[Frank_P]

How do I study for long hours if I have everything I could ever want and need (i.e., food, shelter, A/C, internet, etc.)?

I really don’t need more than the wage an accounting degree will provide to satisfy my wants and needs. I’m not obsessed with material objects (new cars, big house, etc.). I also have no kids or anyone I need to support financially (and don’t want any).

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[tbstew]

It's worthwhile question to ask yourself. My only response would be this:

The days of a stable, predictable economy (and job market) are gone, and may never be back. It's true that your accounting degree might provide your wants and needs today, but in a few years, what if it doesn't? What if another big accounting firms goes down the way Arthur Anderson did, and there's a big influx of CPAs or MBAs in your area, and suddenly your resume is no longer competitive?

These are all unknowns. So an accounting degree could be just fine. But it's a risk that many people would rather not take. I'd be careful not to mistake the intentions of many CPA candidates. Yes there are some who are ambitious, and want more material possessions. But a great many others simply want to maintain their competitiveness in the job market, and thereby provide more financial security to themselves and their families.

AUD - 79
BEC - 88
REG - 87
FAR - 86 - Woot, all done!
Ethics - 100

[Frank_P]

Thank you tbstew. I'm not saying all (or any) CPA candidates have those intentions. Sorry if it sounded that way. I'm just saying that is not important to me.

I understand the economy (and job market) has changed dramatically in the past 10 years or so. I just don't know if “what if” scenarios are a good way for me to plan my future. I hope this doesn't sound critical of what you are saying. It makes a lot of sense to prepare for the worst.

I just don't know if that type of reasoning is right for me because if taken one step further, one could say, “What if the economy gets so bad, that the CPA license becomes worthless in 5 years?” Or taken to the extremes, “What if there are food riots tomorrow?”, etc. Should we all be hoarding canned food today? Again, I'm not trying to criticize your thought process here. I am more than appreciative of your response.

I am just trying to figure out how to study for long long hours if all my desires are already satisfied today (and therefore, I don't have any or many reasons to put in the great amount of effort it takes and go through the stress of studying for long hours in order to pass) as stated in OP.

tl;dr – Nobody knows the future. Why stress today?

[mena je twa]

Frank _P

If i were you i would not study for the CPA exam…. No punt intended. If your needs in life are so simple and basic, i would stay away from putting long hours and studying for the cpa exam.

I believe a cpa candidate must have and possess a drive to conquer this exam.

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[Frank_P]

@mena je twa

I see. Thank you for your frankness. You seem to understand that my needs are simple and basic.

Do you think only CPA candidates whose needs are complex (i.e., they have children to support financially, want to travel the world, etc.) should take the exam? Conversely, do you think it is absolutely impossible for someone with basic needs (such as mine) to pass the exam? Is it impossible to have a low drive (or no drive) and study the required hours to pass, and in fact pass?

I'm just curious btw. Thank you again for your input. It is much appreciated.

[latenight]

@Frank_P:

You should take the exam without studying. You'll do fine.

AUD - 87
BEC - 76
FAR - 96
REG - 94

[mena je twa]

Frank

This exam is nothing about complex/ simple life….Travel around the world etc. if you are working in the accounting field, you might want to consider being a proper professional, its as simple as that. I like to have the words cpa next to my name at work. It will help with bonus/ promotion etc and so on in the future.( but this does not apply to you)

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[Frank_P]

@latenight

I understand you are being facetious. I'm sorry if my questions in response to mena je twa sounded sarcastic. It was not my intention. I was genuinely interested if someone without the drive could put in the required study hours needed to pass the exam. Or if only a person with needs other than mine (which are basic) could do the required study hours.

@mena je twa

“if you are working in the accounting field, you might want to consider being a proper professional, its as simple as that.”

Right. Thank you. This is very true. Sorry if my prior post with the questions sounded sarcastic. I assure you I was being genuine.

[mla1169]

I'm confused as to why you are even asking? Not being disrespectful, but if its something you don't have an overwhelming drive to do, why even consider torturing yourself?

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Frank_P]

@mla1169

That is not disrespectful at all. You make an excellent point. ‘Why torture myself if I don't have the drive?' I wish I could answer that question. I am human I guess, and so, inherently flawed.

As to why I am even asking…I'm not sure about that either. I guess a part of me wants to pass the exam. Another part of me wants to settle down (and forget about it altogether). I guess it's an internal struggle.

Thank you for your post. It was very informative.

[Anonymous]

Totally agree with latenight!

Are we being Punked?!

[Anonymous]

LOL @cpameplease. I am wondering the same thing, but I'll bite.

If you are not motivated to take the exam then do not take it. Cleary your head is not in it. Maybe in a few years if the world doesn't come to an end and you decide to have a family your views may change and you can take the exam then.

[Anonymous]

@Frank_P…I think you can answer yourself that question. If you are here, that means you have already earned your accounting degree along with 30 credit hours in accounting. So, what made you come this far? and what made you to wonder if you should take the CPA exam or not? Becoming a CPA sometimes is more than just material stuffs for me and many here. It provides me a sense of security, accompishment, and validation. I also want to start my own business one day, and a CPA is a great channel for me to start one with no much monetary costs. I like finer things in life, but I don' t think I am materialistic either.

[Anonymous]

I totally understand how the original poster feels.

[jenuno01]

@Frank, Give up now, it's not going to happen. With that attitude, you'll never pass. The CPA exams are no joke. Serious candidates quit their jobs, neglect their families, get fat, lose friends, underperform at work, because they have to study a lot of hours to pass. I can tell you're not up to the challenge and there's nothing wrong with that… some of us are made out for this exam, others never quit until they pass, and you just don't fit in either category.

Class of 2012

[Frank_P]

@cpameplease & DestinyCPA

I wish I could prove to you I am being completely serious. I understand I sound kind of, I dunno, strange or weird or something. That's just me, I guess. Sorry for not being more normal, I suppose.

@DestinyCPA

That is a good point as well. I could always take it later if something changes and I become more motivated. My professors always said, “take it right away.” So I guess they influenced me quite a bit. Thank you for your input as well.

[Author]

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