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Hello,
I am new to this forum but I really wanted to read about “real life” experiences involving the field that I plan to dedicate a GOOD portion of my life being committed to.
Some Background Info about me:
-I was academically dismissed from University of South Florida this past Spring(due to new withdrawal policies). I needed to withdraw due to losing my grandmother,being pregnant and going through some mania[Yes, I am bipolar] Crazy, I know.After speaking with my therapist of 2+years and just doing some soul searching, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in accounting. I wanted to work in a field that would give me an overall “great” job satisfaction than compared to me pursuing my Mathematics degree at USF[possibly continuing into the teaching field]
My fiance encouraged me to take online classes due to having two children, a nine year old and a 2 1/2 month old, we agreed that it would be best.
I am currently pursuing a BA in Accounting online at St Leo University and may take their graduate course to obtain a MA Acc [not sure if that one in particular] I want to get a Masters in something that will give me MORE of an edge.
WhooOOooOOoooo that was a lot to take in, im sure lol But it is necessary so you all can understand what I am asking a little bit more. I know I am no where close to being a CPA candidate but I know this is what I want to do. Since I have children, I have a lot to consider. Especially since taking the exam is so “state specific” I really need to be sure where I and my family plan to reside.[something I have already started discussing with my fiance].
Now, like many of you, I have to keep my student loans in mind. I will have about 75K in student loans(Rounded up and includes interest amount)after attaining my AA, BA, and MA.. I DEFINITELY strive to be a CPA but I am afraid that my limited experience in accounting will not get me a great starting pay as an entry level accountant/or CPA. My loans will be about 1000every month[pretty much mortgage] which doesn’t even include rent and utilities, etc.AHHHHH! lol like seriously aHHHHHH!!! I have poor credit due to helping my family financially while in high school(Im the one biting the bullet)Thats another LONG story….so now I have piss poor credit that I am currently trying to build which is freaking hard to do since the economy is shot, I cant get a decent paying job to pay worth a damn. I have a question below about this as well.
There’s more>>>>
I start my upper level courses this upcoming Fall and I am already starting to study for the CPA exam.
One other problem is knowing which accounting job to pursue. I have tried to look EVERYWHERE to see what type of person pursues one career over the other. For example, specializing in internal auditing over being a controller.
Now that you have some insight about myself, I can ask some questions lol
1. For those who are in the field, how do you manage your job salary and paying bills(more specifically student loans, IF any)?
2. Does poor credit affect you getting a job? Has it affected you?
3. Are accounting/or CPA salaries parallel to the amount of work you have to commit?i.e is getting paid 38-45k worth the 70hr work weeks of hell during tax season) This is based off of some comps. ive seen on indeed, monster,careerbuilder and craigslist(ok, well that speaks for itself lol)
4. Can you ever start studying too soon for the CPA exam?
5. How do those of you with a family(whether you have children or not) manage the stresses of studying, working and/or going to school?
6. How did you get started in your “specialty” or what do you plan to specialize in and why?
7. How to stay motivated?
8.Can you negotiate your salary as an entry level accountant/CPA if you feel employer is asking alot? will you know the thin line of general required work or slave labor when applying for a job?
9. One more OT question……I look fairly young for my age….do people take you seriously if you look like you’re 16?If not, how to get people to take you seriously?
ANY extra advice or feedback is MUCH appreciated and you do not have to answer all of the above questions. Just some stories about your life into or in the field would be great.
My name speaks for itself and I just want to sponge up as much as possible!!!
Thank all of you for taking the time to read through my narrative π Cant thank you enough!
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