Beginning my journey again

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  • #180020
    rjbini2
    Member

    This exam has been hanging over my head since I graduated in the summer of 2008. I did not take studying seriously at the time when I was leaving school because I was so glad not to be in class any longer after 5 long years. I figured I would take some time off and then start studying for the exam once my first busy season was over.

    At the beginning of September 2008 I started employment with a mid sized local tax firm. I should have known from the very start that things were not going well. It was a terrible experience. The firm had hired too many of us for the year and there was not enough work to go around. It was exhausting constantly having to ask for work and never getting anything. Needless to say this was a red flag, and the firm reduced their staff and I was laid off in December of 2008 with out getting any busy season experience under my belt. At that point I had no desire to study for the exam and felt beat down by everything.

    I was able to find full time work a couple of months after that, but it was doing an easy Accounts Payable job while all of my other class mates were in the middle of busy season in Big 4 accounting. This should have motivated me more to pass the exam, however it had the opposite effect. After a year in the Accounts Payable job I found my motivation to study for the exam once more after obtaining a position in financial reporting for a Fortune 100 company, which I am still at nearly 4 years later. The summer of 2010 I studied for REG and failed the first time with a 72. I then retook the exam and passed with an 85. After delaying the next section of the exam a full testing window I did not take Audit until May of 2011, and I miraculously passed with an 80.

    That’s when I hit yet another wall while studying for FAR. No matter how much time I spent preparing and drilling over multiple choice questions, the closer my exam date got the more I freaked out and ended up rescheduling it several times. I could never commit out of fear and I ended up losing my REG score. At this point, I only had credit for one exam, my Becker materials were expiring and I did not have the drive to study for FAR as I felt it was pointless.

    Now flash to August of 2013. I have been out of school for 5 years, still without my certification. I am really wanting to try to get back into public accounting or possibly into internal auditing, and I know not having this certificate is holding me back. I have committed to Becker self study once again and I am starting out with Auditing and BEC during the Oct-Nov testing window to try to knock these out quickly.

    This is extremely difficult for me because now none of my friends or colleagues are studying for the exam. It is weird to say, but in a way it feels so lonely to be so far removed from the hustle of everyone trying to complete the exam, but yet i still have not. I feel like a loser in a way because of all of my procrastination and laziness. I know I can do it, I just have had to finally commit myself 100%.

    I am hoping that this board will be a good resource for me and that it will help remove the feeling of isolation that I have from being the only person in my social circle that is taking on this monster of an exam.

    CPA, Kentucky

    REG- 72, 85(expired), 83 --FINALLY FINISHED
    AUD- 80(expired), 83
    FAR- 86
    BEC- 82

    All with Becker self study

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 18 total)
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  • #633647
    readyforlife
    Member

    Well if there was ever a venue to prevent feeling isolated for studying, you have found it! It is never too late to start (or re-start) studying. I really didn't get serious until 10 years after graduation and I feel like I'm even more respected by my employer after being able to accomplish this goal on my own working full time with a family. Keep your head up and start knocking them out one by one!

    AUD - 51, 80
    REG - 84
    FAR - 15, 29, 55, 80
    BEC - 65, 72, 69, 76 (expired), 83

    #633648
    Lindsey
    Member

    @rjbini2 You will not feel alone here. I just began studying as well and I have been out of school for 11 years. I did not pass my first exam but I didn't bomb it either. I was so nervous that day I almost got sick and didn't make it. So having those nerves out of the way next time, I hope I'll do better. Do not feel alone and just know that at this site there are TONS of people going through the exact same thing you are. I stumbled upon this site about a month ago and I'm so glad I did. Just reading how some people feel makes you feel at ease, less alone….like you aren't crazy!! I've never really participated in a forum, but this site is really, really helpful and comforting. Good luck!! I”m taking BEC and AUD too in Octover and November.

    BEC - 67 | 69 | 2014?
    AUD - 11/27/13 - FAIL
    REG - 2014
    FAR - 2014
    **Using Becker, Wiley Book, Supplement with Ninja Notes & Audio
    ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13 ~

    #633649
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Your previous scores show that you can do this. Congratulations on starting over. This time you will reach your goal!

    #633650
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @rjbini I know how you feel. Reading your post feels like me telling my life story. Pretty much went through almost the same thing. Going through this forum and seeing others going through the same thing gives me comfort knowing that I'm not alone. Commit yourself to finishing the exam and move on with your life to bigger and better things. I found my motivation in one day being able to return home and live closer to my family, currently they are on the other side of the globe. Find your motivation in what you want in life and let the CPA take you there.

    #633651
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @rjbini I know how you feel. Reading your post feels like me telling my life story. Pretty much went through almost the same thing. Going through this forum and seeing others going through the same thing gives me comfort knowing that I'm not alone. Commit yourself to finishing the exam and move on with your life to bigger and better things. I found my motivation in one day being able to return home and live closer to my family, currently they are on the other side of the globe. Find your motivation in what you want in life and let the CPA take you there.

    #633652
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @rjbini I know how you feel. Reading your post feels like me telling my life story. Pretty much went through almost the same thing. Going through this forum and seeing others going through the same thing gives me comfort knowing that I'm not alone. Commit yourself to finishing the exam and move on with your life to bigger and better things. I found my motivation in one day being able to return home and live closer to my family, currently they are on the other side of the globe. Find your motivation in what you want in life and let the CPA take you there.

    #633653
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @rjbini I know how you feel. Reading your post feels like me telling my life story. Pretty much went through almost the same thing. Going through this forum and seeing others going through the same thing gives me comfort knowing that I'm not alone. Commit yourself to finishing the exam and move on with your life to bigger and better things. I found my motivation in one day being able to return home and live closer to my family, currently they are on the other side of the globe. Find your motivation in what you want in life and let the CPA take you there.

    #633654
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @rjbini I know how you feel. Reading your post feels like me telling my life story. Pretty much went through almost the same thing. Going through this forum and seeing others going through the same thing gives me comfort knowing that I'm not alone. Commit yourself to finishing the exam and move on with your life to bigger and better things. I found my motivation in one day being able to return home and live closer to my family, currently they are on the other side of the globe. Find your motivation in what you want in life and let the CPA take you there.

    #633655
    Tncincy
    Participant

    @rjbini2,

    You can't feel alone with all the encouraging notes. I found a portion of a Dr. Seuss Poem to add to all the encouragement to take it (test) on one more time:

    Congratulations: ( you're starting again!)

    Today is your day,

    You're off to great places!

    You're off and away!

    You have brains in your head,

    You have feet in your shoes

    You can steer yourself any direction you choose

    You're on your own. And you know what you know

    AND ONLY YOU ARE THE ONE WHO'LL DECIDE WHERE TO GO.

    Continue to let the CPA designation be your choice, as long as you choose (and study) You will pass…….

    .

    It begins with a 75
    Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

    It begins with a 75
    Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

    #633656
    rjbini2
    Member

    It is great to hear everyone's words of encouragement. I just activated my Becker materials and will begin studying over the long holiday weekend! Best of luck to everyone else studying as well.

    CPA, Kentucky

    REG- 72, 85(expired), 83 --FINALLY FINISHED
    AUD- 80(expired), 83
    FAR- 86
    BEC- 82

    All with Becker self study

    #633657
    lvr21
    Member

    @ rjbini2 I have a similar story. I feel your pain! Several of my coworkers are knocking out the test and I'm still/was sitting here like …. I haven't passed and I don't want to study!

    I am also planning on taking and passing Audit & BEC in the Oct/Nov window! Let's do this together!! What are your test days or what are you thinking?

    {R: PASSED!! (I passed one!)}
    {B: PASSED!! (Halfway there!)}
    {F: PASSED!! (1 left!!!)}
    {A: PASSED(I am done!!)}

    #633658
    rjbini2
    Member

    @lvr21, When I receive my NTS i'm going to try to find an open seat on October 18. BEC i'm hoping to schedule for the very last day of the window, Nov. 30th.

    CPA, Kentucky

    REG- 72, 85(expired), 83 --FINALLY FINISHED
    AUD- 80(expired), 83
    FAR- 86
    BEC- 82

    All with Becker self study

    #633659
    neika822
    Participant

    I also have a similar story. I graduated in 2010 and started “studying” in 2010. I started with FAR but it was so overwhelming that I only got through 4 chapters (I tend to just avoid things that stress me out… oops!). I ended up taking it in January 2011 and got a HORRIFIC score. I moved onto BEC and got a 60. Then I scheduled REG but didn't show up (because I didn't open the book and I'm terrible at tax, so I wouldn't have been able to ‘wing it'). In August of 2011 I took AUD after studying 2 chapters and got a 71. Then I quit my firm and went on a little ‘self-discovery' journey. I got a job in March 2012 that I enjoy and my boss encouraged me to study again. I began studying in January 2013 and only have one more! I just took FAR and the stress and anxiety that I had previously came back. But I did it and so can you!

    I totally get what you mean when you're studying alone. All my old coworkers at my firm have passed it. My best friend had passed her last one just as I took my first, so I haven't seen her in a LONG time, haha. But all of us are going through it here, so you'll find great people to vent to on this board! When I'm deep in the midst of studying, I complain to my boyfriend that it's so lonely! I'm hoping to be done in October, though! Fingers crossed.

    Good luck! You can definitely do it!!

    R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
    A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
    F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
    B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

    DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

    CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

    #633660
    rjbini2
    Member

    I do the exact same thing when I'm stressed. Avoid! It's the stupidest thing to do but its my coping mechanism, I suppose. People always tell me, just study as much as you can and don't worry because they can't cover everything on one exam. While this is true, I just can't get people to understand that the may not be able to cover everything, but they can ask ANYTHING and that one or two questions can be the difference between passing or failing. I think that's where most of my anxiety comes from and why studying alone feels so miserable!

    CPA, Kentucky

    REG- 72, 85(expired), 83 --FINALLY FINISHED
    AUD- 80(expired), 83
    FAR- 86
    BEC- 82

    All with Becker self study

    #633661
    so1913
    Participant

    I have you all beat, I graduated college in 2002, went on to a Big 4 where all the new hires “attempted” the CPA exam. Took Becker live courses covered by the firm, but never took studying seriously, so used my first exam experience (still paper and pencil days) as exactly that an “experience” since I had no intentions of passing. Instead, it kinda put some fear in me that I just said I'lll do this thing later down the road…

    I left public accounting going on 8 years ago, and since then in 2006 and again in 2008 or 2009 I thought I'd give the CPA exam another shot…I got as far as attending maybe a little more than half live Becker courses before I fell off the wagon completely for one attempt, and the other buying the entire Gleim package which I never really even cracked open. I paid for two exams, one I just showed up to find out what the new computerized experience was like, and the other I just never showed up since I hadn't studied for it at all. So again, no real attempts.

    It was only last year (2012) when I looked at where I wanted to move forward in my career and seeing how important having those 3 letters would be to get me to where I wanted to be that I made the decision to take the exam seriously for once. So far I have two parts behind me (I did fall off again for about a 6 month period after failing REG, I hadn't found A71 for the support I was looking for). I am hoping to get good news that I passed the FAR exam that I recently sat for on Wed. That would mean 1 more exam to go!

    At this point I don't know anyone one working on their CPA's except all you guys and a few other people I am able to connect with via social media outlets. This has been tremendous encouragement to help get me through this process and think it's one of the reasons this attempt has been so successful for me. I don't feel alone at all! So stay encouraged, if I can achieve it, so can you!

    AUD - 90 Pass
    REG - 70,61,81 Pass DONE DONE DOOOOONNEEE!!!!!!!!
    BEC - 79 - Pass
    FAR - 70,82 - Pass

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 18 total)
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