re: Which direction should I go in if I want to get out of public accounting?

I hate to say this because I despise this agency, but jump on the sword for a couple years and work for the IRS, earn some stripes & learn how to really maneuver the system.

Then open up a boutique private firm and customers will flock to you knowing you’re an ex-IRS Agent.

I don’t know if it’s some urban legend or whatever, but I’ve always heard that ex-IRS guys have some sort of immunity for certai things, of course I’m sure you can’t be some outlaw, but for the most part, they don’t go after their “own”.

If I were in the accounting world, and young in my career, I think I would do that even though it’s like joining forces with the devil, but the experience might be worth its weight in gold.