I'm into burn out at this point in my CPA exam testing. I've passed AUD, taken REG, and halfway through my BEC classes (2 weeks until test), then jump into FAR for an April test. My life balance is all out of whack. I am feeling the physical effect of the intense focus and work I've put in. It is similar to what I felt at the end of college ages ago. I hated it then and I still hate it now. I am always tired and cranky. I haven't had any real time for myself in a couple of months. It is getting harder to put in the time I need to. I am down to 3 hours a night after work (been at a solid 4 for AUD and REG previously). While I am still doing good on my review materials (80% on my first pass through Becker MC questions) I am not feeling as confident with the questions. This past week I didn't even fully read the material before going to the live classes. Previously I've not only read the book material but usually also did the MC questions at least once before class. I am still far enough out from finishing (67-70 days) that it isn't 'almost' over but far enough in that I'm well into it. I know none of the material is hard or difficult but there is a metric ton of it (and I haven't been in college in 10 years). The BEC material is just boring me to tears right now even as I struggle to remember all the finer points of it. I need to go back and fully read the strategic management stuff but I feel like an equivalent alternative would be to smash a brick into my head.
I know the answer is that I am really far along and it is 'almost' done. I know the answer is just to sit down and focus and do it. That doesn't make me less tired, cranky, or feel better though. I'm hoping once I finish BEC and get into FAR (my last section hopefully)I'll get my second wind to carry me through the end.
So, how have you all handled the burn out? At what point in the process did you feel it? Did you catch it in time or did your performance take a hit and trip you up? I know I'll get through it, but hearing the shared misery of others going through it will probably help as well.
AUD-94; REG-97; BEC-93; FAR-94
see how I did it day by day: http://cpa-exam.dalesines.com
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