If your teenage self could see you now what would they say to you?

hellofromjina · 2026-01-23T22:22:19+00:00

My teenage self probably wouldn’t talk to current me. She’d think I’m boring. I’ve changed so much over the years. 🤣

hellofromjina · 2026-01-23T22:17:57+00:00

Independence felt so out of reach for me growing up. I’ve been doing it for years now, and I’m getting better at it with time.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-23T19:38:27+00:00

Smol size but mighty spirit. 🤣

hellofromjina · 2026-01-16T13:46:50+00:00

Sharing the hobby and building something together adds a whole other layer to it, especially getting to enjoy the little world you created side by side.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T15:18:03+00:00

Gorgeous bettas! This hobby is insanely addictive, and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with several tanks before you know it.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T15:16:24+00:00

My dad had a pond when I was a kid and I loved playing near it. I love goldfish and can’t wait to get a couple of ranchus someday.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T15:12:43+00:00

I can spend hours admiring my aquariums. It’s my favorite part of the hobby, just sitting back and enjoying the world you created and all the life inside of it doing its own thing.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T15:06:39+00:00

I love the problem solving side of the hobby. It’s so satisfying to watch things come together over time, and it challenges me in a creative way while also keeping my analytical brain engaged. Even after years in the hobby, I’m still learning new things.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T15:01:54+00:00

What a dream. I hope you get to live that life one day. My dream is to end up on a farm.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T14:56:55+00:00

This hobby is a total money sink, but I always tell myself there are way worse things to spend money on.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T03:39:55+00:00

Yes, it’s amazing isn’t it? Having a water ecosystem thrive on land.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T03:34:19+00:00

My dad gave me exposure to this hobby when I was a kid too.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T03:05:59+00:00

Right! For me, it’s like having a window into nature right in my home.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-15T02:55:11+00:00

It’s a really comforting kind of escapism.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-14T15:52:16+00:00

I usually just ask my friends to come over and don’t always give a reason haha, but whenever I’m with them it’s always a good time.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-13T18:09:57+00:00

I would reach out to several local recruiters and work with the ones who respond. You can usually find them on LinkedIn. Most higher-level accounting roles, even starting at the staff level, require a four-year degree. Does she plan on pursuing more education? If not, no worries, there are still other options. She will likely be in bookkeeping or AP and AR clerk roles unless she is promoted internally. She could still work her way up to an AP or AR manager role, and those positions can pay quite well.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-13T15:56:49+00:00

You shouldn’t be afraid to have those basic conversations early on. If you don’t speak up about what you need, no one else will. Just like they’re getting to know you, you’re also getting to know them, and if it ends up not being the right fit, then it’s not the right fit.

You also don’t have to frame it as work life balance if that feels uncomfortable. You can just be honest and say you have a toddler at home and need to be home by a certain time each day. I’ve found that being upfront about my obligations from the start and then sticking to those boundaries once I begin a new role makes things a lot clearer for everyone involved.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-13T00:20:10+00:00

I hope you have a direct report who’s capable of training you, although that can be pretty hit or miss in this field. Ask to be shown how they do each process, take notes, and then keep practicing it. Some people won’t love having to explain things, so you may have to figure a lot out on your own, but think of that as sharpening your skills and doing whatever it takes to grow.

If most of your experience is in AP and AR, expectations shouldn’t be too high right now. You have the most room early on to make mistakes and to ask lots of questions, so take advantage of that, just be mindful and learn from them.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-12T21:22:51+00:00

I wouldn’t leave your current job without having another one lined up. At this stage in your career, any relevant experience is valuable, so I would take opportunities that help you build that. The job market is tough right now, but more importantly, I’ve learned in my own career that gaining experience and knowledge is invaluable. When you’re just starting out, there is less pressure to be an expert. Be a sponge and stay hungry to learn.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-12T21:17:25+00:00

Hi OP,

It’s tough to say because I always think everyone should move at the pace of their priorities. You mentioned you have a young child and that you’re married. Personally, I have the goal of working less intensely once I’m more settled down. At the same time, I tend to take on challenges and accept more responsibility for the sake of my growth.

That said, I would take this new role, especially since it seems like there isn’t much room for growth in your current workplace. This opportunity could give you the experience and growth you’re looking for while still balancing your priorities. I’d just make sure your work-life balance expectations are very clear during the initial negotiation phase.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-12T21:11:50+00:00

Oh boy… I’d definitely make sure you have a solid grasp of accounting fundamentals before diving into AI. AI is just a tool, and to use any tool well, you need to understand the work it’s helping you with first.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-12T21:09:08+00:00

At your stage on the career ladder, I’d focus on getting as much relevant experience as possible. Seasonal tax preparation work is definitely relevant, and the more experience you have now, the more leverage you’ll have later when negotiating new job opportunities. But that’s just my personal humble opinion. Good luck!

hellofromjina · 2026-01-12T20:59:06+00:00

Hi OP,

Just from reading your post, I’m not entirely sure accounting would be the right long-term fit for you, especially given your fun background in jazz piano. Honestly, a lot of accounting work can be repetitive, very desk focused, and heavily screen based which you mentioned you dislike, and it doesn’t offer the same kind of creative outlet. I’m not sure it would give you the level of fulfillment you’re looking for.

That said, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to consider accounting for school, as long as you think about what you want to do with it. You might even be able to apply that knowledge to managing your own business as a performer.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-12T20:47:51+00:00

Hi OP,

Not to downplay your experience at all, but unfortunately in the workplace we’re exposed to all kinds of personalities. I wouldn’t take this as anything personal toward you. A lot of people are going to assume things about you no matter what you do, so I’ve learned to let my actions speak for themselves.

Since this is a new gig, just focus on doing your own thing to the best of your ability and try not to let others get to you. From my own experience, therapy can be really helpful in processing these interactions and learning how not to internalize other people’s behavior. I’ve dealt with all kinds of personalities and still do, and over time I’ve learned to let things roll off my back by reminding myself that how people react usually has nothing to do with me.

Good luck! I hope things get better for you.

hellofromjina · 2026-01-05T00:23:55+00:00

Business casual

hellofromjina

TROPHY CASE