[Anonymous]

I’ve been in the Accounting field for over 15 years. Really and truly, hated every second of it. I am in it, because the money is pretty decent and I am good at what I do. I am going for my CPA for 3 reasons:

1) Put validation on this career

2) Pressure from Upper Management and myself

3) Why be in this career if you’re not going to get the license?

I don’t want to take a huge pay cut and I don’t know what else to do (since this is all I have ever done in my career), so that is primarily the reasons why I am still in this field. Anyone have any suggestions or advise for myself? Long time follower, first time “post”er. FYI – Bombed REG 5/2011

– ConfusedinGA

[kandisjoy]

Wow, 15 years in accounting and you hate it? I am so sorry. That is awful. If I were you, I'd try to find a different career within accounting or start my own business. Perhaps get your CPA and then use that as leverage to start a new career path within accounting? There are a lot of different things that you can do within the field. I was in public accounting for a little over a year and hated it. I thought that I might not even like accounting at all. Now I'm in private accounting and it is much better; so it's all about preference. What type of accounting have you been doing for the last 15 years?

FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85

CA Licensed 11/2011

[Anonymous]

Thanks for listening Kandisjoy. I started out doing public accounting for a small company, then gradually moved to a larger company as a senior. After doing 8 tax seasons, I realized (takes me a while to actually pull the trigger) public accounting wasn't for me either. I have also been doing private for the past 7 years…and although it is a tad bit better…I still hate it. I am now a manager…and everyone seems to like the work I do; however, being behind this computer and sheltered from the world has been killing me! I keep telling myself, that once I get my CPA, everything will be better. And, maybe it will. But for some reason, I am still not putting 100% into my studying. What has been the trick for you studying? I listen to the Becker lectures, do the homework after each lecture and go to the next one. After reading these posts though, I KNOW that is not sufficient. Wow…that was venting/complaining at it's nth degree.

[kandisjoy]

I do believe that becoming a CPA will open doors for you, and hopefully you'll find a door that leads to a career that you enjoy. :o)

For me, my study problems were that I wasn't sticking to a study schedule, I wasn't giving it 100%, and I also was trying to just read over the material rather than really learn it. What finally changed was that I discovered CPAexcel and forced myself to stick to the program's rigid study schedule. I don't have any experience with Becker, but I have heard that a lot of Becker students end up getting the Wiley test bank for additional practice questions. If Becker doesn't come with a study schedule, you should make one for yourself and really stick to it. Don't let yourself get behind by even a day – that's a slippery slope,

I studied each section until I really understood it, and I took all of the practice exam questions after each section. I went to a coffee shop after work with my laptop and stayed for 3-4 hours every night. It made it a lot easier to study. I stopped hanging out with my friends completely (they understood, and if they didn't, I don't need them). I made no exceptions when it came to studying – studying came before everything.

I think the most important thing when trying to motivate yourself for this test is to figure out WHY you want to pass. Jeff's Ninja notes have a page that makes you write down three reasons you are trying to become a CPA. I put that at the front of my study binder and read over my reasons every day before I studied. It really helped me on those days where I felt unmotivated.

I hope this helps!

FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85

CA Licensed 11/2011

[Anonymous]

I think the company you work for can have a pretty big impact on how “sheltered from the world” you feel, and how you feel everyday at work. I'm an outgoing person, and I like talking with my coworkers, walking to the farmers market at lunch, etc. Lucky for me, the accounting department at my job is very fun. Everyone is pretty outgoing, likes to joke around and get to know eachother. We even have monthly accounting department luncheons. Granted, the department is small, only 10 people, but I have interviewed at lots of other companies and you can tell that the “vibe” is very formal, or stuffy, or that the other accountants just want to stay at their desk, work on their computer with headphones on and not be bothered. So step one to having a more enjoyable career may be switching to a different company.

Personally, I don't think you should get the CPA unless you really want it for you. There are just too many personal sacrifices you have to make to be doing it for some other reason than its what YOU really want for yourself.

I've often thought about having my own bookeeping business. You'd be surprised how many small business owners can't even do quickbooks for themselves. Since you have a tax background, you could help bookkeeping clients with their taxes too. It'd be nice to have my own schedule, work from home and the drive around to visit clients. Maybe try thinking about other careers that you can transfer your skills to.

[SusanStudies]

GA:

Life is too short to not enjoy what you're doing day in, day out. There are other accounting fields in which your CPA could be a benefit. For instance, forensic accounting is really interesting and the Feds pay decent money for them. As CalCPA stated there are options such as going into business for yourself. I hear IT auditors are in demand so if you have an interest in that, doors may open.

As the others have stated, I wouldn't go for the CPA unless YOU want to do it. It is tough to get motivated otherwise.

I'm just getting started on my CPA journey. I have been working in accounting for 20 years in one capacity or another. I really love it (except taxes), have been successful, and can see myself continuing in this field. Therefore, I'm finally going for the CPA.

Having a CPA is not a bad thing and it is generaly looked upon with respect, even if you get out of accounting for something else down the road. Give it some thought…there are a lot of people here to support you in your decision and journey.

AUD: 07/11/11 - Passed
BEC: 08/27/11 - Passed
FAR: 01/17/12 - Passed
REG: 04/30/12; Re-take 7/16/12 - Passed

FINISHED!!!!!!!!

[MQcpasoon]

ConfusedinGA

I have been in the field for 23 years, and I love every minute of what I do and I do it right. I feel a satisfaction of the daily work done.

You should try to be an auditor perhaps… I want to have my CPA because is a long term goal. I have a pretty decent salary good benefits, recognition from my direct boss and top management, what else I need. I want to finish this journey because of me and nothing else. Whatever brings welcome is….

You should do what makes you happy!!!!

Good luck!

[Author]

Replies