[habitual]

So I have recently been contemplating leaving the accounting world for the world of education. I know the horror stories about teaching, and I also know that the pay is very low for the work they do. I have always hated what I do, I have just held on because of the promise of a good salary. I do enjoy the pay, but I can’t decide what is more important, the money or my happiness/sanity. I have always loved math and I think I would make an excellent teacher. I’m expecting my first child and the fact that when they are in school I will be home while they are home is also an appealing factor.
What are your thoughts on me finishing my CPA. I am halfway done and I can probably finish by the end of the year but I don’t know if it’s worth it. I hate to just give up on it, but I really don’t see the point of keeping up with CPE if it’s not required for my job.
I have searched and searched the forum and I haven’t found any threads on candidates leaving the CPA for teaching. Do any of you know of anyone or have you considered the same? Thoughts??

[Missy]

No idea about teaching (or if you'd need to go back to school to meet those requirements) but since you're this far into the cpa I'd finish it. If for nothing else can always use it going forward to do taxes on the side or bookkeeping at a higher rate if you ever choose to supplement a teachers salary (although I realize it can be intense hours during the school year)

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

[VDP]

This is my story, except the other way around!

I was an elementary teacher for ten years. Around year 7 or 8 I realized there was no way I would make it another 15 or 20 years to retirement so I began taking steps toward a career change. I won't go into the multitude of reasons I had for leaving teaching since that wasn't your question, but I would suggest trying to finish the exam. Teaching may or may not work out or you may want something different once your child is older. If you can finish the exam now, more opportunities will be available if you choose to get back into accounting in the future.

[Anonymous]

finish the exam. THEN look into being a teacher. As was already noted, you can do returns etc on the side for some extra money since you will probably nee it.

[habitual]

Thanks for the advice! I'm in Oklahoma and all I need to do to be certified to teach math is pass a few tests.. shouldn't be too hard compared to the CPA. I was actually contacted today about a job opening at the school I was interested which is what is really driving me to do this. I always look for “signs” and things have really been seeming to point me in one direction lately. I think I will go ahead and try to finish these exams though.. my husband is accountant but he isn't pursuing his cpa. I don't know that I would do this forever and if I decide to go back to accounting it would be beneficial to have CPA on my resume

[sancasuki]

Are you going to teach accounting?

[habitual]

No actually the position I was told was available is junior high math teacher

[Jdn9201]

I did the opposite to you – majored in education (middle grades math) then changed my major to accounting after completing student teaching. Kudos to those who really care about teaching and put in the effort.
As you've mentioned since you have a college degree it will be pretty easy for you to get a teaching certificate. I will have to caution you that there's alot more involved to teaching besides working during school hours. As far as your CPA, others have made good points but make sure if you continue its because you are really motivated to do so. I didn't get my cpa until 10 years after I graduated from college because that's how long it took me to really want it for myself. I think many people struggle with these exams because they don't really know what their why is, besides it's what other people told them to do. Good luck!

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[tg7174]

If you have your CPA you may be able to teach some accounting, econ, or finance subjects if you school needs them, or even at your local community college for some extra income. I considered doing software development while I was taking the CPA exam, and my friends said to finish the CPA exam first since it demonstrates that you can work hard over a long period of time, are dedicated, and bring projects to completion.

[Anonymous]

We're a little on the same situation! I just started my career in accounting and I already plan on getting into teaching some day. I'd like to teach accounting in community colleges/universities. In future I plan to maybe operate my own little bookkeeping/taxes business along with teaching. I just feel like that's where I'll truly feel satisfied in the field of accounting! If anyone has any recommendations for me please do share 🙂

Good luck habitualprocrastinator93! I totally understanding wanting to go for less money in return for more job satisfaction! However, I do recommend for you to complete your CPA. Especially since you're just one exam away. Trust me it'll be a good title to hold on to. It will only bring good things in the future for you! Even in the world of teaching. 🙂

[Author]

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