[floacct]

So since starting this journey 22 months ago I’ve accumulated an extra 35lbs. I now take perscription strength acid reducer called pantaprozalone. I now need glasses and my therapist says this is all stress related. Oh by the way I scored a 59 on my last exam and have yet to receive any passing score. What’s ur story? Needing motivation.

[lude4life13]

I think the best thing is to try and stay as active as possible. Remember you don't need gym membership or hours of your day to exercise. Try jogging for 15 minutes a day, doing some push-ups, sit-ups, squats, etc etc. If you just go hard for about 20-30 minutes a day, it will make a HUGE difference in the way you feel, and it doesn't take that much time. When you do that, you'll realize your eating habits will change, you'll sleep better, and everything in general will feel better whether it is a direct or indirect effect of that quick workout routine.

[Anonymous]

I've had my share of health issues over the last year…stomach problems that have come and gone and I've had a bunch of tests done and they can't find anything or figure out the problem…so now I'm taking an anti-anxiety medication because this coupled with the stress of exams plus being a hypochondriac meaning I always think I'm dying at any ache or pain is unbearable. Now they think that my stress and anxiety is probably causing the stomach problems. Trust me, you're not the only one with health problems related to this damn test. I feel like once I finish it, I'll be a new person!

[floacct]

Thanks for the quick advice I'll try that. Amanda. My doc told me the exact same thing that stress is causing my stomach problems. I haven't taken any meds for anxiety unless u count ol English but I'm sure that's coming soon.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely agree about exercise. That seems to be the only thing keeping me sane right now, between work & studying. It really helps alleviate some of the extra stress. It's hard to fit in but even going for a quick walk during lunch might help. It really is amazing what stress can do to you- no wonder people who have high stress are more prone to heart attacks. It messes with you a lot.

[Java230]

For every multiple choice questions i got wrong, I forced myself to do a push up, man Audit and Far were the worst r for my body. I hurt so much I wanted to cry some days.

Licensed WA CPA 2/2015
Government Auditor Since 2007

[itsjustatest]

I realize this forum is supposed to be rah rah cheer cheer for everyone that wants to pass the exam, but for some people standardized tests just aren't in the cards. If you have been on this journey for 22 months and have put forth and honest effort studying while also suffering physically and mentally with 0 passing grades to show for it it might be time to move on.

Having your CPA is great, but there are also hundreds of different jobs/careers that you can also be successful in. Having a CPA doesn't guarantee a 6 figure salary. There are many many other ways to be successful without a CPA.

The time, money, stress and physical harm you are going through in my opinion are definitely not worth it, especially with all 4 exams on the table.

Find something else you enjoy, pursue it, have a clear mind knowing you made the right decision and watch your quality of life go through the roof.

Hope this helps.

AUD - 83
REG - 78
FAR - 69,73,79
BEC - 85

[LaComptable]

There are also other certifications you can get besides the CPA, and sometimes focusing on – and achieving – a different target can replenish your mojo. Ideas – CIA, CFE, CRMA. I found that after getting the CIA it helped fire me up again for the CPA. Haven't finished the CPA yet, but I've got two down and now I'm committed to knocking out the rest!!

BEC - 88
AUD - 74, 87
REG - 77
FAR - 63, 82

CIA certified in 2013

[impska]

OP – Have you considered just quitting? Geez. If there was anyone who posted on this forum where it was a clear case of “This isn't for you” – it's you.

There are plenty of great careers in accounting that don't require a CPA. There are companies that you can work that will provide a nice, low-key 8-5 schedule with an on-site gym and other great benefits.

If you want to do tax, then go become an EA instead. If you want to do audit, then do internal audit somewhere. If you don't care, then go work in one of the many private accounting roles that are available that don't require the CPA exam and 12 hour days during busy season.

Wtf are you doing this for? An extra few thousand dollars a year? You'll be dead soon.

REG - 94
BEC - 92
FAR - 92
AUD - 99

[mla1169]

I don't agree with the folks who think this isn't for you. Obviously your anxiety is interfering with your ability to perform under pressure. Once the anxiety is under control, things will fall into place.

Search Krickets posts, she had a rough go of it, turned out she had a medical condition with side effects of decreased concentration,etc. She was at this much longer than you have been, and guess what? She's got a CPA license hanging on her wall.

Don't let stress kill you. Not worth it. And if your therapist tells you the exam process is causing the anxiety, find a new therapist. I'm pretty convinced its the other way around. BTW, there are just as many incompetent therapists as good therapists–I can go to three different people and get diagnosis ranging from depression to anxiety to borderline personality disorder (true story). If you're seeing someone and your anxiety is not controlled after 22 months, time for a new Dr.

Edited to add-your username looked familiar and I couldn't remember the other topic I read your story on so I looked at your profile. I'm not convinced you've stressed yourself to illness based on your other posts. Didn't you say you studied 60 hours over 8 weeks for FAR and wanted to have 4-5 beers on exam day (2 before and 2 on a break?). I think your weight and gastro issues may have another root cause, if you catch my drift.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[itsjustatest]

@mla sometimes the positives don't outweigh the negatives. A CPA is a great accomplishment, but it is not worth your health.

AUD - 83
REG - 78
FAR - 69,73,79
BEC - 85

[Tootsie]

I have been at this for over 2.5 years. I struggled with anxiety a lot and I was a horrible test taker. Had heart palpitations and experienced depression. I have been taking a mindfulness based stress reduction class and it has helped. I also started exercising a couple of months ago and it has also helped. This test is stressful only if you make it out to be. It's not the end of the world if you don't pass, just keep going, don't give up. Breathing helps too. And yoga! It's very relaxing. Yes, the test is hard but if you study smart and do things that can reduce your stress, you should get your first pass soon. I still struggle with anxiety at times but not as much as I used to. You can do this!!

FAR - 76
AUD - 88!!! DONE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 76
REG - 77

never, never, never give up

[mla1169]

itsjustatest, I believe I made the same point, that stress isn't worth it. Never said the positives always outweigh the negatives.

What I said is this is a case of the chicken and the egg, and I am not buying the notion that this person has allowed the CPA to affect his or her health………I think this persons lifestyle has affected their ability to pass the exams. Straighten up health, priorities, etc and people would be amazed how manageable the exam becomes.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

This exam effects everyone differently and sometimes more negatively for some people. 22 months is a long time. The CPA exam is a marathon not a sprint. You need to set up your mind and body for the long haul.

I don't know what your current study plan is but it might be worth it to take a couple of weeks away from the books. During this time I would encourage you to establish more healthy habits. Take a brisk walk every night after dinner and/or at lunch, designate one night as a night “off” to do something fun, maybe find a weekend yoga class, do the bulk of your grocery shopping once a week and buy easy to prepare healthy snacks.

Try to clean up your diet, its unrealistic to expect you to cut caffeine alcohol and sugar completely, but do your best to decrease your intake as they are stressful on the body. Water is best and you can easily jazz it up with lemon or lime slices. Surround yourself with healthy snacks. When studying takes over your life its too easy to grab junk food or fast food. If your pantry is full of nuts, popcorn, fruit, veggies, nut butters, yogurt, “healthy” frozen meals then you will be less tempted to eat high sugar/fat/salt foods.

When you start studying again, don't give up the walks/exercise, having one night off and healthy food. Also, consider trying the “pomodoro” method of study. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique Taking frequent short breaks can help you stay fresh. Use the time to walk around the block once or do some stretching. Also, for me working against a timer was “fun.” I shut down all social media and other distractions for 30 or 45 mins and then I got a 5 or 10 min break. It gave me a goal, its harder to study when you say “I'm going to study all night.”

If you feel like s&%t, then its follows that your performance will be poor. Best of luck and listen to your therapist.

[itsjustatest]

@MLA fair enough – i would agree with that

AUD - 83
REG - 78
FAR - 69,73,79
BEC - 85

[Anonymous]

Personally, I don't think the test is worth your health. I'm stressed out and it's causing some issues for me but for me, I know it's going to be short lived and I'll feel worse about not getting it done in the end if I were to give it up. I'm not trying to downplay the CPA Exam because obviously I think it's important or I wouldn't be wasting my time with it, but it's not the end all. Sorry but no career is worth risking your health over, and that's my personal opinion. My grandpa had an extremely successful career in sales and died at 56 of heart problems because he put his career over his health. No career is worth that. I would rather make 50k a year and have happy memories with my family than killing myself for a career that maybe I don't even like all that much.

[Author]

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