cpa2012: thx! are you in O&G? If you're in Houston, imo you should be in O&G b/c I think you'll learn more, more challenging, more valuable skills, and you get paid a lot more. But just my free advice so take it for what it's worth.
Aggie_CPA: agreed. I plan on trying to streamline this job asap (hopefully within 3-6 months), but if that doesn't work out, I still think this job will put my career on a faster track than earning the CPA based off job responsibilities + talent I'd be working with.
Wanna_B_TXCPA2014: ya but I anticipate staying here for 2-4 years minimum so I don't chop my resume up.
r1racer: very solid points! I ran the #'s again on how much I'll be working AND factored in drive time… I'll only be working 2-4 extra hrs per week at the new job and 5-7 extra hrs during month-end close. I value the job I'll have in 10 years the most… so my goal is to do whatever it takes the next few years to get me to that job in the most efficient way possible. The “job” is most likely VP FP&A (I know I'm not on the best career path, but I've evaluated everything and this is the best route given my circumstances) at an O&G company.
StephAV: Well I'm in Houston and in O&G and this industry/location pays above mkt. I doubt I'll be able to really study for the first 3 months at a minimum. I do think I will be able to put in 1-2 hrs/day after that which should get me to pass.
fuzyfro89: good points! Honestly, I can't tell for certain if I'll be a workhorse putting in 60hr weeks or if it'll die down after a few months. But the job experience will outweigh me having my CPA in the next 1-2 years I think. Especially since I anticipate staying at this company for at least 2 years. So right now the goal for the worst case scenario is to outperform the first 6-12 months, then get the CPA the following 12 months.
tomq04: While I don't think the job will be overwhelming, it will definitely push me close to my limits. But I'm very confident in myself… and really want to be on the fast track on my career so if I nearly drown, but somehow survive, then it'll be worth it.
Thanks all!