I don't know if this will help you since you live in a small town, but I just graduated with an accounting degree and I had the same fears of going to work for a CPA firm. I just started a job with state government for the department of revenue. I'm using my accounting knowledge, making decent money and great benefits, with a very stress free environment. Government jobs have the protection of unions that CPA firms or corporate may not have...and they treat us very well. 8-4:30pm, flexible scheduling, NO overtime ever, lots of holidays and vacation.

I would look into the local government options available in your area. They pay decent and offer an alternative to stressful jobs at CPA firms.