11 years ago, I was just out of college and I worked at a Local CPA Firm as a Tax Accountant.

I had the privilege to work with a few awesome folks.

This type of work was tedious and not gratifying.

During that period of time, the firm wasn’t anywhere near winning any best employer awards. I won’t say much more on how poorly they treated staff. It kinda of reminds me of a few characters in the book, Happy Work, written by Chris Reimer. 

Management focused on growing the business and showing others they were doing well.

Employees where squeezed for every minute of their time. I use to have a 2 1/2 hour commute each way and would arrive around 7:30 am in the morning.

I remember on one occasion leaving the office at around 9pm and my direct supervisor asking me to take work home. I am sure I could continue doing tax research in my sleep. By the time I got home, it would be around 11pm and I had to get back up at 430am.

Almost a decade later, that person has bumped into me in many places and she knows how evil she was to many of us. I wonder if she still decides to act the same way. I have forgiven her but I learned from her how not to treat anyone working with you or for you.

At the Right Place Right Now

I fast forward to running Limonade and loving what I do 95% of the time.

The past few days I helped family members and friends with their tax returns.  It served as a reminder of how the route I have chosen keeps me happier.

I can’t even imagine what it would be like during the busy season, in a firm, and only seeing my daughter for snippets of time.

I am grateful that in days I turn 35 years old.

Although at times I may feel that I am wandering, these reminders confirm, I am not lost.