[Starved_Wolf]

Does anyone ever think to themselves while they’re holed up in the library studying on a Saturday night…”why can’t i be out poppin bottles in the club.. or something?”

no but seriously.. i feel like im not really living while studying for these exams and i still have a couple more sections to go.

What kinds of things have you all missed out on while making that choice to stay in and study?

[Anonymous]

Accounting has probably been a big mistake for me. The amount of time put in, lifestyle changes, and opportunities passed does not seem to have benefited me. The people and workplace culture in the world of accounting is so completely artificial. Coworkers and employers are not genuine. They only care about their job security and bottom line (for the most part).

With that said, I have quite a bit of experience and have been higher up on the payscale, however, I feel the time and energy spent pursuing a career in accounting could have been better spent elsewhere.

I have taken off work and focused solely on the CPA exam for about a year now. Even without a job and still working on the CPA, I will be meeting for lunch with a Director of one of the Big 4 firms and a few other established professionals for a business meeting. So although I feel like it was probably a mistake, there is still a lot of opportunity for me in the world of accounting. I suppose I just have higher expectations/aspirations, which makes it more difficult to feel satisfied compared to others.

So yea, lots of missed opportunities and experiences because of the exam and career choice. But also lots of experiences and opportunities I would have missed out on if I didn't pursue accounting as well. I'm still hoping for a big pay off in the future 🙂

[IwannabeaCPA2017]

Oh Starved_wolf, I have always had this feeling especially when it is warm and nice out!! I live in the midwest so dont get those weather often. From time to time I get a “cheat day” like the fitness people do lol. I will study maybe few hours and then break for few hours. I feel like as long I can get some studying in (legit studying)- maybe like 30-60 mcq in before taking a break.. Its all about balancing out. Coincidentally I just posted in FAR.. I studied for 3 hours earlier then went out for a bit to grab dinner. Now studying some more before bed.

I def miss hanging out with friends and family and not feeling guilty about it. Heck even during break time I always say to myself well if I didnt take 2 hour dinner I could be studying.. but then again having those thoughts prob mess with my mind.. even if i were studying I could be thinking about something else and not being productive. All in all, I think we need to tell ourselves when we can be the most productive and then study. If we are just going to stare at the questions and not pay attention (half ass) study theres no paint.
Note: I have been studying since March 2016 so it has been pretty long time..

[M123]

Having a free weekend. I did go to sundays off after FAR as I decided a day off is more productive than 7 days with burnout.

Another bad side effect is that when you're in a “hurry” to get through the exams – everything is a hurry, resulting in inability to “smell the roses”. Driving into rRed lights and such became incredibly irritating. I just have to remind myself that there is no hurry.

Keep in mind it feels d**n good on the other side – you'll find it was quite worth it.

[Author]

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