Should I quit my job? « CPA Exam Review Forum

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Should I quit my job?

25 posts from 23 voices

Started 1 year ago by desperate to pass
Latest reply from CPA Genie

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desperate to pass

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I am seriously thinking of quitting my job because I cannot pass the exams... Am I being stupid thinking of quitting? Should I not quit?

I started studying for CPA exams in July 2009. I have taken all sections but only passed BEC so far. My scores were FAR 68 and AUD 68. I just took REC last month. I don't know my score yet but I am certain I didn't pass. Knowing the changes is going to take place in January 2011, I am getting really panic and very desperate to pass. I am seriously thinking of quitting my job and just focus on study to pass the other 3 sections.

However, I don't know if it is a good idea because I totally understand how hard it is to get a job in this economy. Also, I feel like the my firm wouldn't sign off for me to be certificated if I quit. I currently work full-time at a local CPA firm. First 1.5 years was part-time and full-time the second 1.5 years, so I am with this firm for 3 year now. I don't get paid very well because I graduated at the worst timing and the economy totally screwed me over. I have asked around. Some friends think it's very silly to quit my job in this economy. Some friends say to go for it if it is what it takes to pass. I am very discouraged. I'd really appreciate any advice.
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Posted 1 year ago #
oobaisi

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Actually, with all the time involved with work (public accounting), I did quit to study for these exams. I saved up plenty to survive (perk of being young and single), and am now studying full time. First exam I took after quitting was Audit, and passed with an 82 (got a 67 when I was working). Hoping my REG score will be released next week, and am sitting for BEC on Monday. I will say it doesn't guarantee passing even if you put the time in, after 6 weeks of studying 8 hours a day for REG I ran out of time thanks to a massive second simulation.....Hopefully I still passed!

As for finding another job, it's really not as bad as everyone is making it out to be. When I was looking to switch to the private sector a few months back, I had plenty of job offers. Public experience + CPA = easy job hunt. I don't plan on going back to work though, when I pass this exam I plan on sitting for the LSAT.

AUD 82, REG 85, BEC 80, FAR 76, Ethics 98

FREEDOM!!!!

Posted 1 year ago #
sums

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Desperate to pass ,I hear you .I was exactly in same situation.I couldnt even start studying while i worked ,you atleast have one off the list .I so desperately wanted to pass the tests thinking I would get a better paying job and would open up opportunities for me .Hence,I quit ,I figured studying and working at the same time doesn't work for me which turned out to be true.Now ,I am done with 3 test ,waiting for fourth ..its been over 7 months and I cant find a job.
I have about 2 years of experience and 3/4 done with the CPA but no job :(
I have no suggestions but wanted to share my experience ...

AUD84,FAR82,BEC77,Reg79

Posted 1 year ago #
NC_CPAwannabe

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desperate to pass,
in my opnion, I would say first find out if you could reduce your hours or even do part time. If your firm knocks that idea then I would say speak with a supervisor and let them know your situation and try get in their good graces before just quitting. I say this because you don't want to risk them not signing off on all of your work. Maybe, the super would understand and work with you and your situation. Another avenue to try is to ask about taking a leave of absence for about 6 months. This could give you enough time to pass all the parts, but still have a job when you finish. If all this fails, I would say that you have to make the best decision for you. If it were me, and the firm I worked for wouldn't work with me, then I might would leave. Bottom line is, things are rough out here and if you are going to quit your job, you have to face reality and know that you may not find another for a REALLY long time. The good thing is, you have a few years of experience so you may find one sooner than later.

*formerly known as tiffanygharrington* FAR-7/10, AUD-8/10, BEC-10/10, REG-11/10

Posted 1 year ago #
Jeff - another71.com

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No No No No No No No No No No No No!

I completely understand being frustrated!

Look at my scores: http://www.another71.com/my-story/

I stuck with it and passed WHILE working full time and had a wife and 3 young kids 5 and under.

You gotta get a FIRE under you! If it were easy - every Cube Warrior would be a CPA.

Lastly, if you quit your job to study, I'll block your IP from viewing this site :)

Ok - that last one was a joke. Sorta :/

Become a NINJA:
NINJA ASSASSIN Notes
NINJA ASSASSIN Audio
Wiley Online Test Bank

Posted 1 year ago #
Bobiz

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I would advice you not to quit. You can definitely do it while working full-time, it all depends on your study plan and approach. You may attempt two sections in a window by scheduling one at the begininng and one at the end, that way you have enough time for each. Write down a study schedule (like a chart reflecting days and hrs, maybe 4 hrs a day) and stick to it, stick to it, stick to it!!!!!!!!!!!!! This has a good chance of working, as it did for me and I believe it can work for you too. Even if you're not working there is a limited amount of info you can absorb everyday. Good luck!!

Posted 1 year ago #
airhol2

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desperate - did you consider taking all of your days off a week or two prior to each exam to get ready? I found that helped me tremendously for some parts. I was also thinking of taking an unpaid leave of absence prior to the exam but when I spoke to my boss about it we "worked something out." If you ultimately decide to quit, it certaintly cant hurt to try something like this.

Posted 1 year ago #
Lee_IN

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desperate to pass - I agree with Jeff, Do not quit your current job. It is possible to work fulltime and pass this exam. Look at Jeff's story. I am also a testament that it can be done. I am 49 years old, work full time, married with 6 kids (not a typo) ages 3-12. You really do not go into any detail on your situation other than saying you work fulltime. What material are you using, how many hours are you studying over how long of a period. 68 is not a total bomb and you have passed one (BEC was my worst) and maybe two if you pass REG. Maybe you just need to buckle down a little and tweak your studying plan. Did you create a study plan and stick to it. Did you study at least 100 hours per exam. In my case, there was a direct coorelation between the amount of studying for each exam and my scores. Gives us some details and I am sure you can get plenty of tips on how to improve you study habits and give you the edge to pass.

I like Jeff's comment:

You gotta get a FIRE under you! If it were easy - every Cube Warrior would be a CPA.

This exam is really about perserverance and mastering not only the material but the confidence to take the exam. Again, I would keep your job and take a serious look at my material and my studying habits to see if I am putting myself in the best position possible to pass this exam.

Good Luck on your REG score.

Becker - FAR 80, AUD 73, 81, BEC 76, REG 81 (2010) DONE!!!! IN LICENSED CPA

Posted 1 year ago #
hopeful_cpa

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lee_in: you are always so inspiring and give great advice... too bad i cant pm you anymore.. lol.

by the way, i didnt do so well on the BEC exam... taking the test emotionally disturbed wasnt the greatest idea, but i guess i didnt do that bad.

how's life after exams?

BEC: Done
REG: Done
AUD: 74!!! ARRGHHHH!!!!! comparable/comparable you gotta be kidding me?!?!
FAR: 2/29/12 Leap year luck

Who's on a war path with the CPA exam!?!? I am.

Posted 1 year ago #
connieCPAin2010

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I also agree with Jeff - don't quit to study. Reassess what you have been doing, make a plan and stick with it. See if you can do some part time, especially if your firm isn't extremely busy right now. Use your vacation time or take some unpaid time. Hopefully they will work with you because they want you to pass too!
I'm a 42 year old mom of 3 and I work part time and am still finding time to study. Sure, I had to miss my 9 year olds baseball game on Friday and my 12 year olds hockey game on Saturday, but my husband and kids are behind me on this and want me to get this overwith!

One more thing, why don't you check out Club 75? Jeff has some great downloads, including videos and notes. It is worth the little bit of money each month, in my opinion!

Whatever you decide, I wish you Good luck! You can do this!

BEC 79 (1/05/10)
REG 80 (3/05/10)
AUD 82 (5/28/10)
FAR 79 (8/27/10) I'm DONE!

Posted 1 year ago #
NJCPA2B

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desperate to pass, if you are young enough and could afford to quit, then that's a very good strategic idea! Quitting will NOT ruin the rest of your employment life and "soul". It's like a chess game, you have to sacrafice a piece for a better game! You will have many jobs in the future and being a CPA will set you apart sooner. Jobs are tough, but I haven't read anywhere that the job market is closed and no one can find a job. Be confident and be a CPA!

BEC=77, FAR=78, REG=73,74,80, AUD=70,69, 84 DONE!

Posted 1 year ago #
kewinnett

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if you are working at a place you think you want to stay, your boss should work with you. If you worked for an Ahole like me and are pursuing your CPA to increase your marketability, i say get out and focus on the exam. I took the first two parts while working but cut back from 60+ hour weeks to 45ish. When I get home from work, I am brain dead. there is NO way I could have passed FAR while working at my current job - just too much. so I left when I began the far process. I hope it pays off. just starting to look this week (took my last section last saturday). thanks to the wonderful nashville nasba, i wont know my FAR score until mid june - REALLY pisses me off. I think I oculd make some headway on the job front if I am able to say I know i have passed 3 of 4, but now I cant do that. And if i did not pass, that just puts me a month behind on getting reregistered!

Posted 1 year ago #
cpa journey

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With scores so close to passing you may be able to modify the way you study and pass. Try doing questions from previous chapters every day. It will help keep the information fresh in your mind.

Write out notes/flashcards for trouble areas.

Change the location where you study. Avoid places where you will be distracted.

If you get bored or frustrated. Do a quick 10 - 15 MC questions. It will boost your confidence.

Posted 1 year ago #
Determined2bCPA

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Desperate to pass: You need the job to pay for those NTS :); for that reason alone, please don't quit. Rather, devote every minute you can spare on study.

I am 49, married, and have two kids 20 & 13 plus I have a management type job which requires much more than 40 hours a week and 24/7 dedication (including the day of the exam!). If you are determined, you will pass, nothing can stop you.

BEC 72,77(5/'09); AUD 83 (10/'09); FAR 85(11/'09); REG ? (5-3-10); Ethics 100 (5-23-10)

Posted 1 year ago #
PursuitCPA

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the Real Unemployment Rate = 23%

Do not quit your job, you may not get a new one.

CPA EXAM - Passed

Posted 1 year ago #
SenoiaCPA2B

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DO NOT QUIT!! I don't know about your state, but in GA, your experience credit is only good for one year after you leave. If you do not pass all 4 sections within that time frame, you lose it and have to start all over with new experience!! I'm in that predicament now (due to downsizing), and am in a mad rush to get my license before my experience credit runs out.

FAR - 73, 76!!!
REG - 52, 92!!!
AUD - 88
BEC - 75

Posted 1 year ago #
desperate to pass

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Thanks for everyone's advice. Leave of absence is not possible at my firm, so I asked to work 2 days a week and the partners approved. Sigh... I feel like I am back to the starting point after knowing that I failed REG with 73. I am still trying to get over it and get motivated again. Well, another long study journey begins. Good luck to everyone.

Posted 1 year ago #
MACPAWannabe

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So this is a year late from Desperate's post but I am in the same situation. I have been working at a big 4 for a few years, tried to pass the exams while working full-time and part-time and it hasn't worked yet.I've tried to take FAR first in order to get the "hardest" one over first and have come close (70,73) but am tired of failing. I am in a financial situation where I could support myself without working for the next 6 months and knock out the exams. Why wouldn't be better the get the exam over with and then get a better job as a CPA? I just don't want want to drag this out forever, I'd rather get it done and move on with my life. After years of big 4 experience, and a CPA behind your name, I believe I would be a desirable employee. Thoughts?

Posted 4 months ago #
MikeInMIA

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Some jobs hire 6months+ in advance. If you can lock down a job that doesn't start for another 6 months+ than go for it. Otherwise it sounds pretty counter intuitive. Quit a job that a lot of people here want, to get a CPA and get what job? I studied and passed all the exams hoping it would help me get the job you have.

Posted 4 months ago #
Yvonne570

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In this economy, better play it safe. Lots of CPAs out there looking. You should look for an alternative. I.e, give up social life instead of job.

AUD - Passed:)
FAR - Passed:)
REG - Retake
BEC - 1/7/12

Posted 4 months ago #
Another74CPA

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@desperate to pass
Please don't quit your job. If i were you try to take a few days of work b4 each exam. It's going to be a long war... you lose some and you win some....keep your head up!!!!

@Jeff
The best line ever from a cpa forum.

If it were easy - every Cube Warrior would be a CPA.

BEC- 70,79 (Roger & Wiley)
FAR- 74,71 11/28/11
AUD- 66, 76
REG- 2/27/12

Posted 4 months ago #
Jeff - another71.com

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;)

Become a NINJA:
NINJA ASSASSIN Notes
NINJA ASSASSIN Audio
Wiley Online Test Bank

Posted 4 months ago #
Sportiegrl13

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@desperate to pass--- I have been studying and taking exams for the last year now and I haven't passed any yet. I know how you feel about being discouraged, I am in the same boat right now. I can't quit my job, however, and dedicate all my time to studying. I wish it were that simple. I have given up a lot of my social life, but still hasn't gotten me a passing score. My last two exams I took before getting married increased considerably from the first time I took them, but still isn't enough motivation. At times I feel like I will never conquer this thing and wished I didn't got into this line of work. : ) Tax season is sneaking up on me pretty quickly, and it pretty much stresses me out to the max. I hope you keep your, what sounds to be, an awesome job...and just keep pushing through...that is what I am trying to tell myself. I work for a small CPA firm, but I have it pretty much made there, I just am now feeling the pressures of passing the exam [although my boss said I am the one putting the pressures on, I am just worried they are eventually put that pressure on me, which is something I do not need at the moment].

GOOD LUCK!!!

FAR:
AUD: Jan 17th
REG: 60 [Wiley], TBD
BEC: 51 [Wiley], TBD

Currently using Lambers after not having success with Wiley...hoping and praying for better results.

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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I'm the wrong person to ask.. since I DID quit my job for this. To be honest, I think it depends on what type of job you have. I was working 60 + hours a week in NYC at a very demanding job. I got in about 40 hours a week of studying, 4 hours on the weekdays late night, and 10-12 hours Saturday and Sunday. I thought I could be superwoman. I kept failing with scores in the 50's. I got an opportunity to move back with family, rent/bill free (except my own person bills) and I jumped on it. I saved enough money to pay my personal bills for about a year. If you have the opportunity, you might not get that same opportunity in the future. Yeah if you're working a 9-5 job, and you get out at 5 everyday sure you could get in plenty of study hours. For me though I would get in at 8:30, and not leave until 11pm some nights and still need to respond to emails once I got home. It depends on your job and situation. I also didn't know my "study method" while I was working. Maybe a different job and knowing how I should study would have worked.

AUD 2/25/12
REG 80 (3X)
FAR 75 (2X)
BEC 79 (2X)

Posted 4 months ago #
CPA Genie

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I think is ok if you still young since your paycheck is not as high as manegerial level. You have nothing to lose really.

AUD - Feb. 2012
BEC - Passed
REG - Passed
FAR - Passed

Posted 2 months ago #

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