Alone, We Can Do So Little

As this issue of the EA Journal finds its way to you, I hope it finds you surrounded by family, friends, and enjoying the fruits of a successful tax season.

As I reflect on the 2022 tax season, I must admit that I have found enjoying this career to be more challenging in recent years than ever before. Changes come so quickly now. Remember when tax changes were fewer and far between? We all often wonder if we will ever enjoy another season like those from long ago.

I recently read a report that shared the average retirement age by career choice. Care to guess which career field works the greatest number of years before retiring? You guessed it…tax professionals! The next two were clergy and farmers.

Growing up in a community of farmers and being their tax professional for many years, I know that farmers have an absolute passion for what they do. It is hard work but they cannot imagine themselves doing anything else. It goes without saying that clergy are unmeasurably devoted to the work they do. Their lives are dedicated to helping those around them. Just like farmers, I am certain most clergy would agree that they cannot imagine doing anything else.

So, we must ask ourselves, why do we do what we do? Although this career path we have chosen is ever changing and stressful, most of us love what we do. The feeling of helping an appreciative client is so rewarding.

While my career in tax has been rewarding, it shadows in comparison to the opportunity of serving our association. Being involved as a National Association of Enrolled Agent (NAEA) volunteer has hands down been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. The opportunities I have been given and the people I have met along the way have taught me so many things and helped me grow in ways that I never anticipated. The interaction with members, staff, and leadership have strengthened the tax professional I am today. It has changed the way I manage my practice, handle client interactions, make professional decisions, and driven my career in such a positive direction.

The opportunity to serve our association is a chance to give back to the profession that has given us so much. I know what you are thinking, “I don’t
have enough time to volunteer.” The volunteer roles in our association come in many different capacities. I encourage you to get involved. I am certain you will grow your skills in ways you have never imagined. If you have ever considered volunteering for the NAEA, now is the time! Reach out and ask what opportunities are available. We will find a role that fits your interests and time constraints.

In this quickly changing tax world that we find ourselves in, I cannot imagine navigating my way without the NAEA community. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”