How I Found My Purpose

My early career goals didn’t include the acronym CPA. I attended a liberal arts university and worked at a bank during my time there. After graduation, I was offered a full-time position with the bank. I worked my way up, eventually becoming a bank officer and lender. I made loans for everything from cars to churches to crops. I liked the people I worked with and I enjoyed interacting with my customers. But, it never felt like what I wanted to call my life’s work. The work kept me content, but I wasn’t totally fulfilled.

After a period of time, I felt that I owed it to myself to find what would be most gratifying. As I went on the search for what I did want in a career, accounting became the clear choice. Yet, I knew making my dream a reality wasn’t going to happen overnight. I needed to take more accounting classes, spend many hours studying for the CPA exam, and eventually take the plunge into a new job. All of this came at a time when my wife and I welcomed our little girl into the world. Needless to say, it was a hectic few years.

So, what do I have to show for my first five years in accounting? First, I now have passion—Monday mornings are filled with excitement! I enjoy my time meeting with clients, finding solutions and conquering new challenges. Second, I have the privilege to work for the Horne cutting edge accounting firm who equips and empowers its team members to reach their Full Potential. Finally, I have pride in knowing I’m doing the work I was created to do, in serving my clients on a daily basis.

I encourage you to look within to find the work you are passionate about. I hope you are lucky enough to say you have already found it. But, if not, make a plan to get there. You owe it to yourself, your family and your coworkers. I encourage you to talk to others, read and search for the one thing you are meant to do. Maybe your passion can grow in the position you’re in right now. Maybe it can be in a different area at your current company. Or, maybe you need a total change. Whatever the case, find the courage to make it happen. When you discover your passion you will be happier, more fulfilled and more effective.

About the Author

Clay Crockett is a supervisor specializing in tax services for individuals, partnerships and corporations. His non-traditional path into public accounting brings a unique energy and passion to his team and the clients they serve.