There are two types of people in the world: those who greet the sunrise with a smile and those who feel alive under the moon’s quiet glow. I’ve lived both lives, navigating their differences like two seasons of the same year. As an undergraduate, I thrived as a night owl. Now, as a full-time professional, I’m a reluctant but disciplined morning person. Each lifestyle has its own symphony—unique tempos, advantages, and challenges—leaving me to wonder: which is truly better?

Life as a Night Owl

During my university years, the night was my sanctuary. While the world outside slowed down, my mind came alive. The stillness of midnight offered clarity, a quiet hum of solitude that fueled my creativity and focus. My most productive hours began when the stars were bright and ended as the birds began their dawn chorus.

I’d write papers in the moonlight, the glow of my laptop illuminating stacks of books. Midnight snacks were my fuel, and late-night chats with friends became the foundation of unforgettable memories. But living nocturnally came with its drawbacks. Early morning classes were an ongoing battle, my body resisting the alarm’s unwelcome summons. My sleep schedule was erratic, and my energy levels fluctuated like a seesaw. I was living for the night, but the day always caught up with me.

Transitioning to a Morning Life

Everything changed when I entered the workforce. Suddenly, life demanded an early start, and I had to trade my moonlit productivity for the discipline of a 4:00 AM wake-up call. It wasn’t easy at first—those first few mornings felt like an uphill climb. But as the days turned into weeks, I discovered the quiet beauty of mornings.

There’s something serene about the world before it wakes up. The cool air, the soft hues of dawn, the promise of a new day—it’s a rhythm that offers its own rewards. I find time to work out, plan my day, and even enjoy a cup of coffee before diving into my job. The structure has brought balance to my life. Yet, the mornings come at a cost: by nightfall, my energy fizzles out, and I struggle to stay awake past 9 PM.

Morning Life vs. Night Life

The night offers freedom, creativity, and a sense of intimacy with oneself. It’s a time for dreamers, thinkers, and those who thrive in quiet. The morning, however, brings discipline, structure, and a head start on the day. It’s for the doers, the planners, and the goal-setters.

Being a night owl lets you immerse yourself in the magic of uninterrupted hours, but it often clashes with the demands of the 9-to-5 world. Mornings, on the other hand, align perfectly with the hustle of modern life but can leave you longing for the spontaneity and excitement of the night.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your circumstances, endeavors, and commitments. A student chasing deadlines might find solace in the stillness of the night, while a professional balancing a packed schedule benefits from the structure of early mornings. Life is not about forcing one rhythm over the other but embracing the one that best suits the season you’re in.

But whether you’re a sunrise sprinter or a moonlit wanderer, one truth remains universal: nothing beats the comfort of your bed, calling you back after a long day—or night—of chasing your dreams.

In the arena of accounting alone, where precision meets productivity, technology stands as both the compass and the engine. The twenty-first century has ushered in an era where mastery of technology is not just an advantage but a necessity. The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and to remain competitive, accounting professionals must embrace the tools of the trade. The alternative is a stark reality: falling behind the younger, tech-savvy generation and finding oneself at the losing end of the professional spectrum. While there are challenges in adapting to new technologies, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, making it clear that the integration of technology is non-negotiable in today’s world.

In my experience at a bank, technology transformed our workflow, elevating efficiency, security, and productivity to unprecedented heights. Software like QuickBooks and Oracle Financials streamlined complex tasks, reducing what once took hours to mere minutes. Automated systems replaced manual processes, allowing for real-time data analysis and more accurate financial reporting. Cybersecurity tools fortified sensitive information, protecting clients and the institution from threats. These technologies were not mere conveniences; they were the backbone of our operations. Without them, the gears of the financial system would grind to a halt, leaving employees overwhelmed and clients dissatisfied.

On a personal level, computers and smartphones have transcended their origins as luxury items to become essential tools for daily life. In the twentieth century, these devices were novelties; today, they are necessities. They connect us to a global network, provide instant access to information, and enable seamless communication. For accountants, this connectivity translates to enhanced collaboration, remote work capabilities, and on-the-go access to critical data. Imagine a musician without an instrument or a painter without a brush—an accountant without a laptop or smartphone is similarly handicapped.

Admittedly, the integration of technology is not without its challenges. Learning new software can be daunting, particularly for seasoned professionals unaccustomed to rapid change. Initial implementation costs may be high, and the risk of cyberattacks remains a persistent threat. Moreover, reliance on technology can sometimes lead to over-dependence, where the failure of a single system disrupts entire operations. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable; they are stepping stones to progress. Proper training, robust cybersecurity measures, and contingency plans can mitigate these risks, ensuring a smooth transition to a tech-driven future.

To ignore technology is to fall behind. The younger generation, raised in a digital world, navigates these tools with ease, leveraging them to gain a competitive edge. They are the marathon runners of the professional race, while those clinging to outdated methods risk becoming spectators. Being tech-savvy is not just about keeping up; it is about leading the charge. It is the difference between being the hunter and the hunted, the innovator and the obsolete.

In conclusion, the advantages of technology in accounting—efficiency, security, productivity, and connectivity—far outweigh the disadvantages. It is the bridge that connects professionals to the future, a ladder to climb higher and reach farther. To resist its embrace is to anchor oneself in the past, while the world sails forward. In the symphony of modern accounting, technology is the conductor, orchestrating harmony in a field that demands precision and speed. Let us not lag behind but rise to the challenge, embracing the tools that shape our profession and redefine our possibilities.

On a side note, scientifically, one of the defining characters of our ancestors, fellow Homo sapiens, was the creation, use and dependency to technology. Let me be clear: If one thinks it’s pure digital—that’s wrong! Yes, it’s the current age. But men by nature are techy or tech savvy. Therefore, no technology is dispensable.