[Jstubb]

First of all, I don’t know if this is a comment, questions, or need to just speak some truth and relieve a lot of built up frustration.

I know I’m in a fortunate situation, where many do not find themselves while studying for the cpa exam. But I’ve been in the acctg industry 15+ years and have been able to resign from an unsatisfying job ~ and live off my saving for 6-9 months before pursuing another job. During this “self imposed sabbatical”, my goal was to go ahead and study / hopefully pass as many cpa parts I could and vet other companies in the area for interviewing.

I know I’m not getting to socialize at a workplace, but I’m studying (as if in busy season) in order to take advantage of my time off and pass the exam without throwing in a new job, dating, etc.

That being said……. does anyone else find this process of studying very lonely???? And isolating????

Friends, Family, past Colleagues, even recruiters, don’t seem to understand the pressure and stress I’m feeling…. maybe it’s self induced, but I’m trying hard to reach a goal : I mean I just left a lucrative paying job and living off my savings to pursue my goal. I sometimes feels no one understands what I have at stake here and why this is so important to me.

I feel like screaming “can everyone just leave me alone for the next 6 months and then I’ll be back to happy, fun-loving, socializing Jenny! But just back the “ef” off right now and let me be selfish for once!

See now I need to apologize to all of you……

I just want to say I’m so scared. This exam is very scary and intimidating….. especially for a successful, smart, accomplished person which I can guarantee all of you are! for some reason, my confidence seems to have drained……

Something I needed to get off my chest in a private way to people that may / may not understand : but at least won’t take it personal!

Thanks for listening. I think I need to stop studying for the day, have some healthy-ish food, and a glass of wine.

AUD: Nov2014 81
FAR: Jan2015
BEC: Feb2015
REG: Apr2015
Using Becker

[howmany74s]

Hi Jstubb – I hope the wine and healthy food session helped you to cool down a little.

I've been going through the CPA journey for a long time. Stress and understanding cost me many things but never a day I regretted my decision.. And I know I'm very close to getting it. Once you pass your second test, believe me, you will really start tuning out all those people. When you see that the finish line is getting closer, you will become more determined and give less sh*t to anything else.

In the meantime, do things to keep yourself motivated and calm. Calm is the key as it will improve your focus and attitude. I bought a purple robe to use as my study attire (I don't know how my fiance decided that I looked good enough to marry when I'm usually dressed like an old cat lady) and I swear it gets me going. Maybe you can find your own war attire/habit as a source of confidence. You already quit your job and determined, don't let anything else to get in your way.

Good luck!

[Tncincy]

J to have quit your job of 15 years was a pretty bold move…..with that said, get on with it. Get those tests passed. Plenty of times I felt isolated, like an idiot for taking such a challenge so late in life, for wasting a whole year on everyone else's needs instead of taking and passing my paid for sections. I've thought about this over and over and plenty of times I was going to simply give up, but I can't, because it's what I want. So I have accepted the isolation and limited social life for now. Started reading Wiley for reg and going to pay for the NTS Friday.

This is a great place to vent. Plenty of us have done it although they might be tired of my whining, but hey it's out. I hope not only that you feel better but determined even the more come out in the end with CPA behind your name. I think life will be different then. Good luck

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

[Anonymous]

I was browsing on youtube to get some help on some CPA exam topics and I came across one video, I think it was Peter Olinto. He said the more miserable you are, the more likely you will pass the CPA exam. For some reason, when I heard him said that, I felt better! At least, I now know that feeling miserable is normal for an aspiring CPA. Don't let those vampires suck your dream off of you! 🙂

[kappa1032]

Taking this test can be an isolating experience….trust me, we've all been there! But the good thing is that you've stumbled upon a great community that is going through the same process.

My recommendation is to partake in the study groups as often as you can, if just to be held accountable to your study plan and bounce off tough questions with the other posters.

Outside of the actual studying, I've done a couple of things to step out of my shell and be less isolated from the outside world:

– take a fitness class (yoga, cycling, running group, whatever!) and just enjoy being out there with people that aren't studying! Even once a week does wonders for your psyche.

– eat as clean as you can. Nothing is worse than eating a really heavy meal only to know you've got a couple hours of hardcore studying to do!

– Don't be afraid to take breaks – you're not doing yourself any favors if you're going through 200 questions in a day, yet you don't absorb anything because of the mental exhaustion.

Again, this is just what's worked for me so far, so mileage may vary. The most important thing is, do what works for you, and listen to your body! Good luck on your tests!!

FAR - 81
REG - 74, 87
AUD - 88
BEC - 88

Finally.

“The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying”
― John C. Maxwell

[kappa1032]

@CPAby2015 — you're so right! I remember when I was studying for FAR and REG, I was totally miserable! But it pays off when you see that passing score =))

I've got a buddy that is studying for REG and we always talk about how your happiness during the studying process and success on the CPA test are inversely related.

FAR - 81
REG - 74, 87
AUD - 88
BEC - 88

Finally.

“The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying”
― John C. Maxwell

[Jstubb]

Genuine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and support. I truly appreciate you all / and this entire forum for the help, advice, and understanding. I'm going to take all your suggestions and words of kindness / and freaking good motivation — and keep on keeping on!!!

Thank you.

AUD: Nov2014 81
FAR: Jan2015
BEC: Feb2015
REG: Apr2015
Using Becker

[kappa1032]

No problem Jstubb! You're already on to a good start with Audit. Keep it up!

FAR - 81
REG - 74, 87
AUD - 88
BEC - 88

Finally.

“The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying”
― John C. Maxwell

[MBAin2014]

Jstubb,

You definitely are not alone. I resigned from my job to stay home (husband and two kids) to complete a MBA in one year. About six months ago I added the CPA exams on top of the full-time MBA. I passed all of them on the first attempt — it is lonely and isolating even with a family to care for, books went everywhere with me and I holed in my office 50 – 60 hours/wk.

Kindly explain to recruiters and everyone that you have committed to passing your CPA exams and will emerge in six to nine months and will then be in contact with them. Everyone I've worked with has been very understanding and patient.

It is a very difficult process and I was certain I failed each of the exams (my GPA has been 3.9+ for three degrees so I have always been confident in my learning ability and test taking) so be ready for a bumpy ride. This forum is great for keeping you going so you can accomplish this task — set a schedule and stick to it.

I wish you well — I don't believe in luck — discipline is what this journey takes!

BEC 88 (05/14)
REG 91 (07/14)
AUD 83 (08/14)
FAR 90 (10/14)

[Anonymous]

My wife gets home from work at 4pm, she waits 2 hours until I get home. Once that happens we eat dinner and talk for only an hour then I go up to my loft/study area until about 10. I feel extremely guilty and it blows, especially since we're newlyweds, but it's only temporary.

[Anonymous]

My wife said she felt like a widow.

[Author]

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