Is it hard to become a CPA?

Is it pointless to apply for the Big 4 knowing you don't want to become a CPA?

• I don't think I want to become a CPA nor do I really want to work in the Big 4. My reasons for this are the long hours, the horrible work/life balance, and the fact that I easily get stressed out and being a CPA at a Big 4 seems like the ultimate stress environment. But I've also heard that the experience is valuable when applying for other corporate accounting based jobs outside accounting firms (financial analyst, budget analyst, cost analyst, etc.). I was wondering if it would be pointless getting the experience at a big 4 and using that as a stepping stone towards my next job? Thank you.

• Answer:

  Big 4 is a great thing for your career. It's easiest to deal with when you're starting out (stress is always stress but less if you have no kids/mortgage) but if you can deal with 3-4 years you'll learn a lot and you'll always have it on your CV. I started in a similar way in consulting and it's been invaluable.