[jeff]

I was getting requests for a thread like this – so here it is!

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[yankeeaccountant]

Allyson,

Yep, I have my backpack of guilt strapped on. I feel naked without it. It gets so bad when it is close to an exam, I ask myself: “really, do I need to brush my teeth/shower–how much time would that take out of studying?!” My priorities are all out of whack. I hope you know that you are in good company (ok, I broke down and brushed my teeth today and showered–my neighbor came over this a.m. with accounting questions about her business, so I tried to be presentable!!)

Understand the tension brought on by the exam experience. I think my husband's patience wore out during the time I had to take the 5 accounting classes to get me the 150 hrs. So, needless to say when the exam rollercoaster hit, you could stick a fork in him. My husband is the same way,he can't stand to see me suffer. This is a problem, because I like to roll around like a pig in mud when I am down, it helps me get back up–this makes him even crazier. AAAAAHHH.

Thanks for sharing the “other side”. I was ignoring this thread, since I felt like I didn't really fit in with the “everything is going great category”, felt like I was the only one whose husband thought exam was a four letter word….wait…it is–but you know what I mean. 🙂

I know that you will be the Old Allyson again, as well as I. Have to. This backpack is too heavy to keep carrying around. August 23rd will be a great day—all the planets will be in line!

[WhyEvenTry]

Good luck Allyson! It has to be frustrating that you, technically, passed all 4 CPA exams, but unfortunately one expired. Go get 'em this time. Over-prepare and over-study to make sure it's your last.

– I am 26, and married with a 3 month old. At the time I was just beginning this CPA journey, I found out my wife was pregnant. So, I set a goal to be done with all exams before he was born. This gave me some extra motivation and incentive to get the exams done quickly, because I didn't want to spend any time studying after my son was born. I succeeded….barely. My last exam was scheduled for May 9th (a Monday), which was a week before my son's due date. I figured I would take advantage of every last day before his birth to study. I pushed my luck a little too much because he was born on Sunday, May 8th (Mother's day…go figure). I had to reschedule my exam for the following Monday (and pay $130). I hardly studied that additional week, but still went into my last exam confident and ready for the end. A month later I found out I passed, and my journey was over. My goal was a success, and my little man get's all his Dad's attention. It's great. Use your little one's as motivation, and study like crazy, especially if this is your last exam.

BEC - 71, 74, 77 (Feb - 2011)
FAR - 73, 78 (Feb - 2011)
REG - 83 (Nov 2010)
AUD - 71, 84 (May 2011) - Done!! CPA licensed in TX (July 2011)

[hilaryh_88]

WhyEvenTry – That's a great story!

IWannaBaCPA – Seems like we have a very similar situation. I just keep telling myself I will get my life back once this exam is over with!

Allyson – You described what I am always feeling like during this process to a T. If I'm not studying, I'm telling myself I should be and I am unable to truly enjoy anything because I just feel the pressure of the exam.

AUD - 82 Becker
BEC - 75 Becker
REG - 71, 82 Becker
FAR - 66,61,71,74,70 and #6 80!!!! FINALLY DONE!!! 9/20/12
Yaeger and Yaeger CRAM for the final battle!

[mla1169]

BIG congrats to all the newlyweds and new and expecting parents!

Allyson, I can relate to a not entirely supportive husband. He is a wonderful man, don't get me wrong (in fact I just married him on April Fool's day, we had been divorced for 8 years but reconciled LOL)

However he never went to college, barely finished high school. He has tried to understand since we reconciled how important school is to me, and even tries to understand the CPA thing but makes this general assumption that “you're so smart I know this is a piece of cake for you, why do you need to study so much?”

Gotta love that he thinks I walk on water though 🙂

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[kb24]

Just need to let off a little steam, and this thread is the perfect place. For those who don't know my story, after being a stay-at-home mother for several years I went to grad school in 2004 and 2005 and got my MS Accy. At the beginning of my last semester my mother was diagnosed with dementia, and I delayed my job search for what I thought would be a few months while we got her moved into appropriate care and sold her house. Things didn't work out as planned, and we had constant crises for the next few years so I didn't feel that I could take on the responsibility of a demanding job. I decided the situation was stable enough for me to get a job at the beginning of the year but felt I needed to take the CPA exam to make myself a more attractive candidate. I took and passed the exams last test window and began looking for a job after that.

While it's not fun, I've been using the same full-time job mentality I used when studying for the CPA exam. I've tried to take a systematic approach by looking at the websites of the major recruiters, state and federal governments, large non-accounting firms, and accounting firms on a regular basis and applying for any jobs for which I'm remotely qualified. In addition, I'm making use of the career counseling at my former university and have my resume posted on their website. If I haven't found a job by the fall I'm planning to participate in the on-campus recruiting. I recently established a LinkedIn account and am reaching out to former professors on it as well as looking for a job. I've only been seriously looking for the last 3 or 4 weeks because I had to help my sister out after she had major surgery in late June.

Anyway, my husband was super supportive throughout the exam although there was a bit of the attitude that “you're smart–of course you'll pass!”. During my job search, though, his support is disappearing quickly. I don't know what the deal is, but tonight he asked me what my backup plan was if I didn't find a job. He said that he thought applying on line was a waste of time because no one's getting jobs and there are tons of people out there more experienced than me. He said I needed to think outside the box and suggested I call up a firm and offer to work for free for a year so I could get my CPA. I didn't know what to say and still don't. I know that he's under a lot of pressure at work even though he doesn't talk much about his problems, but that's been going on for months. I can't figure out why he felt the need to be so discouraging tonight. It's not how he is normally.

Thanks for letting me vent. Hopefully things will be better tomorrow.

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[jeff]

kb – have you guys considered going to a marriage counselor just for a “tune-up”. He may be dealing with some work stress that he doesn't want to burden you with.

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[kb24]

It's a good idea, Jeff, but he's not interested in that right now. He didn't flat out refuse when I suggested it, but he didn't think that it would be of much use. He's a very private person so the idea of talking to a stranger doesn't appeal to him.

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[yankeeaccountant]

kb24,

Wow, I am really sorry to hear that. In light of all the bumps ( seems like you have had your fair share), your wonderful news of passing all four parts seems to be losing some luster in the eyes of your husband. That doesn't mean you should feel the same way. You have accomplished alot in times that were extremely difficult for any person. Don't lose sight of that.

You mentioned that your husband is having a tough time at work–I am sure that his negative attitude is directly related to that, and that it wasn't his comments weren't intentional. It is tough when we need support from loved ones and it isn't there. That is why this forum is so great. Looking for a job, to me, is like going to the doctor. I don't really like it, but when it is done, I am glad I did it. I am sure your husband is forgetting how tough the job market can be. Remember–all it takes is one employer to offer you a job. But finding it can be a trick. I don't think working for free is the answer either. I think that internet searches can be effective. I think the more ways you can look, the more chances you have at finding something. You just don't know where things can lead…and that is the beauty of the job search. I have found some great recruiters in my area from the internet and LInkedIN. I also try to network and such. One idea: have you joined the Texas Accountants Society? I know that for my state, once you join, they have special meetings for newer members and they expose you to a huge network. IMO it is worth the $35 or $40 to join.

Don't let your hubby get you down. Heck, you passed the CPA–you can DO anything. The job will come, if you are putting the same kind of resolve as you have in these exams and school—I have no doubts that you will find a great job.

Tomorrow will be a better day!!!

[kb24]

Thanks yankee. I hadn't thought of checking out the state accounting society, but that's a good idea. You're right about everything else as well. I'm sympathetic to his problems, but I was hurt by both his comments and the fact that he didn't seem to understand why I was upset. It doesn't help that I don't have any chocolate around to ease the pain, either.

Tomorrow will be a better day. Good luck at the library with REG tomorrow.

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[kb24]

@yankee

Just checked and they do have a category of membership for students and CPA candidates for $35. Have to call to get an account, but I'll do that in the morning and then explore the career assistance options on the site. Thanks for the idea.

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[yankeeaccountant]

kb,

If I could send you some chocolate over the internet I would!! Where is Willy Wonka with that Wonkavision when you need him??!!!

I think you may need to use this Will Ferrel (Anchorman) quote with your husband ” I don't know how to tell you, but I am kinda a big deal!” I am not sure if your hubby knows that we all hail KB24 on this forum for passing 4 exams in one window!!! I am not sure if you know the reference or not. I love Will Ferrel. Anchorman is a crazy, funny movie. I love that kind of humor. 🙂

You know I reference movies alot on this forum. I guess for my lack of being able to sit on the couch and veg. People must think I am crazy! Hopefully you got a laugh.

Take care!

[yankeeaccountant]

no problem…glad I could finally help you. You have helped me soooo many times.

[kb24]

Thanks yankee and jeff for your kind words. I don't mean to make my husband sound like a bad guy. He's is going through a lot right now at work–most of which he has no control over even though he's self-employed–and had some discouraging news yesterday. I think his suggestion was the result of his discouragement over life in general right now plus a complete lack of understanding of corporate culture. Aside from his first two years out of school, he's never worked for anyone else. While his idea sounded defeatist and desperate to me, I think he was looking at it from the perspective of getting my foot in the door and then demonstrating my worth to a firm. In his mind, the worst case would be that I'd gain experience and get my CPA license.

Thanks for the Will Farrell quote yankee. I said basically the same thing to him (only not so succinctly) last night. I have self-esteem issues about some areas of my life, but this isn't one of them.

Last night I did my Scarlett O'Hara imitation “Tomorrow is another day”. (See, I do movie references too.) I decided I was going to treat myself to a pedicure, chocolate, and a chat with my sister. I might throw a massage in there, too. Then, it's back to the job search. It's not fun, but I know I'll find something. It's just going to take some time and hard work.

Thanks again for all the support.

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[mla1169]

KB, I'm sorry. I bet he doesn't even realize that he comes across a bit discouraging. Probably just assumed that since you passed all 4 sections with total lightening speed that the job search would be as exceptional. I believe (and somebody can correct me if I am wrong) that the CPA firms may be in a lull with hiring at this time of year and will gear up with hiring in the fall.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[kb24]

@mla – I think you're right about the lull in hiring. I'm hoping they're coming out of it, though, because I've noticed some more job postings on the accounting firm websites this week as compared to last week.

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[Author]

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