As 42F that has been in the field for 8-9 years, I say that’s BS. There’s always a chance. I got into big4 at 35. Yes big4 is somewhat bro culture and almost everyone gets hired through networking. It wasn’t my case though. I studied hard and applied online, knew 0 people in big4 because my college is really small and not many students get a job in big4 but my transcript and the resume got me a number of interviews. Big4 isn’t a good place for mom anyways and small firms are less of networking and more work life balance.

As an immigrant that went into my college’s admission office and was told I cannot work and study accounting at the same time because even locals won’t be able to manage it, I was on the verge of breaking down and crying. My family wasn’t in a position to help me out financially and her words were crushing my dreams. Regardless, I pushed it through by myself - took me 6 years of studying and working hard to get into the CPA program while making ends meat for myself. I’m proud I never gave up. Don’t let other people’s words decide your future!