The truth is… I’m an accountant. You know, the type of person whose profession is associated with boring, nerdy, safe people. But my fellow accountants know that there is often an exciting and adventurous side to us… you just need to know where to look! For me, the accounting profession has always been a vehicle for adventure. Working for GAAP Dynamics has only added to this adventurist side.

At GAAP Dynamics, I found an opportunity to both use my accounting and finance background, while also satisfying my need for adventure. I get to travel around the world delivering training programs to interesting people of different and unique cultures. I also get to work for an innovative company that is always looking to redefine what is considered quality training.

Sounds pretty good, I know, but this summer, I realized it gets even better. As a small company, we can make our own programs to improve our work-life balance. While our vacation package is already quite generous, over the past several years, we instituted a sabbatical program, allowing employees who have worked 5 years with the company to take a 4 consecutive week break from work.

This year, I finally got around to taking my sabbatical, going on a 4-week road trip with my wife and three daughters through the western United States. This new adventure was reminiscent of the movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation, with me playing the role of Chevy Chase. We took the family truckster to all the big sites, from the Grand Canyon, to Yellowstone, to Mt. Rushmore. In addition to enjoying time with the family, I also got to appreciate the value of time away from work as it relates to my career.

The time away from the day-to-day grind of work allowed me to recharge my batteries, reflect on our business and how I best fit in and contribute, and come back better than ever. I’m not the only one to experience this. I’ve heard similar stories from my colleagues at GAAP Dynamics who have taken their sabbaticals in the past. I think programs like these that allow you to pursue your “adventurous side” or other interests are essential to maintaining peak performance in our accounting careers, or any type of career for that matter. I am just thankful that my company understands this!

Disclaimer

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