[IAmCam]

This is my first time posting on this forum, I have been reading it a lot recently because I have been more serious about my CPA but here is a story.

I graduated from college with 150 credits so that I can sit for the CPA, I didn’t know what to do with my accounting degree yet so I found the first “accounting job” that would hire me. The job didn’t have much to do with accounting more data entry until they gave me AR which I really liked. Time to start the CPA took BEC first in Aug 2015 because it is the “easiest” got a 59, I was slightly heartbroken but I knew I wasn’t a good test taker and I knew I didn’t study to the best of my ability, so I picked myself up and took 2 months to study and got a 71 this time. This time it really got to me, I started to think is this worth it, if I cant pass BEC how can I become a CPA, and it started thinking what do I want to do with a CPA even if I get it. I gave it a 3rd try, but during my studying I was thinking that I really dont know why I am doing this. Ended up with a 73 and then I really started thinking, a CPA would be nice but am I doing it for a possible pay raise, am I doing it to say that I am a CPA, am I doing it to go into Public or am I doing to secure myself job wise. I started giving myself excuses to not continue studying. I figured at this time it was Mar 2016, I had started a new job, moved and decided to take the summer off to clear my head. Few months into the summer I had quit the CPA I decided it wasnt for me.

My girlfriend started taking the CPA around Spring of 2016, she took BEC first, passed on her first try, I was happy for her, I knew this was something she had more determination and motivation then me. She took REG next and we made a bet about her score, and if I lost I would have to study again. I lost and took my time getting back into studying. It was mid summer at this point and I decided to give BEC another try, I have seen the material so much I thought, let me try again. I studied and felt like I was actually understanding the material, took the exam right before Labor Day got my results and found out I passed with an 81. I fist pumped the air, jumped in joy on my way to work, I have finally passed an exam. With the changes coming up I knew I have about 6 months to pass the next 3 exams. I decided to take AUD and REG before the year ends and FAR in Mar and be done before the changes kick in. I started studying for AUD, changed my study habits a little and got a 69 after a month wait. The wait was brutal but the results hurt, I knew it was close, I knew I did well on the simulations because I found most of them in the AL. At this point I was already studying for REG so I took REG on Dec 10th and took a vacation the next day. I felt myself burning out and really needed a break. I came back from vacation yesterday and looked at my results and my girlfriends. She took FAR her last exam in the beginning of this month so we were both anxious to see. I checked her exam first, she passed I was so happy for her. I checked my next and got a 51. I felt like I studied the most for this exam, I watched lecture videos, did MCQs, made notecards, tried to understand concepts, I felt like I had it. During the exam MCQs seemed fine and simulations kicked my butt, but I felt like maybe I can squeeze by.

With only 1 exam done and less than 3 months to take the exam until the official changes take place, this changes all of my plans. I now have to take an exam with the new changes and I wont know those results until Mid August that means my journey still has to go on for 8 months. I feel so defeated again, to have failed 5 times and knowing I still have so much work to do has me thinking again why am I doing this. I have changed my study habits multiple times, I use Becker and Fast Forward, ask my gf for help and I just dont know anymore. I apologize I know this is a long read but I really need career advice and somehow no one at my job, that works above me has an accounting degree, so they cant relate. I do have AUD rescheduled for Mid January and I do have an NTS for FAR until late MAY.

The million dollar question that has been asked so many times, is the CPA worth it? I feel like I can have a happy and successful life without it, I am a hard worker and am passionate about any job I work on, but I know that I am once again looking for excuses to quit but mentally I just dont know how much more I can take. I like this forum because its a community that helps each other and has the similar emotions and stories.

Please any advice would be great and I apologize for the lengthy story and a lot of details are still left out.

[Rachel]

Burnout is real. Don't beat yourself up over it, because that's only hurting you. My advice? Take the holidays off. Schedule only one exam in Q1, as late as you can take it, and then take the holidays off! From now till New Year's, don't even think about it. Rest, relax, enjoy, spend some time with hobbies. Then get back on it and kick its ass. You can do this!

Oh, and also? Kick Fast Forward to the curb. I used that initially and failed 3/4 with it. I actually found some questions in their test bank that were also in Becker, and the Fast Forward questions had the WRONG ANSWER!! Use Becker as your primary, and get the Ninja MCQs as a supplement.

AUD - 84

FAR - 55 (ouch), 84

REG - 68, 84

BEC - 71, ?? Jan 2016

[bucknell39]

I think you answered your own question in the posting. If you are happy and feel successful without a CPA then maybe it is not for you. I have worked 7 years in public accounting. It wasn't until I had my two boys that I found my true motivation to get my CPA. Maybe you will find your motivation later in life. Good luck with whatever you decide!

AUD - 84
BEC - 79
FAR - 81
REG - 78

CPA in PA - Feb 17

AUD - 84
BEC - 69,79
FAR - 70,81
REG - 81 (expired),78

[aaronmo]

So everyone here is going to tell you to plod on, you can do it…

After reading what you wrote, it doesn't sound like you want to. It's OK not to be a CPA. it's ok not to want it that badly and most accountants don't do it.

If you don't really want to do it, you don't have to.

AUD - 96
BEC - 84
FAR - 89
REG - 86

Aaron and always remember, YMMV

I profit from your CPE frustration. You're welcome.

[IAmCam]

Thanks Rachel,

I feel like I was relying more on the MC questions on fast forward because they are broken down more accordingly to the break down of the exam but I was also finding questions that were exactly from Becker, and some questions that were wrong. I am thinking about getting the Ninja MCQs for AUD because I got Weaker on most of those sections but I feel between Becker, Fast Forward and Ninja I will see the same questions and not necessarily new ones.

[waffle_house]

Burnout, wtf is that? For the weak I don't get burnt out.

I've been at this exam for 2 years until I decided one day that if I absolutely want this then I will need to kick it in overdrive and sacrifice more time in order to achieve. I put in at least 250 hours for REG just to get a 76 and more time for FAR just to get a 72 after studying for 3 months. I am not smart by any means but this test isn't about IQ it's about putting in the time.

Wake up, only you know why you are not passing. If you are getting in the 60's for your exam score that means you didn't study enough and do not know the information. Buckle down and do a different study approach, hell read the book 4 times if that's what it takes to retain the information. Every person here learns differently you just need to find what works for you.

THIS TEST IS NOT FOR THE WEAK. You can do this only if you put in the effort and stop crying about how hard it is and how much time it takes away from your hobbies.

I mean no disrespect to the OP but I have a lot of friends who make excuses not to pass this exam.

AUD - 80
BEC - 75
FAR - 84
REG - 76

Exams started Sep 2014 -Exams done Mar 2017

Texas CPA

I put in work, it was evident

[DZagt]

I found out I passed my last part this morning. I went into work, let everyone know the good news and proceeded to demand that everyone kneel before me..No one did. So no, it's not all its cracked up to be. It requires a ton of effort, a lot of frustration, and grit. It's just something you have to be all in forand if you're not you're going to keep failing and wasting your time.

Congrats on the BEC pass, that's nothing to sneeze at.

AUD - 92
BEC - 90
FAR - 83
REG - 88

DONE!

[hasy]

Being burnt out is real. I remember getting my first pass and it took 2 more fails to get to my second pass. I understand that this is arduous but that question isn't something that we can answer. What does it mean to you? Are you willing to put into MORE work to obtain it? Do you think you'll look 10 years later that you won't regret it?

Also, taking the NEW version IS NOT the end of the world. Yes, I understand SIMs are hard, but you have to understand the material more. If you are studying the way where you're able to apply the material, then the new version SHOULD not matter.

I believe that if you're able to pass one section, you should be able to pass the rest. Good luck.

AUD - 83
BEC - 80
FAR - 83
REG - 78

BEC - 80 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

FAR - 72; 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

AUD - 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

REG - 52; 78 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

Ethics - 68, 96 (how I dislike you)
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This forum is more addictive than drugs. Still returning after licensure.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

-

BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[aaronmo]

I was INCREDIBLY burned out by BEC…just exhausted and sick of it. I found it harder to focus…it was obnoxious. I'm not sure I'd have the fortitude to keep going after a fail, and have profound respect for those here who push through.

That said…I really do think it's ok to just be DONE, or to realize you don't want it enough.

AUD - 96
BEC - 84
FAR - 89
REG - 86

Aaron and always remember, YMMV

I profit from your CPE frustration. You're welcome.

[nolan7120]

Of course it's worth it. Don't let the exam change intimidate you. BEC is the exam that's undergoing the most amount of changes and you have passed that.

These tests are all about putting in the work, and quality work at that. You have to find what works for you. Eventually a method will click and just stick with it.

For example, I put it 140 hours studying for Audit the first time around and watching the Yaeger lectures was a waste 95% of the time. I ended up failing with a 71. For the retake, I tightened things up a whole lot, purchased digital copies of the Wiley Book and Focus Notes, and put in the most grueling (but best) 90 hour study session in the 8 days before the test date. Note cards, making notes on the Focus Notes, cross-referencing with the Ninja notes, and MCQs up the a$$. It paid off with a 79. Even if I were to have failed, I would've attacked AUD again with a massive ferocity. You have to grab these tests by the cajones, not the other way around. What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger. Keep your head up, eliminate the negative thoughts as much as possible, and you'll in the WIN category sooner than later. Perseverance my friend, harness it…

AUD - 79
BEC - 76
FAR - 81
REG - 84

Finished!

FAR (6/9/16) - 81

[Anonymous]

From the sound of your post, I’m guessing you’re in your mid 20s, and so I understand if you’re still unsure about what you want to do with your career. Luckily, you already have 150 hrs so if you decide in the future you want to become a CPA, then you can start testing again anytime.

I’m 31, and I decided I wanted to become a CPA at 28, because I knew I was going to be the breadwinner of the family, and my job in corporate (non-accounting related) was going nowhere. I wanted to be sure I would have a stable job where I don’t have to worry about not getting a raise because my company overspent on marketing, or our sales were bad that year (it continued for 3 years). I went back to school for a Masters in Accounting, and I was mad determined. Luckily I had a supportive husband who took care of everything around the house while I studied, and despite working in a new job at a Big 4 firm with countless late nights at work, I finished. Often times I felt burnt out, but I never stopped. Hardly took much breaks.

I don’t think I’m as smart as others (my scores can attest to that), but my friend described me as crazy and stubborn dedicated. I was on a mission, and it was the only mission I focused on. (that and not slack off at work) Now I don’t have to worry about not getting promoted to Manager (or getting fired) because I don’t have a CPA license, and I can now focus on bigger things in life, like family.

My point in short is motivation is key to study and pass the CPA exams. If in your current situation CPA is not worth it, then just wait until it is worth it. BUT! If you do go into public accounting, NEVER wait. I’ve seen so many people in my office just putting them off and they never get around to it.

[IAmCam]

Thank you all that is why I enjoy this forum, there are way more people that are going through and have gone through this that I can imagine.

During my first time studying for this exam, I got very philosophical and started thinking what is the meaning at life( I know…weird) Today, instead of catching up on work, I have been thinking about this non stop since I have posted this. I have been going back and forth about quitting and making plans up in the head about how to continue to studying. The thing that I keep falling back on is, I know I have the will power to pass this exam but the motivation isn't there because at the end of the day if I pass the CPA, I will feel accomplished but not necessarily that this pass will make my life any happier. I have also come to the realization that I want this to get a better pay day and to have security but being in Jamaica for my vacation I guess quoting Bob Marley's last words make sense to me ” Money cant buy life” In the end I will disappoint my parents and my gf but they will always have my back as long as I am happy. The truth is not studying for the CPA will make me enjoy life more than the triumph of passing it. That might sound naive, and I am a quitter but in the end it doesn't matter what others think its how I feel.

I apologize as this became more of a vent and philosophical rant really quick.

Thank you for all for the input

[Jdn9201]

I agree with the poster who suggested taking the holidays off. I think you need to drown out the noise and figure out what the CPA will do for YOU. Other people will tell you to keep going, but I think you are having trouble passing because you don't know why it's important to you. I'll tell you my story hoping that it helps. I changed majors 3 times before graduating with my accounting degree just prior to turning 24. After 5 years of almost 200 credit hours and working almost full time, there was no way I was going straight to grad school, so I took a 3 year break. I took a corporate job by choice (I have never had the desire to work in public accounting), and went back to grad school when I was ready to. I knew I wanted to go for my CPA at that point because it either helped me if I tried to work for myself, or it could help open the door to better jobs. After getting my masters, working tax seasons + going to school full time burned me out again, so I took another 2 year break. Hitting a dead end at my last job and remembering why I went to grad school is why I started studying for the exams. Once I figured out why it was important to me, I was then determined to do whatever it took and got the exams done in 6 months. So back to you – you have to ask yourself why you want to do this (if you still do) and why it's important to you. Are you doing it for you or are you doing it to keep up with your girlfriend? There are other things in life besides getting your CPA. I think it's an awesome achievement, but it speaks nothing to the quality of your work or your intellect, and I say this after getting mine. And if you do go for it again, try to remember how you studied in college..chances are your study habits haven't changed that much. Make this process about what works best for you. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Missy]

People have failed many more exams than you have, and gone on to get their license. You sound kind of lukewarm to the whole thing and if that's the case I think you're better off to walk away. If you ever get the fire in your belly and decide no matter what it takes, or how many fails, you're going to dominate, you can absolutely do this. You almost have to want this as much as you want air and food. Trust me I couldn't have been more burnt out, two jobs, in school for my masters AND taking these exams at the same time. But I had a fire and nothing was going to get between me and my license.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[VR]

I took exams 16 times…and failed 12 times. It took me 6yrs. to complete them, but I did. I wanted CPA soooo badly, that I told myself do or die. First,I wanted to prove myself that I can pass and second I wanted to prove to people who we skeptical about me passing CPA. Do not question: is CPA worth it, just do (study) it?

“You never fail until you stop trying.”
― Albert Einstein

[Dayton86]

I agree that it really comes down to how bad you want to pass and how much time you are willing to dedicate. I've been working in public accounting for five years and it wasn't until I got married, bought a house and had my son that I decided it was time to get my license. Before that I had absolutely no motivation to pass and if I attempted taking any parts, I would have been wasting my time.

Once I decided that becoming a CPA was the best move for me and my family, I knocked out all four parts in 7.5 months. I put everything in my life on the back-burner and treated my study time like it was sacred. I reached a point in my career that not having my licenses means no more promotions or big raises at my firm. So as the main provider in my family, I felt it was do-or-die.

Best advice – Decide if you are willing to dedicate a year of your life (give or take) and do WHATEVER it takes to pass. Don't make excuses, don't feel sorry for yourself, just grind out that 500+ hours of study time. Everyone who uses Roger CPA Review is familiar with two of his popular quotes: 1) If you study, you will pass! 2) This is not an IQ test, its a test of discipline.

AUD - 93
BEC - 84
FAR - 82
REG - 79

“When you have something in life that you want to accomplish greatly, you have to be willing to give up your happiness…I’ve lost all my sensitivity as far as being embarrassed, being shy, you just have to lose that.”  - Mike Tyson

 

[Author]

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