[elissalh]

Happy weekend, everyone!

Long story short: I am BURNT OUT between work and studying. I am trying really hard to stay motivated and push through and as DJ Khaled once said, I’m out here grindin’ (awful reference).

After a crazy busy season and two audit failures (I work in tax, audit stinks ;)) it was really hard for me to get back on the studying wagon and now I am faced with FAR in less than 3 weeks (6/9). I have been studying for about a month, but not consistently. I know this is my own fault and I completely take responsibility. I am not expecting a pass, but I am willing to put in the work for the next 19 days (10 of which are wkds & PTO) in order to increase my chances of that lovely 75. I would take more time off but unfortunately client deadlines do not allow for that.

Besides MCQs for days & taking notes and more notes… Does anyone have any advice? Help a girl out! 🙂

[Missy]

Burnt out is a choice and the more you have that dialogue in your head the worse you'll feel. As simple as it sounds just stop telling yourself you're burnt out. I had to have a heart to heart talk with myself and say it was time to put on the big girl pants and just get it done. Besides if you're saying that you're not studying consistently you've cut yourself some slack and should be a bit refreshed.

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

[theunexperienced]

Burn out, in my opinion, is definitely real. You gotta get your mind right and push forward. There is no secrets or tricks. You have to put the time in. You have to fully dedicate yourself to studying 2-3 hours a day with no distractions. What helps me currently is putting myself on a timer. Also, keep the end goal in mind. Mine is being able to put in my two week notice at my current retail job and leave for good. Whatever motivates you, put that in your head and block out everything else. The CPA exam is about 15% skill, 85% will. Will over skill!

FAR - 75 (2/25/16)
AUD - 80 (4/8/16)
REG - 80 (6/10/16)
BEC - 79 (7/19/16)

You only get one shot with the spirit bomb.

[Anonymous]

Take a night off of studying. Go to the movies, catch a baseball game, binge watch family guy for 5 hours. Do something to clear your head. I have found that when I am burning out, I go to work on time (not early), go home as close to 5 as my work load allows and then do something that clears my head. I will round it out with another morning of “sleeping in” and I feel a million times better. For me, burning out is typically caused by lack of sleep and too many computer hours. Take a night off and get some quality sleep and you will feel much better than you think!

[Tncincy]

I agre with Mla, if you think you're burnt out then you are, but you can regroup.
I told a friend of mine last night about nursing, she's a new mother and she is cringing at the pain of nursing and pumping milk, but I told her the sooner you get this done, the sooner it will stop hurting. So curl your toes, grit your teeth and get it done. So the sooner you get that study time in the sooner you will pass this test. Take a break,…but don't let your test date creep up on you, you will really feel overwhelmed because you won't be prepared. Flash cards, audio, mcq's, notes, do something to get you on the study roll again.

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

[elissalh]

Thanks to everyone for your input, advice, & encouragement! After calling it quits early & taking last night to regroup (aka going to bed before 12), I am having a very successful study day. Now for a 2 hour break and back at it for the rest of the night!

[Ag12thman]

I usually do something active when I take a study break. Go for a run, lift weights, or do yard work. In my opinion, clearing the head is very important and you should do something other than sit and be sedentary in order to do so. Get your heart rate up, move around, and get some physical activity. That clears my head better than anything. Just my 2 cents.

FAR: July 2016

[Author]

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