45 Years Old & Still Trying

What do you mean at your age? Unless you're exceptionally lucky you've got 20-25 years (nearly half your professional career) ahead of you. What you make of those years is what you need to decide.

we all struggle. for me it is getting hired to obtain the experience required.
as for the exams i was determined that my effort would not be the impediment. so i set a goal and got them done. i didn't dabble. i set a schedule. i woke up early, i stayed up late, i never saw friends or family for the 10 months i was in buckle down mode. shit happened i dealt with it and got right back on track.
i used ninja books and mcqs. i googled. i youtubed. i engaged with study groups on this forum.
has it made me rich or popular? not hardly but that was not the point. i had been in IT a long time and chose a different field. it is what i want so i am getting it. passing the exams has given me a sense of accomplishment but there is more for me to do so i keep at it. this is the work i want to do.
what do you want? whatever it is, go for it.

Pshhhh. Age is just a number that is irrelevant to passing these exams. I have gotten a BSBA in accounting, an MBA in accounting and am on my last exam- all after 40. One of my mentors said – you can be over 40 with a degree or without, it is your choice. The same goes for the CPA designation. You got this! 😉

Well Psiluv12, join the club…pick one, over 40, strugglers, daydreamers, you name it. Many of us have been and is where you are, with the same questions, and the same reasons to get out, but as was said on the Espys tonight, NEVER GIVE UP. I take reg (again) tomorrow. I don't feel like I am ready and probably won't pass, but I am determined to not give up. Why drive 2 hours to fail is beyond me, but not trying is even worse than failing. So don't worry about how many times you have to re-take or how long you have to study, the end result is CPA. Those three letters is why we try again. Oh and I am 51. Why didn't I go this when I was younger? well go figure.

When you decide to pass the exams, you will pass the exams. You came that close to passing REG? I'm sorry but you have to keep going lol! Who's going to want to hire you once you pass the exams? Depends on your networking I guess but CPA = more options, period. Do the benefits outweigh the cost? I think getting your CPA is one hell of an accomplishment and is worth sacrificing a little fun for. Go hard and get it over with!

I'm 47 and have 1 section left (hopefully). I didn't get my MBA or 150 hours until I was 45. Time passes one way or the other. Where you are after that time passes is the only thing you have control over.

I like the answer dear abby gave the guy that wrote in and asked “I would go back to school, but it would take me 10 years to finish, and then I will be X years old. Abby answered “If you don't go back to school, how old will you be in ten years THEN?”

Go for it, you'll be better off. Take it from a 59 year old that still is trying to pass his first exam

Most private employers would hire you if you meet just the following:
1. CPA (no one cares about your scores or when did you get your License)
2. Public Accounting Experience (even if it is just 2 years). Some employers may be ok. if you don't have this experience.
3. Software experience (industry specific or just MS Office especially advanced excel).
4. A well prepared resume (essential). Lean and direct to what they are looking for. Recommended to have different versions.
5. and of course you must ace the interview (honest with a touch of performance).

Anything else is a plus.

My employer hires people regardless of their age. They hired an accountant (staff position) just a few years ago and he was over 50. It is illegal to discriminate because of age.

So…think positive!!!