[CPA2015]

This is more of a vent but here goes….So, I’ve been at this since 2010 and am still stuck in the same place of not having passed any of the exams. I continually get scores ranging from 68-73. To be honest, I was never someone who said, “Yes I want to be a CPA or an accountant” for that matter. I started in accounting because it was good money and helped me get through college (English Lit. major). I worked my way up from the bottom at a few great tech companies. Accounting seemed like a good choice because I could get a CPA license and eventually I could start my own practice and work for myself plus other people said it would be a good fit for me. However, 4 years later I’m still plugging away at it and resentful of the time I have spent doing this but at the same time, I’m afraid of just chucking everything out the window and not doing it. I have a great job in gov’t contracting, CPA is not necessary nor will it every be for what I’m doing and I make over 6 figures in salary. I’m afraid I guess of what it says about me to drop this and do something else with my time and my working life.

[Anonymous]

I think it's fundamentally simple. Don't over think things.

Do you want it? If yes, then get it.

If you decide to get it, you will most likely need to assess your study habits. It's not a difficult test. It's just extremely comprehensive.

[impska]

If you're looking for permission to quit, then quit. You like your job, you make six figures, you don't need the CPA and you don't care for it. There will be no external motivation for you in your journey. That means all motivation must be internal. If you aren't able to generate that internal motivation because you don't care enough, then drop it like a bad habit.

Don't do it just because other people told you it was the right thing to do.

Instead, save a nice emergency fund buffer so that if you're ever unemployed and having trouble finding a job, you can pick up the CPA studying full time and crank it out in a few months.

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

[mikferr]

@CPA2015, I'm in the same damn position. However, I've been at this one year longer and passed one exam. I'm in Government auditing. The agency I'm with, I don't necessarily “need” my CPA. However, if I ever want to move into a higher position, it is “highly recommended” and they normally don't look at people without the CPA. So… I'm struggling also. In fact, I'm struggling so bad, that I have blown off 2.5 months of studying with FAR coming on my heels in less than 2 weeks. I'm totally kicking myself.

Basically…if you ever really want to go somewhere other than Government (trust me, I understand wanting to but not at the same time) or move up in the ranks then be strong and continue on. As others have said, re-evaluate how you are studying and you will get there. I bet you are like me…always find something else that is more important like family, friends, pets, etc. It's most likely the only reason we are taking SO DAMN LONG to get this crap done. lol

Bottom line is, none of us can really tell you if it is worth it or not. You have to decide for yourself. And if you decide it is worth it, you will start to ignore everything else in life until it is done. (I'm still waiting for that day to happen…)

Good luck my friend!

[Author]

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