Caitlin – I was in your position 7 years ago. I was in the Big 4 and had only passed BEC. Failed both AUD and REG twice and gave up. Left the hectic B4 life, got an industry job and eventually made my way to financial reporting. After a few years in financial reporting, I was making an equal amount if not more money, than my peers from Big 4 with their CPAs that left for industry.
I used to have lunch with friends that had left industry or were contemplating leaving Big 4. When they asked me how much I made, they were always surprised and eventually they would bring up the fact that I didn't have my CPA. Guess what? It's not as important as you think.
There was NO pressure for me to get my CPA, but I started my journey again last August after my fiancee and family encouraged me to take it. I was able to pass my final section last month.
So from my view, you don't need your CPA to be successful. The Big 4 mindset is very narrow and close-minded.
1. Get your CPA
2. Make Senior
3. Leave shortly after Sr. Or Make Manager
It's formulaic and it doesn't work for everyone. I was never the one to follow absolute authority. There are other ways to be successful and getting a CPA is not a golden ticket. Don't feel bad if you need to take a year or two off from the CPA. Maybe it's not your time. Focus on other things, re-group and then maybe you can tackle it in the future when you're better prepared.
Also, for what it's worth, I used Becker exclusively.
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