[FutureCPA]

Hello my fellow Ninjas,

I really need some advice. From one CPA student to another. I just left a meeting with my Manager who informed me that I have been put on a performance improvement plan. My question to you is, should I continue studying while trying to improve my performance or should I stop studying and focus on improving my performance. I also struggle with the idea of searching for a new job because maybe I will get fire despite my Manager saying that I have time to improve. If I go that route, should I still continue studying? I struggle with this because I really want this, I really want to be a CPA. I this more than anything. I also have a lot of the material in my head and fear taking a break and having to study all over again after I have forgotten everything. Then there is the money aspect of it all. I don’t think I will get my money back for ninja course if I decided to put the cpa exam on hold. Then there is the fact that my Becker software expires in 3 months and I was hoping to extend it (cost like $500) instead of having to buy it all over again for thousands of dollars later on.

Little background. I started with the company(industry) less than a year ago after doing two years of public accounting. I know that I could have perform better at work but it somehow took me some time to get a really good understanding of my responsibilities. I was an auditor and now I was the one producing the work for the auditors so my way of thinking had to be changed a little more. I thought I would have more time to adjust.
I also have a lot going on in my personal life, one being that my husband has been mentally ill and I am going through a huge transition, I moved from the city to the suburbs. Then there is the CPA exam.

I have been studying for almost two years now but have not been able to pass a part. I have taken several long breaks but this summer I buckled up and studied hard. I took two part but unfortunately failed. I cried and felt awful about it but I dusted myself off and got right back up and made a study plan, purchased some more cpa exam material (ninja-I am certain I did not pass because I did not use a review course like ninja), scheduled my exam but now I have this.

I would appreciate any advice. I am desperate and know that only you guys who are also studying and want this as bad as I do know exactly how I feel. I want to continue studying so bad but don’t know if it’s the right move.

I need to pass before busy season.

[Anonymous]

I would say, keep the big picture in front of you and not worry about short term issues. Everything and the kitchen sink will be thrown at you during this exam – its part of the process but fight through it and your future self will thank you for it!

Keep up the good fight and you can get through this exam and PASS!

CPA0002

[kay]

I think the first step in making this decision is to evaluate where you are currently spending your time and energy and look at ways to make it all work. Set realistic, attainable goals for yourself. The first thing I would do is talk with my manager and find out the specific weakness I'm having with performance. I'd look for measurable changes I can make to improve. Is it that you appear as if you don't care because you never seem to be in the office, an example would be I'm an early person and like to get to work at 630 and leave by 4, if the rest of the office works 9-6 they think I'm a slacker because they didn't see that I was there 3 hours before them. Try and find and set goals with your manager, losing your job when your livelihood depends on it will make taking the exams that much more stressful. Once I've evaluated what it's going to take to get where you need to be with work. Then I'd make your study schedule. For example if you know your going to need to work some long days, or at least appear to work long days. I'd anticipate that and not expect to study 4 hours a day. I'd also look at the other parts of your life and what you need to do in order to make studying a habit. Consistency is key. I really like the early lunch late study plan that Jeff uses, I think it works really well if your still wanting to put good effort into your work.

[FutureCPA]

CPA002 thank you very much for your words. I need them. Trying to push through this.

Kay, are you suggesting I stop studying for a little bit to improve at work?

I need to pass before busy season.

[kay]

I think that's only a decision you can make. But before making any decision I'd evaluate where you are currently spending your time and cut the fluff. If you do this and set measurable goals you'll be amazed at how much you can get done in a day… at least I was. When I actively started monitoring and paying attention to the time I spend, on my phone, watching TV, talking to co-workers .. ect I was amazed at how much more I got done when I focus on one task instead of allowing myself to be distracted. This may not be an issue for you. It was for me, My strategy with trying to improve my work performance and study for exams so that I can pass each the first time, Is to schedule Everything.
I do mean everything, my meals, showers, commute my whole day is planned before it begins. This keeps me on track and helps me set realistic goals. In order to set my schedule, I had to know what my goals were and what they require of me before I set my schedule. Then I stick to it.
That may not make sense for you but my hope is you can find the balance between improving your job performance and studying so that you can successfully accomplish both.
My day looks like this 530 am wake up, shower, get ready for work. 6-7 study. 7-730 drive to work. 730-12 work, 12-1 eat lunch at my desk and study, 1-5 work, 5-6 drive home, eat dinner. 6-8pm study.8-930 relax get ready for bed ect.
This means I work 42.5 hours each week and I schedule 8 hours of sleep each night. This is a schedule I can follow. Make yourself a schedule that meets the demands of your job, and plan time to study. If I needed to work more hours, tax time for example. The first thing I would cut is my 8-930 relax before bedtime.
This approach works for me, it may not work for you but it could be worth a try.

[ultrarunner]

@FutureCPA, I won't postpone CPA exam preparation. I was in the similar situation and decided to move on (I found a new job). It wasn't about my performance, but the new manager and I just didn't get along. If you have public accounting experience, I don't see you having a problem finding another job. Please see the bigger picture and decide what's the best for you in the future. Good luck.

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[M123]

Wow that sounds like a lot. Best wishes managing through everything.

As far as postpone – is study for CPA affecting job performance? If so – can that be remedied through either earlier starts or other strategy?

Studying for 2 years and not passing a part is a major red flag that requires some root cause assessment, whether it's the review course, commitment, calibrating to the level of the exams or worst case, aptitude for it.

With all the things in life right now, triage what is important and work on that first. Dear husband needs some love and support. Is job more important right now or passing exam? Since it's already been 2 years, is stabilizing the job first in order? Then maybe focus on root cause of what is holding from passing exam. Then put the spurs to it.

[FutureCPA]

Guys, thank you so much for responding. I decided to wait till I meet with HR and get a better understanding of what the PIP looks like and then make a decision.

I need to pass before busy season.

[Author]

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