Not sure if it would quite cut it to be a hit post on fml site but I certainly hear you. But then again, I thought you were already employed. Also,I hate to burst the bubbles but we're not the only ones who can NOT afford Grad School. As a matter of fact, millions of Americans can't even go to college, forget post graduate studies. We're lucky in many ways. "Hungry Nepali, poor Nepali" bhanyo, chahine nachahine scholarships ra grants ma padhyo. That's not all. We shouldn't even be compelled to live in the studies after completing our graduation. The U.S. government didn't issue us visas allowing us to live here. It wants us to leave the country unless we're productive ( by filling positions that need top skills ). Also, if the states isn't a student friendly country,  I certainly don't know what country is student friendlier. Certainly not Nepal for sure. Those useless bandas, chakkam jams, dhunga hananans, useless strikes and pointless andolans. Please note that like you, I'm also a college graduate. Just graduated with a degree that should've allowed me to help bolster the American economy. Alas - where is the opportunity? Should I go fml? Hell no. I'd rather go back and work in local banks in Kathmandu.

Quagmire · Jun 9, 2009 9:20 AM

Btw,I asked you in another thread ( just outta total curiousity )but don't think I got a reply. What company do you work for? What school did you graudate from?

Quagmire · Jun 9, 2009 9:30 AM

Thanks for the reality check. :) Although, I don't know how US GAAP would be applicable to Nepalese companies. Yeah, I am employed. And I know I should be grateful...which I am. But it's not my dream job, I wish I was less idealistic. If I told you the name of the school I went to and what company I worked for, it totally destroys the purpose of my creative username and ability to post anonymously without being judged. :) It's a small world after all and 5 degrees of separation has been proved. No offense.

jadedkt · Jun 9, 2009 2:08 PM

Don't worry about this GAAP crap ( I know what that is as I was 2 classes shy of graduating with an Accounting major ). You won't necessarily have to work as an Accountant back home. Many banks and financial institutions will happily hire a personnel who's got a degree from the states. Surely, the U.S. has taught you more than what your academic criteria required. I bet you're more mature as a person and yada yada. Anyways, I get the gist of what you're saying. After 4 gruesome years ( in many cases 5 ), thoughts of returning back could be nightmarish, especially amidst all this turmoil and all this civil war junk. Who wouldn't want to have a 50-60k/ month paying job but at the same time, who'd wanna live in such a chaotic environment. Loadshedding, water shortage, pollution and outrageous inflation don't help too. Ironically, despite wanting to go back and work in Nepal, I can't go back. Despite having a permanent status and having a bachelor's degree on hand, I'm finding "jobs" hard to comeby and I'm forced to work in a sector that doesn't require any academic qualifications at all.

Quagmire · Jun 9, 2009 8:23 PM

The grass is always greener on the other side, it seems. Like you, I would happily go back if it weren't for all the civil disturbances that plague the country. And there's also the reverse culture shock. There's still hope for perms, once the job market picks up you guys will be back in the game. For those who don't belong, we can only wait... or move elsewhere.

jadedkt · Jun 9, 2009 11:04 PM

So you never told me what school you went to. Unless you went to Yale or Harvard, nobody would know for sure who you are ( as in the real person ). Sharing the name of your school won't hurt.  

Quagmire · Jun 10, 2009 12:32 AM

Jadedkt, definitely not an FML, but like Quagmire, I'm empathetic to your situation as well. Although I find a few of your grievances somewhat exaggerated, I want to touch on two of the issues you brought up: "You work your butt off through 4 years of college only to realize you are going to be stuck doing something that you learned in a 100 level class." You spend more time at the copier than analyzing cash flows because that's the natural course for everybody. It would be foolish for a company to make you (a fresh college graduate) the managing partner of an engagement (even though you might think you're more than capable of handling the job) because there are still a lot more things you need to learn on the field, things that have not been covered in classrooms. What I'm trying to say (and I presume you already know) is that you've got to experience the whole chain, right from level zero, in order to appreciate what's lined up for you five or ten years down the road. Not only that, but as you assume positions that require you to delegate, you'll be better equipped with the knowledge of how much responsibility a first year professional can effectively manage without putting too much/little on his or her plate. The job market for your major is tanking along with the economy. You realize this senior year when it's too late to change your major. I guess this one kinda varies on an individual level, but I think you have to study something you're interested in for the most part. How can one hop from major to major just because the recent economic downturn limits job opportunities for your major? Everybody has been hit by the tanking economy, not just accountants, or economists. Okay, yes, if you could switch your major to a health-care related area of study (or theatrics - Hollywood's surprisingly hanging in there) that would have been awesome, but wait...from accounting to theatrics? Is that a leap worth taking just to avoid the initial struggles of landing a decent job? I think not.   If you haven't guessed by now, I'm kinda bored. Maybe I should open up some joke threads instead of meaninglessly trying to extend this conversation. But then again, what the heck, yea? ;) Oh and about going back to Nepal, I think it's time for us to put aside these conditional statements such as "I'd go to Nepal if it weren't for..." and openly admit (yea, anonymously in sajha will do too) that life in the US is more appealing to us and difficult to let go.  I mean come on people. I don't buy that and I know you don't either. A close friend of mine went back to Nepal despite of having a good job out here just because she wanted to make a difference in Nepal! No strings attached! You feeling me?

Gaf.Dya.Hoina · Jun 10, 2009 1:00 AM

Corporate accounting is different from Public accounting. I don't expect to get an exec position right out of college, in fact all I wanted was an internship in public accounting, even if that means making copies. Or even sacrificing my full time corporate accounting position. Am I asking too much? Granted, the changing-major idea is unrealistic but that's just to express my frustration. :) Thanks for sharing, it's definitely comforting. : - ))

jadedkt · Jun 10, 2009 1:37 AM

Revealing the name of my school will be followed by identifying common acquaintances etc etc, and we'll realize that the world is a small place after all. Why don't you go first? For starters, definitely not ivy league.

jadedkt · Jun 10, 2009 1:45 AM

Since I don't have that many friends here in the states, I'd be shocked if we had a common friend at all. I went to a private school in the midwest. You?

Quagmire · Jun 10, 2009 9:25 AM

Gaf.dya.hoina, Like I've already mentioned, despite having a luxury of staying here in the states, if ( and only if ) I could go back and work in Nepalese banking sector, I'd totally go. And this is in complete seriousness. Sadly, I can't. I don't know whats down the line in 10 years time though. By the way, what are your academic credentials?

Quagmire · Jun 10, 2009 9:33 AM

state school, midwest.

jadedkt · Jun 10, 2009 11:19 AM

Jadedkt, you really seem to want to get into public accounting and I don't blame ya. You get to see the workings of a variety of clients and that exposure helps you in your executive positions in the industry further down the road. Public accounting is definitely a good way to start your career. Having said that, I think you should stop and look at the bright side too (I know you do but hear me out). I mean it sounds to me like you have a steady source of income (you're probably better off than 90 percent of the out -of-college Nepali population) and you're working in a position that relies on your academic background (yes, 100 level courses count too ;)), which makes you a lot more accomplished than most of your Nepali peers. Once the economy revives, the Big Four will undoubtedly start hiring again (lots of turnover) and if you turn in your resume from time to time I have a hunch you'll get in. Finally, I have a couple of questions for you: You mention repeatedly that you're not aligned well enough (at this point) to achieve your dreams. In your words, "you realize that your path to your dreams is very doubtful," and, "it's not my dream job, I wish I was less idealistic." Could you kindly elaborate on your dreams or your dream job? As a fellow accountant, I'm just curious. I apologize beforehand if I seem to be prying into your personal affairs; it is not my intention to do so. Initially, I thought your profile pictures were from SP but as I enlarged them, I found out that they weren't. They kinda seem dark. What are they and where'd you get 'em? Quagmire, I'm not completely sure if we understand each other here. Once you use "if," your move to Nepal suddenly becomes contingent on something. And like I said before, somebody who actually means to go back makes it a point to do so without setting forth any conditions, wouldn't you agree? Forgive my lack of tact in laying this out but it's the truth. Also, you mention that you can't go back but you don't really state why? Why wouldn't you be able to work at a bank if you have a relevant degree and graduated from a decent school in the US? Oh hey, way to bag the username dude! Giggity giggity goo! Last edited: 11-Jun-09 01:06 PM

Gaf.Dya.Hoina · Jun 10, 2009 12:19 PM

What state Jaded? Gaf.Dya.Hoina, I can't go back home because of some private matters which I can't share. Is it ironic or comic? I really would go back, if I could. btw, did you ever take your CPA? And GQ is a faboluous nick, me thinks! Sense of humor is supposedly my best trait, and perhaps, the only.

Quagmire · Jun 10, 2009 1:49 PM

Yeah, I really do want to get into public accounting. Even after being invited to 3 office interviews (final round of interviews) and having one of my friends personally recommend me to another firm, I couldn't get an offer. Not trying to blame anyone, I just wish I knew what they wanted from students. So, there you go, that's the reason why hopelessness is justified. To work for one of the big 4 is my most wanted job, call me crazy but that is THE only way to build your career in public accounting. Their resources are endless and they have various employee development programs that are unbeatable. I want to take the tax track and hopefully become a lawyer (if I can make it to law school i.e) or a professor eventually (heard there's a shortage of accounting professors :=P ). I could compare myself to other Nepalese students  or even my American friends and feel good about myself since I personally know a bunch of people who are going through rough times but that's never the solution....it's just a feel good factor. Art.com allows you to draw/paint, it's a great way to cut the day short. No, I don't do this at work. :)) I never intended it to be dark, just a reflection of our personal daily lives.

jadedkt · Jun 10, 2009 1:56 PM

Life is so constructed that an event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation. -Bronte

cRunch · Jun 10, 2009 3:52 PM

after a long day at office and I have to put up with you bitchin how terrible your job is? Where is the tab that says 'you deserved that one?' fml P.S. If the recognition of your school and your GPA makes you go to bed at night, so be it.......but successful people start taking actions and stop complaining. FF Last edited: 10-Jun-09 06:21 PM

fortunefaded · Jun 10, 2009 6:21 PM

ahem, I think the rule is read at your own discretion. No apologies. Hope you have a great day at work tomo.

jadedkt · Jun 10, 2009 6:36 PM