Post by Lauryn Hanrahan

As I looked at my calendar this morning, I realized there are only a few more workdays left in tax season. Lately, I’ve been feeling a lot like an elementary-schooler, wanting to make a paper chain countdown until April 17th. I would have to say that before this past week, I hadn’t really felt the pangs of busy season. However, something must have changed over the last seven days because now I’m exhausted, either slightly grumpy or in giggle fits from lack of sleep, and I believe I have forgotten what my house actually looks like in the daylight.

Despite the drawbacks, there are benefits to our situation. Yes, we may practically miss our families for three months, but I think we get something in exchange. At dinner the other night, I looked around the table at all of the people I have come to know, talking and laughing and sharing stories, and realized that I had gained a second family. I thought that, if we’re all pretty much living at the office, at least we get to be here with fantastic people.

Over my short 22 (almost 23!) years of life, I have learned that people come into our lives for a reason, and that we need to take advantage of that reason. Through busy season, I have realized that there is so much to be gained from the people around us. Whether it’s tax return advice or life advice, I’m finding that the people I work with have some pretty great suggestions. As long as I’m at Withum, I will continue to soak up as much knowledge as I can. It would be silly of me not to take advantage of the wealth of information around me.

As busy season draws to a close and spring blooms, I look forward to spending my evenings and Saturdays outside of the office and spending some much-needed time with friends and family. I’m also looking forward to seeing the sun again. Although I certainly don’t want to continue with busy season hours, I’m going to miss weekly dinners with my “work family.” I suppose we’ll have to get together somewhere outside of the office…with no tax returns, good food, regular clothes, and maybe even wine. Yes, definitely with wine.

Lauryn