If you are going to stick with becoming a CPA:
I would strictly set out your schedule, take a different test, and put one to two hours each day into a job search. You can pass it and work, and have kids, and all sorts of things. I find that the less time I have to do something, the more productive I am. So fill up your schedule a bit with some things that improve you professionally more than just the exam.
CPA firms want people who are social who can bring in clients and keep good client relations – the problem you might face if you keep taking the tests and then look for a job is that it is HARD to break into the public accounting scene. To combat this, I would do two things – I would look for secretarial-type positions that will let you get your foot in the door. (Along with applying for those great positions that you would LOVE to do). I would also spend 5-10 hours of your week until you get a job and start going to a Rotary club, or join your city Emerging professions group, or your city chamber of commerce, or volunteering somewhere along those lines. If you are exposing yourself to business owners and potential employers in settings like this, the chance of finding a job become much greater. Fortunately or unfortunately, the saying, “It's who you know, not what you know.”, is true. So use that to your advantage and get to know influential people in your area by strategically volunteering with a good attitude.
You have to start saying no to your friends – believe me, I take 2 weeks off between each exam to see each one of my friends and then “go dark” again except for time w my immediate family/husband. They will either support you, or move on. And if they move on, why were you hanging out with them anyway?
Exercise!! Maybe join a local biking/running club where you can meet people influential in your area informally. Do something that keeps your body happy.
I would also NOT keep your schedule the way you are keeping it. Do something (like go to the library) that keeps you out of your house (when you are not job searching or volunteering) if your mom bugs you. (Hey, I understand, I lived w my parents until I got married). I always was a night owl until I started working. FORCE yourself to go to bed at 9 and get up at 530-600. I am SO MUCH HAPPIER than I ever was now that I get decent amount of sleep and am up in the morning. I also am much more productive and remember things a lot easier. Besides, if you are going to start volunteering and getting to know people in your community, you are going to have to be up during the day!
If you are going to go the military route:
My husband did 7 years in the Army, he was an MP. It definitely matures you. If you need a maturing experience, or the military interests you, go for it. Know you never get those years “back”, it will drastically change you if you go in as infantry, and it will be a heck of a lot harder than studying for these tests: mentally, physically, emotionally. As someone else already said, your life may depend on it. If you want to talk with him about his experiences, he will speak straight with you. Just let me know if you do.
"Don't worry, beeeeee happy!"
Unhappy with job, long distance boyfriend, not much studying:
FAR- 66 [08/28/12] AUD- 61 [10/04/12] REG- 59 [11/28/12] BEC- 63 [01/11/13]
Year off (from exams): Got new job, got married, moved, etc
✓ AUD- 79!!! 01/10/14 FIRST PASS!! WOOOO!!!
✓ REG- 73 02/27/14, 81 10/27/14
✓ FAR- 83 5/16/14
✓ BEC- 80 7/24/14
✓ Education ✓ Experience
Ethics Exam
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