That was my end goal if I stay longer and didn't find outside big4 that suits me. Was lucky, so manage to leave in senior year.

Even without considering the crazy hours and pay, I think it is quite normal for some people to feel disillusioned or unhappy about audit after trying it for a couple of years. If unhappy, then time to plan ahead.

Even leaving big4, we will still be able to get a decent income, so no point staying purely for the certainty in promotion.