Accountants

First and foremost is the variety of issues you will experience. You will get exposure to more accounting and/or tax issues than any single company, or even industry, encounters. So you will gain valuable experience.

Second, exposure to a your clients will give you a network of valuable contacts. If you decide to leave public accounting they will likely have career opportunities that your experience with their issues and procedures will make you a natural candidate to fill.

I hate public accounting but I don't think I'd like private any better, looking for a career change.

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What are some pluses of public accounting vs private?

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Literally, the only plusses I can think of - and they are important ones - are:
1) Great on the job experience and exposure to a variety of industries and clients
2) Resume' building
3) Networking / contacts (i.e., possible job offers)

Once you put your 2 years in, there is really no reason to stay any longer. Sure, partners make a ton of money. But if you are partner material, you can make just as much, and often more, in industry...and without losing the years public takes off your life.

Finally, and most importantly for you, the transition from industry to public will be a difficult one. Some can handle it, but most cannot. The additional hours is just one aspect. You also have to be accountable for every minute of your day and maintain billable hours and ratios. You will no longer "own" your work - instead, you will be critiquing others'. Your benefits package will likely pale in comparison to what you have now. But! You are gaining valuable experience that could springboard you to something bigger/better.

I don't envy you, having been there myself several years ago. Best of luck in your decision.