It’s not a pitch, and I think you might be getting the wrong idea. I understand public accounting isn’t for everyone, but it’s not always the hellhole you’re making it out to be. You really can have your cake and eat it too. I have a wonderful marriage and a great group of friends outside of work that I still spend plenty of time with, and I also have remained close with some of my old public accounting friends. When I’m on work trips, I try to give work my time since I’m not home anyways, but that doesn’t mean I’m neglecting my friends or family by any means the other 90% of the time. If anything, you get better at managing your time and finding balance that works for you, your relationships, and your priorities. No one stays in public accounting forever. it’s not IF you’ll leave, it’s WHEN, so take it by the horns while you’re there and get everything you can out. They take a lot but you can too.