[Lianetleal]

Hello All:

I realized that I will postpone taking the CPA exam after all.My job offered o sponsor all cost related to the exam but here is where I am and why Im taking this decision
I have twins and the fact that i was studying most of the time makes me feel guilty for not being with them. On the weekends, when I would get prepared to leave to the library they would beg me to stay…
Another thing is that being a CPA will require at least 10 hrs a day at any job and at this point in my life I dont know if that is what I really want.I wan to enjoy every minute with and family and nor regret anything or wished I could have done things differently. I can get the license at any time… I see that there are several of you that are on their 40s and are doing it…..
Time passes by so fast and every day passed doens’t come back. The kids will grow up and be less dependent on me but as of now they need me really bad. PS. I need them too….

Now, I need suggestions form you all to help me find an excuse to my boss that doesn’t make me look unprofessional. I don’t know if I should just tell me the truth or simply make up another excuse and not mention my family at all.

What do you all think I should do?

Lianet

Lianet Leal

[Missy]

The CPA path is not for everyone and seems like you know that it's not for you right now. I'd recommend against making anything up to your boss but simply say you don't want to waste their money by pursuing a path you're just not in a position to commit 100% to right not l now.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[Tncincy]

Please don't feel bad….many of us have waited to pursue degrees and licenses because of small children, older parents, maybe even sick parents, lack of resources, etc. I am a firm believer of “no regrets”.
Your children are important and if you need to wait then wait. It's better to weigh it out than to have regrets, waste time and money. If the job is not threatening to fire you just wait til the right time.
I'm glad I waited, but getting the swing of things again, is my problem, so if it's not one thing its the other……

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[TommyTheCat]

agree with both responses above and credit to you for making the tough decision.

I personally have been putting off the exams for 10 years (started working in the profession in 2016), and having my first child in a month or so here is what is motivating me to get these things banged out finally. That and it's prohibiting me from making partner at the firm I am out now.

Best of luck to you and enjoy the time with your kiddos and family, the CPA exam will always be there should you ever want to revisit it. Family is more important.

AUD - 85
BEC - 89
FAR - 91
REG - 97

[TommyTheCat]

whoops mean 2006, not 2016

AUD - 85
BEC - 89
FAR - 91
REG - 97

[Goingallin]

I left my full time job to pursue CPA. My child was only an infant when I started so I wasn't going to give up seeing those many milestones she will go through the first couple of years. Giving up a year worth of salary is hefty but it was worth it. 8 months later I'm almost done and I didn't have to compromise all of my time with my daughter.

My daughter will always be my priority when making a decision.

AUD - 87
BEC - 77
FAR - 75
REG - 82

donotgiveup!!

[Missy]

I will say I feel I was very well able to keep up with a full time job, kids, and studying for the cpa. When I got home from work, 5:30-9pm was mommy time. I was a girl scout leader, cheer coach, pta mom, etc. But 9pm on was my time to study. Kids were either in bed or winding down and I got a solid 2 hours a day of studying, more on the weekends up early to study before they were up and after they went to bed. I'd say there were as many demands on my time even though they were teens between driving to and being part of their activities. It's not easy and not for everyone but I didn't compromise one for the other at all.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[futurevacpa]

I agree with mia. I work full-time, and have a toddler and a six-month old, and I make at least 3 hours a day to study. I study on the train to and from work and from 8:30 – 11:00 at night. I also do before and after the kids wake up on the weekends. I am hoping to pass FAR on Saturday and be done forever!!! It has not been easy, but I feel as though putting in the hard work now will pay off dividends in the long run. It's all about priorities. I don't leave my kids to go study at the library on the weekend, but I give up all other aspects of free time in order to fit it in.

AUD: 10/15 - 69 (Retake 2/16)
BEC: 01/16 - 87
FAR: 05/16
REG: 08/16

[jenniferlee120]

It is a tough path and it took me 16 years out of college to pursue it now. I waited until my children were older and have homework as well so we can study at the same time. I also felt I would have missed too much when they were younger. It can still happen later. I just turned 40 and am almost finished.

AUD - 88
BEC - 76
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - 76

It is never too late!

[Goingallin]

I think it is a hard task for any working mother. I would say parents but I think its especially hard for mothers in general. I think the age of the child makes a huge difference. I definitely wanted to be there for my daughter first two years to witness all the 1sts. Its like having three full time job – Regular job, Parenthood, and CPA. I knew I wouldnt be able to juggle all three at one time and plus I wanted to be done within one year. At least in my shoes it wouldn't have been possible to continue employment. For the mothers that are working and studying, my hats off to you. I was honest with myself and knew I don't have that kind of discipline.

I believe you will know when the time is right for you. I'm 40 and just started 8 months ago.

AUD - 87
BEC - 77
FAR - 75
REG - 82

donotgiveup!!

[Missy]

Make no mistake if there was ANY way I could have managed a year off work we would have made that happen. If you don't have to balance motherhood, a job, grad school and the exam why put anybody through the misery? But just wanted to put out there for people who may not have the option, it's entirely possible to do. Maybe even easier with very little ones with earlier bedtimes!

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[Anonymous]

Nice thread. Very interesting to read different perspectives . This is my opinion. I am in mid 40's . I have 2 kids. One in high school and other one in elementary. Actually now I feel there is much less time for me when compared to 10 years back. My son has volley ball practice every day, then math class(RSM), swimming,guitar,dance, home work help( Alegebra 2 and trigonometry – watched more youtube videos than CPA FAR and REG combined ), project help for my little one..feel like more time when they are young . I think I should have focused and pushed myself to do it 10 years back . Again this is what I feel now .

You know what is good for you .Best of luck and definitely family is important . CPA, work and all others come a distant second to family.

[Author]

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