Do you even Accountant? The right personality for CPA PEP

A recent email from a learner hit me hard as I can relate to her self-doubt: 

I really like your outgoing personality, which makes us feel very close. I am also a people person. However, some of my friends who have known me for a long time or my family think that I may not be suitable for the accounting profession because of my extroverted personality. They believe that accountants should be serious. Is an extroverted personality an advantage or a disadvantage in the accounting industry? Should I do something to change my character?

Personality fail

My grade school report cards read: Does well on tests, but she talks too much. Creative, but she talks too much. Good energy, but…you get the point.

I’m not sure whether my parents were quoting Andre Gide, author of Autumn Leaves or Kurt Cobain from Nirvana when reinforcing: “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” Truth. Continue reading here.