How would you describe your job? Accounting and tax preparation.

(ENLARGE)

Barbara Richardson Bailey, age 51 Pasquotank County Accountant Bailey, King & Associates (self-employed), 10+ years (20+ in tax prep/accounting)

Has your job been affected by changes in technology or other changes? Absolutely! When I first started doing taxes and accounting, everything was computed and written manually. There were addition and subtraction errors, but now with technology advancements, that is virtually unheard of. In today's world, one line item is changed and the computer automatically recomputes everything in the return, start to finish. With all the tax regulation changes, it is very difficult to keep up-to-date on everything, and we can go to the Internet if we need to look anything up 24 hours a day.

Besides salary, what benefits do you derive from your work? I enjoy the opportunity to meet and become friends with the different and diverse individuals of the community as they come back year after year. You become very attached to them and concerned about their health and families' well being.

What are the long-term or indirect benefits of your job? Your mind is always working and staying active. I get to work with employees young and old. This exposes us to new opinions, hobbies and support groups for each other when we need it the most.

How do you see your job benefiting the larger community? Today, families are so busy that they need to squeeze every extra minute to be with each other and fulfill other obligations and activities. My service gives them the opportunity to just drop off a return and continue with their day.

— Brian Gray