@CPA_Romantic:
I feel your hardship. I been through many things during my CPA prep. My CPA journey started in January 2012. I got married in Oct 2012, took 3 weeks of time off. And in November and December, my father had heart stance treatment, and took more bloodthinner, so he kept nose-bleeding all day, and went to ER several times. So I couldn't focus on study well. Now that my wife is pregnant and baby is due on 4/3/2013. and now I am buying a house, and targetting to close on 3/18/2013. There were a lot of going back and forth with mortgage broker, attorney, and realtors.
If you are determined that you are going to become a CPA, then you should stay focus (I guess you are already determined per your post)
The way I managed to pass three exams (AUD, BEC, and FAR) on the top of working full time, is “let go” everything unrelated to CPA out of your mind. I cut down on talking to friends, and dont go out much. Also, I reduced dinner time down to 20 mins. Once done with dinner with 20 mins, then have 30~40 mins break, and then sit in front of CPA material.
I prioritized CPA study over wife, baby, and father. My wife supported me to stay focused on study. My father's health condition was frustrating because of nose-bleeding for more than 2 weeks, but it was not life-threatening, so even though I was worried about him, I trusted doctors and strived to focus on study. I would say this was about physical point of view – I have only one body myself, so I cannot do multi-tasking, need to choose what I can do with one body in most efficient way.
In mental emotional aspect, I was very stressed because I had to get married, and there were many arguments with wife, and parents about wedding plan. Also, I felt guilty that I did not pay my full attention to father, even though I couldn't do anything for my father in any productive way. I was very frustrated, and even depressed, I felt that my life was miserable, and wouldn't go any better. But I kind of managed my daily life. I knew that even though there are on-going concerns, I could focus on studying eventually by making some progress – try to focus on study for 1hour at the beginning, try not to think of any concerns in your life, that one hour is only for you to study. Try that for 1 week, then you will have enough space in your mind for CPA study. Then gradually increase study time up to 2~3 hours a day. It will allow you to juggle your concern about father, effort required at your work, and effort required for your CPA prep.
There are going up and down in life – think of climbing mountain. Now you are going through your hard time. Once done with it, you will get compensated for it, and become a stronger person.
Hope this helps, and feel better.
Currently:
CPA - Class of 2013
ALMI (Associate, Life Management Institute)
CISA - Passed in 2011, Certified in 2014
In Progress:
ASA (Associate of Society of Actuaries) - EXAM P (O), EXAM FM (O), EXAM MFE (X), EXAM MLC (X), EXAM C (X)
.