May 2005 Bachelor Degree Major Accounting

Q: Prior to my return to college, I have spent most of my life working out of a major construction union. I am approaching the back side of my 50th year. Most "entry level" accounting positions listed our local newspaper, state work source agency, or posted on job search web sites such as Monster.com require one or two years experience. Five plus years experience open doors. I am seeking an entry level professional accounting position in any geographic region of the United States. If you are a professional accountant, have any job search advise that could assist me in obtaining a professional accounting position, please respond alt.accounting or my email.

A:reply: I was a member of a major construction union. A herniated disk kept me from working in 1999 and 2000. Also there is not enough work. I was lucky to earn $25,000 a year . This work requires extensive traveling with very high expenses for gas, tires, motels and food. Remember, when you hear about construction workers making over twenty dollar an hour, rent/mortgage at home plus $250 a week ($1000 a month motel room) can add up to a $1,600 a month housing bill. Just because I am gone (working) does not mean the bills at home stop. Rent, electric, gas, phone and other bills still accumulate. I look forward to 40 hours with some overtime as an accountant. When employed as a construction worker, the hours where at minimum 60 hours (6 days times 10 hours) and some times 7 days times 12 hours). Most of the jobs are in rural areas requiring driving 35 miles or more one way to the job from the motel. On one job in Montana, I drove 160 miles round trip and in North Dakota I drove 85 miles round trip. It is very very rare for the job to be in town. Coal burning steam generating electrical stations discharge flue gases and coal ash which up sets the those town folk. After employee taxes, federal taxes, state taxes, if applicable, union dues and state comp, I received 60 cents of every dollar earned on my check less expenses of about $400.00 to $450.00 a week. Last, it has always be a dream to earn a bachelor degree. I'm in same boat as you..... I'm 47 and just NOW starting college. Never went to college after high school. Big mistake on my part I only have 12 hrs so far tho. Long ways to go as I'm working full time and taking 3-6 hrs per semester. did you go back full time? Or work and go part time like me? The fact that you made it thru college at your age has given me hope that I'm not wasting my time at my age.

Discuss It!

Most Popular Articles

More

Marketplace

Related Articles

More

Related Categories

More

Recently Added

More

You Recently Visited

Other Great Sites