[MissVicky]

I know I might be out of topic here but I guess I just need to vent.

Like most of you, Im studying for the CPA exams.
We all can relate to just how difficult it is to study, especially after a long day of work. Because of this, I try to study during my lunch break. The problem is, we have had an intern for the last couple of months and he annoys the crap out of me.

A little back story: I feel like he stresses me out because he asks way too many questions. I can understand he is new but I think it’s just a bit ridiculous. I have only a year of experience so I also asks questions almost on a daily basis but I try to do research before I go and ask. This guy will sometimes ask me 30 question in one day (not all at the same time). Im assuming he feels more comfortable asking me since Im close to his age. The worst part is he thinks he knows more than he actually does. I try to explain how to do something and he will sometimes tells me “oh, are you sure, maybe I should go ask this other person”. I mean why ask me if he doesnt trust me. I guess I can even forgive him for asking so many questions even though I dont get much done but it annoys me that he asks questions during my lunch break. Ive told him before that I take my lunch between noon and 1pm but I guess he just doesn’t get it. It just annoys me so much to be in the middle of a lecture video with my damn ear phones on and he will go tap on my back to ask me a question even when he clearly sees Im studying.

Has anyone had to deal with this? I dont really even think anyone knows how much I help him and no one sees that he bothers me during my lunch break. Since I also asks questions because sometimes I still feel like I dont know anything, I feel like I cant talk to my boss about it without me sounding like a hypocrite. Im sure they would talk to him about it but I dont want things to be awkward between us especulially since we all get along.

We had another intern before and this was never a problem. I actually feel like a horrible person for hoping this guy does not get hired at the end of his internship. I honestly cherish the days he is not here.

[Anonymous]

@MissVicky
It is important for you to let the other person know how you feel when he doubts you repeatedly. Tell him how you feel next time he doubts you again. Sounds like the intern is very naive and yet eager to learn. There is nothing wrong with a person who is full of energy eager to be a part of the team. Just need to teach him how the real world works. Give him a spank in the butt.

[hasy]

Hmm, he just doesn't know? I feel that as interns, certain ones FEEL that they can ask any question since they've been told to ask the seniors about any issues.

My advice to you is to tell him that instead of coming to you for singular questions, best practice is to try and resolve the issue himself first, and if he doesn't get it, he should write down his questions. THEN, if he has a long enough list, he should come to you for all of them at the same time, instead of asking sporadically throughout the day.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Accountant183748]

I think some people are just oblivious or caught up in their own world! I know you mentioned you told him your lunch break is between 12-1, but have you specifically said, “I take my break to study for my CPA exam between 12pm and 1pm and I would appreciate it if you could hold all questions until after my break. The exam is very stressful and requires full concentration.” Some people just can't take hints and he might not realize that he is interrupting you or maybe he doesn't think it's a big deal!

I also agree with Hasy that you could try asking him to do a bit of research and bring a few questions at a time rather than one at a time because it is distracting to be in the middle of something and to be interrupted by questions; more so if the person then doubts your answer!

[MissVicky]

You guys are right! I should probably say something or at least be direct.

I have told him that I use my lunch time to study but I guess just as Vanche said, some people just don't take hints.

[FLACPA]

People don’t take hints and they don’t have a clue what taking this exam is like. They think because you work in accounting you know every single aspect and it should be a breeze. It’s annoying. And lunch time is MY time no matter what I am doing!

FAR 65 8/17/15 (NINJA Notes/Book/Audio/MCQ) retake 4/3/16 61 (Gleim didn't study)3rd try Nov '16
AUD 11/24/15 (Gleim)75
REG 8/3/16 (Gleim) Just ordered NINJA audio
BEC TBD

[livealittle]

At my firm we all have separate offices – we are not in cubicles. We usually don't shut our doors, but when i don't want to be disturbed, i shut my door AND put a sign on it that says “please do not disturb”. One of the staff would put a sign on her door that said “studying, please do not disturb”.

Is this an option for you?

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[Missy]

Do not answer his questions while you're on lunch break, very nicely say please remind me after my lunch break. May take a few days but if you answer him you're basically saying it's ok. When you're not at lunch and the questions come, ask what he's done so far to find the answer. Every single time. He'll either avoid you or start to seek out answers first.

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

[JAM]

Had a similar situation this past summer!

I had to let the intern know that I appreciate their willingness to learn and ask questions, BUT a big part of learning something is using what you know to develop answers. Through life you will never know everything, but you will have to produce answers and results even when you don't. When you come to me with a questions, you need to bring at least two answers you have developed and I will give you my opinion.

They started saying, I figured it out! A lot more often after that 🙂

[Author]

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