[Anonymous]

I’m looking for some advice, and since this forum is the only place that has people who understand how the CPA exam works, I figured I’d give it a shot and see if anyone has any words of wisdom.

I’ve been studying for the CPA since December 2015, and I’ve taken AUD and REG and failed both of them. REG was ultimately because I didn’t quite know the material well enough and then AUD was because the sims killed me. I am going to finish this daggum test before 2017 (its not an option), and I will do everything in my power to make that happen.

So here’s my problem. I currently work full time at a job that I hate (not in accounting, I’m a receptionist). I’ve been using my lunch break and whenever I can spare a minute at work, and about 2-3 hours per night, as well as 4-5 hours per day on the weekend. My parents have approached me and given me the option that if I quit my job to focus completely on the CPA, they will support me financially. While that sounds all well and good, I don’t know if it is what is best. Yes, it would give me a HUGE amount of extra study time, but it takes away my structure forcing me to get out of bed and out of the house. I also hate the idea of having to rely on my parents as a 24 year old(independence-syndrome). My boyfriend seems to think that it wont be beneficial because of all the distractions at my house as well as the lack of structure.

Ultimately, I know something’s gotta give if I’m gonna pass all these tests in the next 4-6 months. So what would you do in my situation? Any and all advice is welcome.

[Andyred04]

That is a very kind gesture by your parents but I agree with you, you need to take responsibility for your own actions at 24. Plenty of people have passed this exam working not only full time, but working ~60 hrs a week during busy season. Failing twice is nothing for this exam and it's not liking you're getting 40s or 50s on the exams, YOU'RE VERY CLOSE! Keep pushing and stay confident, you go this!

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[Vanessachy]

Failing once or twice is nothing, plus your score were not horrible. I actually think quit your job is a good idea. It is not a job that relates to accounting and extra time will help you to pass. However, you need to treat CPA exam like a job, get up early like usual and study at least 8 hours a day.

Far 10/26/2015, 64, 1/4/2016, 82
Reg 7/10/2015, 60, 2/27/2016, 86
Aud, 5/9/2016, 74 (ouch), 7/26/2016, I cannot wait to take this test again
Bec, 6/10/2016, 70,9/8 retake

[Chris]

I took a summer off and yes I had a hard time focusing at times. I would put things off because there was always tomorrow.

That being said, ABSOLUTELY take this opportunity! Offers like that don't come around every day. You could be done by the end of the summer if you really focus! I have friends who desperately want to move out of their parents house because they want to be “independent” instead of paying down their student loans which their parents although them to do. Independence is not worth $500-1000 of financial freedom down the road. A receptionists' job and independence isn't worth spring boarding your career. You'll be able to job search and possibly pick up a job in public for next fall or winter while you're at it.

The pros outweigh the cons. Go for it and good luck!

NH CPA
REG: 07/03/2014 - 88
AUD: 08/30/2014 - 73 - Retake 10/16/14 - 86
BEC: 05/31/2015 - 77
FAR: 08/08/2015 - 64 - Retake 11/23/15 - 77

Becker*NINJA Notes/MCQ*

Now I could let these dream killers kill my self-esteem
Or use my arrogance as the steam to power my dreams ~ Kanye West

[marqzho]

quit the job, stay with parents, study for the exams, find a new accounting job, pass the exam 🙂

REG 90
FAR 95
AUD 98
BEC 84

[Larry]

I agree with the above. You're young. Opportunities like this doesn't happen everyday. You can finish the CPA process before the 2017 changes if you really focus on it. Don't think…Do it. Pass, then go out back in the working world in the accounting field.

REG - 82
FAR - 78
BEC - 76
AUD - 8/27/16

[Zuly]

I would totally do this if I were given the opportunity. Like someone said before treat the CPA exam like a job. If you don't think you'll get the structure you need at home then set up a schedule where you have to leave your house M-F and study at the public library or College/University library. Do this every single day. On weekends change it up if you want and stay home, sleep in but make sure you put in the study hours. You are very close. You just have to find the right study program and routine that works for you. Good luck!

FAR - (11/01/14) 71 (02/07/15) 79
AUD - (04/30/15) 86
BEC - (07/21/15) 73 (10/01/15) 75
REG - (11/30/15) 55 (05/19/16) 74

[perezc3910]

I think that you should take advantage of the opportunity. The challenge here would be to structure your day so that you get at least 8 hours a day to study. You could really knock out all tests by the end of the summer if you do this. The library is a good place to go to for some peace and quite. If you think that you can discipline yourself and really use the time to study, it would be so worth it.

BEC-July 2016
REG-August 2016
FAR-October 2016
AUD-Nov/Dec 2016

[mbf512]

this is a no brainer, quit your job. if you feel that it is absolutely necessary to finish the exam before 2017, it is well worth it.

a job as a receptionist offers pretty much no vertical career growth, whereas having a CPA will benefit you for the rest of your life (at the very least, you will have job security). it is easy to get caught up in short term thinking when making these decisions, but you have to force yourself to think long term.

i can speak from my own personal experience. i overloaded on classes in my last year of college so that i could graduate a semester early (graduated in December 2015) and focus on finishing the CPA exam before i start my job at a B4 firm in July. i also quit my part-time job working for financial advisors before i started studying because i knew the CPA exam was much more important for my career.

it would have been much easier for me financially to stay in college so that i could have relied on student loans and my part-time job to get me through these six or so months. fortunately, i had saved up just enough money to help me get by until i start working. don't get me wrong, it has been pretty tough on me financially but tomorrow i am taking what could potentially be my final CPA exam (tomorrow is also my 24th birthday).

since you have your parent's support, you should definitely take them up on it. they much rather support you for six months when you're 24 than when you're older and laid off because you can't find a decent job (dramatic i know, but you get my point).

i'm sure there are many distractions at home, but you will find a way to make it work if you set your mind to it. i've studied in more places (especially public libraries, utilize them!) than i could have ever imagined but it will all be worth it in the end. i am also super independent but i have decided to move home for the summer just because i know it will help me get ahead in the future (my girlfriend isn't happy about it either, but she knows it will benefit the both of us in the end!)

good luck with everything!

AUD - 90
BEC - 90
REG - 80
FAR - Test on 05/12/16

[hasy]

The public library is useful, but I would definitely try any near by university libraries. Since I've started studying, I've always gone to a local uni's library every sunday. Since they operate on student's schedules, they sometimes open until 2. Not that I study that late (working individual), but I've stayed until 11 before.

There are MANY creative ways to study and if you can devote ALL your time to it, the better.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

-

BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Sang]

I think that you should accept your parents’ help. It is the best way to increase your chances of passing the CPA exam before April 2017.

There are only 4 windows left until April 2017, and every opportunity counts.
(May, July & Aug., Oct. & Nov., Jan. & Feb.)

1. If you are afraid that you will slack off and not study, one solution that I think you can do is to write your past exam scores and April 2017 on a sticky note, and place them all over your house.
That way, you can constantly reminded yourself that you need to pass the exams before April 2017.

2. I find that working out in the mornings can boost your energy in the morning and the day.
You can schedule to work out every morning for 30 minutes to an hour to boost your energy before you sit down to study.

3. I think when you tell yourself that you need to study for a certain number of hours, since it is a little vague, it can be less motivating to study.
But if you set a specific goal like working 3,000 to 5,000 MCQs before your exam date, you can create a schedule to see how many MCQs that you need to do each day, in order to meet your goal by your target date.
I think setting a goal of completing a specific number of MCQs within a certain time frame will help motivate you to study more.

So I recommend that you accept your parents’ help, quit your job, and conquer the CPA exam!

FAR: (05/24/16) | (07/15/16) | (10/22/16)
AUD: (09/07/16) | (11/29/16) |
BEC: TBD
REG: TBD
Using Roger CPA Review + Ninja (MCQs, Notes, Audio)

[Hello2016]

If I were you, I will take the offer. Just live with your parents to lower your expenses. And spend 3 hours on finding an accounting job and 5 hours on studying everyday (this is just like a job).

[Nessie]

You should take your parents up on this offer and here is why:

Studying for the CPA can actually be a full time job if you want too pass and complete all 4 in a relatively short period of time. While I don't think it is possible to study for a full 8 hours every day, I think 6 is doable with weekends off to see your boyfriend, go out, give your brain a rest. Trust me, after studying FAR for 6 hours+/a day, you will be quite tired.

If you do study for 6 or so hours a day, and commit an hour or two for job search, you will have your mom or dad around to cook you dinner, make sure the fridge is full, help with cleaning, etc. I currently live with my bf and guess who has to walk the dog, cook all the meals, make sure we never run out of toilet paper or garbage bags, organize the paying of the bills, make sure the repairperson is let in, open the door for dry-cleaning? Me. These “chores” take at least 4-5 hours every day.

Just set up a study area near a bathroom and tell your parents not to disturb you from say 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Buy some ear plugs and you will be good to go.

Let us know what you decide. I would love to be at home with my Mom cooking 3 squares a day! My diet has so suffered as a result studying.

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Anonymous]

Had it been an accounting-related job my suggestion would have been different. I do think you should take your parents up on this offer – it will give you time to study and you will be able to get the exams done by the end of the year. It is so hard to work, study and workout while working full time. In all honesty, you have nothing to lose… take that offer!

[hellencpa]

This is very clear. Take the offer and study for these reasons
* you have to be in accounting career and not receptionist. you really need to look for a job at some point anyway, so do it now.
* you really need to want to be CPA to get the motivation and stay in this forum to get that. Your work shouldn't be tempting at this point.
* study half day and look for accounting job for half day
* you will be more responsible if u take the offer now instead of talking about independence.
* receptionist salary won't make u independent forever, but CPA does
* suffer 6 month if you have to and get it license.
* be with someone who encourage you to study like your family than a person who doesn't get this

[Author]

Replies