronica, the voice behind "The Calculated Mind". She's the Beethoven of balance sheets, orchestrating harmonies between assets and liabilities with a symphony of spreadsheets. Veronica's love for excelling (and Excel) knows no bounds. In her world, numbers don't just add up; they tell tales of triumph and learning. Join her as she turns ledgers and balance sheets into compeling tales of fiscal adventure! Archives
April 2024
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