[scubacamper]

This is my second go-round for FAR. I am a dad of 2 and sole provider for all 4 in my family. I am 3 weeks in to my 8-week pre-exam studying routine (2 hours/day M-F (6am-8am), 5 hrs/day on Sat & Sun).

I am burned out – as in, not caring anymore. I miss my family and I am exhausted with these long hours.

I am NOT quitting…EVER. But geez, this is tough.

Anyone want to offer any encouraging words? Pep talk?

I need an accelerated re-charge.

B TBD
A TBD
R 57
F 62, 70, 65

[mommyof3texans]

@scubacamper – I can relate. I'm a mom of 3 and we both work full time. I try to study a couple of hours in the evenings and a good part of the days on the weekend. I struggle with guilt for taking the time away from my family while trying to learn so much material at my age lol.

I just started my CPA journey this year and I have a long way to go. I keep telling myself it is a short time overall in life and it will be a distant memory before I know it! (Let's hope!)

It is exhausting and a difficult balance, but we are stronger for it and it will be a great accomplishment when we are done. Hang in there!!

BEC - 02/21/15 - 82
FAR - 05/29/15 - 82
AUD - 07/09/15 - 93
REG - 11/14/15 - 80

All done!!!

[Anonymous]

Just keep pushing. Even on those days where it's the last thing you want to do just force yourself to know it out. Set incremental goals for yourself and do what has to be done to achieve them. When you're really struggling just think of how proud your wife and kids will be when you finally get those 3 letters after your name.

[Anonymous]

Wow and I thought I was burnt out studying for BEC this busy season. You're providing for others and have mouths to feed lol. I definitely need to suck it up. You're a great role model and someone to look to for balancing a heavy workload and implementing an efficient schedule

[Tux]

Remember that you're doing this FOR THEM.

You're doing this so that you can be a better provider for your family. More career options means more flexibility in the future means more time to spend with them.

I know it's very hard to see that now, and it's a huge sacrifice for everyone involved.

Keep your eye on the prize. Focus, focus, focus.

Also remember that you are setting a good example for your kids. They see that you have a goal and have to work hard at it. This is what you will want them to do, too – whatever career or goals they choose. Nothing comes easy. You have to work hard at it. They will appreciate it when it's over and can look back at this time.

Try to get your family involved in your studying – let them call out questions to you from your flashcards/note cards.

Let them know what you're learning. Try to put it into a context that they would understand.

(obviously, I don't know how old your kids are, but you see where I'm going)

It also helps with your learning when you're able to verbalize the rules and discuss it with someone rather than just reading.

Your wife might find a way to be interested in what items are tax deductible or not since this information can affect your finances??

Let your kids watch you answer a few questions in your test bank software – make it a game. If you get it right, the answer usually shows up in green, if you get it wrong, the answer usually shows up in yellow (depending which software you use).

So just tell them to look at the colors while you answer a few questions.

They can root for you to get 3 correct in a row ??? It's just a small way to keep them involved.

These are just some thoughts to offer you support, encouragement, and motivation.

Make the most of the time that you do spend with your family and the time that you're able to rest.

Keep it going! Keep it going!

(That's what I tell myself over and over and over again whenever I'm distracted and tired of studying)

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[mla1169]

Trust me when I say it is very difficult to do this while working and raising a family. It was by far the most challenging year of my life, but it's well worth it when it's done.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mkrohmer]

I saw this quote and put it above the desk that I study at, hope it helps.

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out

BEC - 83 (1/23/15)
FAR - 80 (4/3/15)
REG - 88 (5/14/15)
AUD - 81 (7/3/15)

[OlintoJr]

Im not usually one for pep talks or motivational quotes but I did see this video once and if your looking for a motivational pep talk its well worth the 15 minutes to watch…. one of the best motivational speaches ive seen. I've watched it a couple of times during my studies. The link is below.. hope it helps!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q8RpEFa1No

FAR - 11/30/14 -79
AUD - 2/19/15 -86
BEC - 4/09/15 -86
REG - 11/30/15 -87

I'M DONE! ITS OVER! WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[Meeekks]

I've always wondered why people start studying for this so late in their lives. I can't imagine having a family and a full time job and still manage to put in a decent amount of time to study.

[Track55]

Not everyone gets their accounting degree in their 20's. I am in my 30's and just now going through the CPA process. In 6 years I was only the oldest student in the class once and that was in a literature class.

AUD - 99
BEC - 83
FAR - 86
REG - 92

California - Internal Audit

CPA since December 2016.

(took seven tries, 1 year 10 months).

AUD - 74, 99 !!
REG - 74, 92
BEC - 83
FAR - 73, 86

Studying for Ethics exam

California candidate
Business and Industry

[scubacamper]

Wow!

Thank you all for your kind words – you have lots of great insight and encouragement and it helped.

@mommyof3texas: It's nice knowing I'm not the only one having to trudge through this waist-deep swamp with ankle-weights on!

@Blackhawks32 and Meeekks: I screwed around in my college days and had to play catch-up after starting a family. Obviously, this is not recommended – take it from me! 🙂

@Tux: Thank you for these great ideas & creative thinking – I will definitely try to get them involved, although 4 & 2 year-olds aren't very much interested in Mark-to-Market accounting. hahaha – hence the colors focus – brilliant 🙂

The rest of you – Thank you! Even just having your thoughts shared is so valuable and encouraging.

I said some prayers and have received a bit of a re-charge – I'm back at it and ready to wrestle this bull to the dirt!! Hoo-Ahh!

B TBD
A TBD
R 57
F 62, 70, 65

[mla1169]

Meeks, the thought of getting a degree didn't even cross my mind until I was a 33 year old single mother of 2 who wanted a better life for my kids. Got my associates, then bachelors , then masters and CPA. So the short answer to why people do this later, priorities change as you get older. Not everyone desires a degree or CPA when they're in their 20's.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[scubacamper]

@OlintoJr: Just watched that video – you're absolutely right – well worth my 15 minutes of study time.

Thanks for sharing.

That's heavy.

B TBD
A TBD
R 57
F 62, 70, 65

[jonm857]

I've taken AUD, BEC, and REG and failed all three of them. I haven't passed a single one of these tests. What keeps me motivated is knowing that I will be worked like a CPA during our busy season, but I won't be getting paid for it.

B - passed
A - passed
R -
F -

B - 81
A - 87
R - 73
F - July 5th

[Tux]

Love the video posted above by OlintoJr !!

Thanks for that~!

Here's another great video – only 6 min.

Can't remember where I got it — very possibly from a previous post in this forum…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnItwV7PlaY

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[san4596]

Scuba – I am married and a father of 2 (5&2). This has been a 4-5 yr journey for me. The first 3 exam I took and failed. Then, I passed 1 that was eventually lost due to “Life.” The general contractor building my new home was offered a job, and left me holding the bag. It took me 16 months to build my house and work a full time job at my firm. Then, I had another “Life” event happen while building my home! My wife came up pregnant with our 2nd child, and we were told she could not get pregnant. Our oldest child was adopted, so this was a miracle and a wonderful surprise. However, we had some complications in the first trimester and overall ended up being a complex pregnancy. The baby was born in December and tax season was around the bend. I took a little time to finally relax, and gathered my thoughts on the CPA Exam. Sometimes you just have to do it, and make sure you're doing it right. I passed 3 exams now and am hopefully waiting to see my final passing score. Here is my take on why I did a complete 180 on my passing ratio:

1) I was not in the right mind set to pass the first go with the CPA.

2) I took the time away from my family to have quality study time, and understand what I was missing in the MCQ's.

3) I want to get it done now, so that I may spend quality time with my family, and that means staying away while studying.

4) Cherish the moments you do have with your family.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[Author]

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