I've been in the field for two years, almost two and a half but feel like I've been at this job for one month. Audit isn't rocket science so why do I feel stupid?

Reasons:

• Even repeating engagements create anxiety in terms of expectations of even lower budgets and trying to get the same amount of assurance as last year.

• Working papers: Apparently my working papers are not readable even though I stick to the standard three headers when setting up working papers. My weakest area is at times forgetting to document what procedures I did or looked at to reach a conclusion.

• Sense that the profession is in on a big joke: Don't get me wrong, we provide some level of perceived independent opinion on the financial statements. But it's a big joke if you hear about the B4 losing out on millions for instances where they didn't do as much work as they should've to hit budgets. Clients will listen to recommendations but don't do much about it because they either don't think they have the money or can't be arsed, so it's the same letter point, qualification every year.

I was all eager and happy to go into audit fresh out of my undergrad but now am doubting whether I need to take a left turn somewhere. Did I just waste two years plus a four year degree = 6 years? Where do I segue into from audit that won't be equally mind-numbing and demoralizing?