I'm probably going against the grain here, but in my experience accounting opens up a lot more, long lasting, high pay opportunities in employment than you computer science will. They're always in demand and straight off the bat these positions pay very well, IT is a bit hit and miss. Most of the people I knew in IT over the last 10 or so years float in and out of jobs almost as if they're walking through a revolving door. My stepfather for example was an engineer and he was always wandering the world picking up contracts here and there, while he got paid very well for them, they where never exactly permanent positions and a few countries he worked in, never paid.

So, if you're happy as something of a freebooter getting jobs here and there, not worrying too much about permanent employment or it doesn't appeal to you, then it might be the life to take up. However, during my footloose days as a travelling sales coach I ended up visiting/living/working in over 40 countries by the time I was 25 and it is utterly wearisome. Seriously, if I never catch another trans-oceanic flight in my life, it won't be a day too soon... sure, I made big coin, but christ on a stick it was hard to do. In addition I lost a lot of friends and a what ended up being a very brief and in retrospect, foolish relationship at a young age which meant a lot to me at the time, simply because I was never in one spot.
All that 'happy' carefree time I see people doing here, going out to clubs and partying, catching a band or DJ, none of that for me. I was always working, always.

Accountancy doesn't immediately have the appeal of IT I suppose for some people but it does offer you high pay and stability, I don't expect anyone young to understand that but it has some benefits which are not immediately obvious. You get to plant yourself down somewhere you like, with people you like, work hard, make money and if you want to travel, do it on your annual leave if you have the itch.
I won't pretend it's 'glamorous' but then again, IT really isn't that spunky either!
But most accountants I know are genuinely happy people, they live well, they get to see their family, friends and party on the weekends, as opposed to what? Burying your nose in the computer coding away for hours on end, for days on end to meet a deadline and the constantly fast moving technology curve that you will eventually fall behind if you don't self educate yourself in it. Which is both expensive and time consuming.

Keep doing your accountancy, because while you hate it now like a petulant child tossing boiled vegetables off your plate, it will come back and reward you at some point. Especially if you end up running your own business where it will be absolutely invaluable.
Work hard, really hard for other people for as long as it takes to get some money together and they strike out on your own with a good business idea which might use your IT skills.
It's hard work too, but I much prefer working hard for myself than anyone else.

Last edited by Lilith on Jun-26-2007 at 12:12