[Anonymous]

I am struggling with studying every evening after a long day of working at a big 4 firm. We are slowly getting into busy season now so I normally can’t get home till 7 or 8pm (it will only get later and later…). By the time I am done with dinner and other chores, it is already 9 or 10pm. Even if I am able to force myself to open the books after that, I can’t really take in much new information anymore, not to mention how much I would actually remember.

I try waking up early in the morning as well but I figured I am just not a morning person either – losing 2 hours of sleep every morning actually makes my day a lot less productive.

I don’t have a family yet, so technically I should be able to focus better. However, I find the lack of motivation and supports become one of the excuses for me not studying.

Any insights? How do you deal with studying at late nights and feeling dreaded after a long day of work? Thanks for your advice in advance!

[Anonymous]

Honestly it's only going to get harder. I have a couple friends who have worked for Big 4 since graduating college and have had very little time to study, even when its not busy season. None are remotely close to passing all 4 tests.

I take FAR in 3 weeks and then hopefully I'll be done, and might be able to get into E&Y after busy season. I really couldn't see myself doing what you're doing now, going home at 10 pm and cracking the books to listen to Olinto and Gearty lull me to sleep.

My best advice would be to blast through Wiley test bank questions for BEC and Audit, that helped me more than becker, especially BEC since the questions are far more varied on the actual test and not very much like Becker. Going through Wiley test bank questions after work will be a hell of a lot easier than reading through the books at 10pm

[mdrobbin]

I don't work in Big 4 but, for me, I don't think I could study after I leave the office after a full day of work. Once I leave the office I'm mentally done for the night.

Is it possible for you to study at the office? I always pick up something quick or bring a microwave dinner and eat at my desk as I begin studying. I don't leave the office until after 10pm most nights so I put in over 14 hours a day not including a couple hours commute but, as long as I'm physically at the office, I can manage to keep focus. Plus, there is unlimited free coffee there… that doesn't hurt.

2 hours a day or more Monday through Friday then 12 hours spread over the weekend is what I typically target. Not sure how that would work during busy season as I don't have to deal with that but I think with proper planning it's possible to squeeze in 20 hours in a week.

FAR - 2012 - PASSED (YAEGER)
AUD - 2012 - PASSED (YAEGER + NINJA NOTES)
BEC - 2012 - PASSED (YAEGER + NINJA NOTES)
REG - 2013 - PASSED (YAEGER + NINJA NOTES + NINJA AUDIO)

ETHICS - 2013 - PASSED

DONE!!! Thank you A71 for all the support! Hiya!!!

[Anonymous]

Pay now or pay later 🙁

[Anonymous]

I work at BIG 4 firm, and I can say that the only way I can manage my studying while working (especially) during busy season is waking up early in the morning. I set my alarm at 3:45 and study from 4:00-6:00 every morning. (I do have days where I sleep in if I haven't gotten enough sleep.)

That way when I come home I know that no matter what I have put in 2 hours already, I try and put in at least an hour more but even if I have to work late I know that I still got some studying done.

This makes a big difference trust me, even if you are not a morning person. I wasn't either, nor did I drink coffee before I started studying. THe first few days of doing this is going to be very difficult, but once you get into a routine it becomes easier.

Also anytime there is downtime at work I load up the Wiley Test Bank and do questions, also depends on what level you are at the firm. If you are Junior Staff like me it's easier to get off work a little early. I get to work an hour early so that I can (with exception during busy season) leave on time and get home to put in some more studying.

Last piece of advice would be to take advantage of downtime when busy season is over, try and sit as many exams during that period as you will have more downtime at work (depending on your level) and will be more likely to be leaving work on time.

[Anonymous]

I'm also Big 4 and it's not easy. Our big audit signs-off 2/22 so my next night of studying won't be until 2/23. Or maybe 2/24 cause I could really use a night off after sign-off.

I did study for AUD in January. It sucked. We were working until at least 8 each night. I barely squeezed in 2 hours a night. If you have the time in your exam schedule to take a break during busy season, it may not be a bad idea. Personally I just know I don't absorb much STARTING to study at 10pm.

If you do have to study during busy season to stay on track, I like the recommendation of waking up early to get some in. Or maybe try to study at lunch. Then there's less to do after work.

Good luck!

[HustlinHustlin]

I don't work big 4 but in Public Accounting. While we still have busy season, it isn't anything compared to Big 4. We do average about 50-60 hour weeks during it.

I can usually get in 20 hours, but around busy season maybe 15.

As someone stated before, do it early!!! This has been the most valuable lesson I have learned. I also find I am way more focused in the morning. Even if I only get in an hour and go back to sleep (which was the case the morning, ran out of coffee!) I feel a little accomplished.

I also have given up on studying during lunch just because of distractions – the phone ringing, people assuming I am working, people asking about the exams. If its not quality it's not worth it. If you have a quiet place to go it can be much better – sometimes I find an abandoned office where nobody will find me (lol).

Also, the weekends are your friend. Since you'll be used to waking up early, you can do that and study 8 hours or so – then enjoy your evenings. Lets be real, if you are in public accounting you have to drink on the weekends to make yourself feel okay with life. Just kidding (no I am not).

Hope this helps!

B 71 - 79 EXPIRED
A 69 - 75 EXPIRED
R 65 - 48 - 45
F 56 - 61 - 65 - 64

Becker, Wiley Test Bank, Wiley Text and Ninja Notes

"The fish who keeps on swimming is the first to chill upstream" -311

Experience - Done, like WAAAY done.
Still need 30 more credits, in basket weaving (gotta love new CA requirements)

[acamp]

Wait until after busy season, blend some PTO into your study time. When I started with DT I only had AUD left, so I never got to experience the juggle, but I have a coworker who was killing himself last month with busy season hours + CPA exam. Unless you're bumping up against expirations, I would push it until after busy season, give yourself a tight deadline and use a week of PTO before the exam.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[kels417]

I'm also struggling with this. Don't work at a Big 4 firm, but do work at a top 10 firm. Busy season means 55-65 hours a week for me and 6 day work weeks. Not sure the morning studying is an option for me, as i have a hard time even getting up for work! But my routine has been to come home, study for an hour, eat dinner, and then study until an hour or so before i go to bed (otherwise my mind is racing all night with awesome formulas that i've been staring at all evening). Weekends are the main study times. 6-8 solid hours both saturday and sunday, if possible. I average probably 20 hours when it's not busy season and 15 when it is, just like @HustlinHustlin.

Illinois
Becker self study | Becker flashcards | Gleim | self written notes | WTB

AUD - 74, 75 Passed! (Expires 1/2/2014)
BEC - 78 Passed! (Expires 2/6/2014)
REG - 70, 70, 72, 74, 76 Passed!!
FAR - 72, 66, 69, 67

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone!

Now I am only a week away from the FAR exam. Work has gotten really crazy. I don't even know how am I going prepre for a comprehensive final review anymore…

[abacus]

I just started B4 and have been struggling finding time to study. I took CPAforeigner's advice and have been getting up early. I am exhausted, but I want to pass and it's crunch time. I do not see this as a sustainable option, but since I am up against a deadline, I will make it work.

You mentioned not having a family to support, but if any of your family members are (or if you know anyone that is) up early, ask him or her to call you at 5am. I have asked my Dad to do this and it has really helped. 1. It gets me up and out of bed and 2. Talking for even a few mins wakes me up a bit.

I also agree with HustlinHustlin about weekends. We work Saturday, but at the staff level, we rarely work Sundays. I know you need a mental break, but Sundays need to be an 8-12 hour study day. Longer if you can be productive.

Also, cash money- Pay now or pay later has been my mantra ever since I originally read this thread!

BEC 81
AUD 76
FAR 70, 76
REG 58, 78! DONE!

"I am not my intentions. I am my actions."

[mla1169]

Never worked in big 4 but working a 12 hour day with no kids sounds like a luxury to me LOL! I was working 9 hour days, in school for my masters, 2 kids, and did this.

I'm not going to lie, theres no way to make it “easier”. You just have to push through it as exhausting as it is and do what needs to be done. Remember its not forever, and the short term sacrifice has a very long term payoff!

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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