[cmcook]

99% of the people in my life are super supportive and encouraging while I go through this exam process. But there are a couple of key people in my life who seemingly want to diminish the importance/complexity/challenge of this undertaking. It should be noted they’re either in the field or think that they could easily be in the field.

For the most part I can ignore it and I know I shouldn’t take it personally, but some of their comments and behavior is getting to me. Probably because I am in in the melt-down stage of losing all my steam and drive because of the endless studying and isolation!

Surely I can’t be the only one – is anyone else experiencing (for lack of a better word) jealously from anyone around them? If so, do you have any tactics for not getting so annoyed?

Death before surrender

[pkookkik]

I feel you, my friends and family are just absolutely dumbfounded when I tell them countless times, “no can't go, I'm studying”. It's like they are innocently forgetful and don't have the capacity to grasp the full weight of such an overwhelming journey. Then they won't ease off either, guilt tripping me as if they know what's best saying “you gotta have fun, can't study all the time”, yeah right you're giving me advice from your wealth of experience that you just pulled out nowhere and relating that to what I'm going through. Maybe it'll help to remind them there's a reason why CPAs like the future me and your self can charge customers $300+ by the hour, all once you pass this CPA exam. Also remind them of the mediocre passing rate, seriously not everyone makes it out alive. Maybe finally they'll cut you some slack. Ain't no walk in the park like they're always naively touting. Good luck on your last two parts, I'm taking my first part FAR next month, that is if I'm ready and can bat away all invites until then 😉

[Anonymous]

Ignore them and just press on. Going out and doing fun things is vastly overrated. But if you do enjoy doing those things, you will get to do them as much as you want once you get your license and (as previous posted said in their reply to you) can start raping your clients for 300 bucks an hour for your services as a CPA. Study now, have fun later. I used to work at a law firm with people who made far more than 300 an hour. They made more like 700-800. Their biweekly draw checks were as much as THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS (usually they were more like 15,000 though.) The younger ones always seemed to be working hard, but the older ones in their 50s and 60s were definitely in chillax mode…but they didn't want to retire because they wouldn't be getting those paychecks!!!

[Radez]

I sent my family the study planner I put together, to show them the amount of material/effort, what it implied in terms of how many hours per day on weekdays/weekends, and concluded that they should not bother me for the next 4 months. I did the same with friends to try to set the expectation. It didn't take with some folks, but I've also taken to just ignoring texts/phone calls. The open question is whether I have any relationships to come back to after the exam is over. In your case, it looks like your next exam is just a week away. That could be a tactful way of telling them to back off. There's a definite and short-term end date to your isolation.

AUD - 98
BEC - 93
REG - 84
FAR - 91

[Cjsr]

One thing I used to do was to occasionally read practice MCQs out loud to people so they could see how there could be subtle or almost imperceptible differences between the answers. Your perception that there is jealousy afoot could be spot on – there will always be people who resent your efforts to better your situation, in this or in anything else.

BEC Jan 2016 83 Becker FastPass
REG Jan 2016 83
AUD May 2016 92
FAR Jul 2016 74
FAR Mar 2017. 91 Becker book + NINJA 10-point combo

BEC. 83. 9 Jan 2016
REG. 83. 30 Jan 2016
AUD. 92. 27 May 2016

Becker FastPass with in-class videos

[Holly]

@Cjsr I've already screenshot and emailed some questions to people

AUD - 76
BEC - 82
FAR - 82
REG - 86

Becker & Ninja MCQ

 

 

 

BEC - 79
REG - 85
AUD - 5/27/16

[Missy]

I know when we're in full exam mode the sun rises and sets on studying but for others in our lives its nothing. Of course as a candidate you're overwhelmed, frustrated and exhausted and need people in your inner circle to be supportive.

Do you have friends who've had kids yet? You know that feeling when you see the 75 millionth picture and gushing about the most beautiful baby that was ever born and internally roll your eyes and think “I am sick to death of hearing about this baby, she's adorable but I just don't share mom & dad's obsession”

This cpa is YOUR baby, its your world and everything revolves around it. Friends should share your obsession as a means of support but don't be discouraged if they tire of it entirely. This will pass.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

“If you’re absent during my struggle, don’t expect to be present during my success.” –Will Smith

[Anonymous]

No. But then again, I didnt tell ANYONE I was doing this except my immediate family (husband, daughter, sister, parents) I was transitioning from being self employed entrepreneur in a completely different industry and I Needed to keep my business going for income until I was ready to job hunt as a CPA.

[Author]

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