[Anonymous]

Has anyone else basically sacrificed everything to pass these exams? For example, friendships, family time, happiness, health, etc. These exams have been pretty brutal for me. The more sacrifices I make the more likely it is I will pass and be done with this crap. But, man this process is Tough. Sorry if it sounds like I am complaining, but I’m sure there are others out there who feel the same. I’ll keep Grinding through the material, but this process is demoralizing and depressing! Goodluck to everyone and hope everyone gets their needed passes to be DONE!!!

[sallybreann]

I’m right there with you but this is all temporary and will be worth it. One thing I sacrificed for Far was my health, definitely gained weight and became very unhealthy. I told myself I won’t sacrifice my health for the next 3 exams. I’m up studying early this morning before work which I rarely do because I can’t drag myself out of bed. But I worked out for 20 minutes yesterday and I think that helps my energy immensely and it was a lot easier to wake up.

[Missy]

Its only demoralizing and depressing if you choose for it to be. Two paths, one to just think on how much you've given up and the other to end every day thinking you're that much closer to being done. I think we fall into some trap of thinking the struggles of studying for the cpa (or working the hours in public) are unique and they're really not at all people from all walks of life and every career are struggling to achieve further education, certifications, working 2 or more jobs 15 hours a day to make ends meet. It all boils down to the mindset that this is temporary, achievable and worth it.

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

[Anonymous]

@sallybreann
Thanks for reminding me this process will only be temporary. And, I sacrificed a lot for FAR too. Good job for exercising and keeping balance in your life! I try to walk 5 days per week and about 2 miles every walk.

@mla11692
I respect your strong minded attitude. That is probably the KEY to passing these exams! However, passing the cpa exam is definitely a Unique Experience – no doubt. There are so many people who would not even come close to making it. I have worked 2 jobs and averaged 70+ hours per week, although they were basic jobs. This process is much, much more challenging – especially mentally. But, I have clinical depression, so I am more prone to the nasty side effects from this exam.

Anyhow, Goodluck to everyone else out there. There is NO QUIT in me, but this process is pretty Fricking Miserable!! Keep Grinding!

[waffle_house]

Yes, I have been doing this for 2 years and I'm not sure what I would know what to do with my free time anymore. I know my wife wants to kill me by now lol

[Missy]

Well I also have clinical depression, diagnosed in high school (over 30 years ago) but realized that dwelling on how hard the exam was or what I was giving up only made things worse, made me more exhausted and made everything I did more difficult. A small shift in attitude despite the challenges actually made the process easier but to each their own. You might look up Loretta LaRoche on youtube. Shes a comedian and her entire act is about how dwelling on negatives just makes life harder. Shes a genius.

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

[RyonT]

I've definitely sacrificed a lot, but I still find time to enjoy a night out or do something fun once a week. If not, I would go crazy and I wouldn't be able to stick with studying. I still get about 20-25 hours a week of study time in (usually 3-4 hrs/day). I don't have kids, and my gf picks up a lot of slack around the house, which makes it a little easier. I feel like it's working but I guess I'll find out on 2/23 if I need to adjust my study habits.

[LCMAU]

The sacrifices are real, but they are only temporary. My son was born two months ago, so I have had to miss some time with him due to studying for REG. Hopefully a successful exam on Saturday will ensure I am completely finished with this beast.

[shawn in VA]

its is easy to be demoralized and get depressed when you fail multiple times. It is a vicious cycle. The depression leads to exhaustion and anxiety. The exhaustion forces one to sleep more than normal. Then the stress kicks in because you have not studied as much as you like because your so tired.

You start questioning is it really worth it and just want your normal life back. For me I have have put too much time and money into this so I just keep going and hope for the best.

As for sacrifices still spend time with wife and kids and exercise several times per day. Freinds, happy hour, etc…all OUT

[hasy]

I do believe it's temporary but yes, some friendships have gone down the drain as I've studied for this test so I have to slowly rebuild it with some people. But it will work out.

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

[Small4]

fyi, i spent 10 years trying to pass this exam (i say 4 years are truly “studying” years) while rest were bull-ishing my way with tons of excuses as to why i couldnt pass.

Sacrificed alot, leaving big4 job for a less upward trajectory job in private bc i just couldnt juggle tons of work + studying + family anymote, losing lots of sleep, having spouse and toddler not see me on Sundays since im in the library for 4-5 hour stretches….studying from 630-8am every day before going to work…reading slides during lunch…feeling miserable after failing a bunch of time. A BUNCH.

All was worth it once you get the passed 4 sections feeling. It doesnt seem like it is now, but trust me, it will and you will look back and be extremely proud at this accomplishment. I'm in my early 30s now..if you are in your early to mid 20s…YOU GOT THIS!! Any sacrifice you do now will feel so much better when you realize as you get older, those free midnight cram sessions wont be there with a toddler etc… So its tough, but i wish you all the luck and keep going at it!

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Track55]

I didn't do anything for 2 years to pass this exam except go to work and feed the cat.

That's what happens when you attend public school in CA. They hand you a degree with a 4.0 and no knowledge. The first time I took the exam I thought it was written in Russian. I had no idea what they were talking about.

AUD - 74, 99 !!
REG - 74, 92
BEC - 83
FAR - 73, 86

Studying for Ethics exam

California candidate
Business and Industry

[Anonymous]

Does anybody pass the CPA exam at age 45+ or even 50+? I'm doing this at the tail-end of what I think is an acceptable age – I am 41 this year. My first BS degree wasn't even in Accounting/Business. I'm glad I'm doing it, but it is not easy. I don't think Big 4 even hires anyone who looks older than about 27 years old. Which is ok. I do know one person in her early 50s who is thinking about doing the CPA exam. She and I were classmates a few years ago. But, she's a bookkeeper with a very stable income, probably no reason for her to. I'm actually encouraging her to do it since she's taken all the coursework – might as well try!! But, I don't know anyone who has gotten licensed past the age of 45. So that's my goal, get the license before I turn 46.

Congrats to everyone who made it through who sacrificed a lot. I'm in a relationship but have no kids and nobody to support but myself. Those who have families, that has got to be rough.
But, the way I see it, it's more of an incentive to pass as soon as you can. I'll admit, my only real incentive is “more money someday.” I don't even need this for what I'm planning to do career-wise, although it's good to keep your options open. How many unemployed CPAs does anyone hear about? NOT MANY.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm glad that I am not the only candidate who feels like they have sacrificed A lot. These exams are brutal – no doubt about it. I can't stand when people say the CPA Exam is “not that hard.” Okay, and that's why 3 Lawyers have personally told me it is harder than the Bar! Anyhow, let's all keep grinding through these exams together! And, Thank God for Another71 because no one else understands the sacrifices you need to make to become a CPA! I'm still grinding away, but DAMN this process is Tough!! Thank you Jeff for providing this site to all us CPA candidates!

– The Grinding Blue Collar Nerd

[Namstut]

@crazyleon, the answer is YES! I am turning 45 this year and not even for a second did I think that I was too old for this! I do have a stable job and my job does not require me to have a CPA, I am doing it for myself. But if I ever end up on the job market, I will have over 20 years of experience, my Masters Degree AND my CPA to stand against 27-year-old candidates.

@cpa4928 the struggle is real! I feel like I haven't seen the daylight for about 9 months now! The relationships are definitely more distant but my friends and family are patiently waiting for my “return”.

There is a health sacrifice for sure! Working 50-60 hours a week, taking care of my family (2 kids) and studying does not leave much time for anything else. My sleep ended up on a chopping block first but 3-4 hours of sleep I am not sure how much longer I can remain clear-minded 🙂

Just keep your eye on the prize and remember that this is the choice we made and the bigger the sacrifice – the bigger the reward!

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[Anonymous]

@Namstut you definitely have my respect! And yes, thankfully we have this forum. There are times when I get so frustrated but those days are diminishing…when I started studying last July I had many days when I wanted to throw my laptop and Roger textbook across the room but happily I am past that now. I have 2 years of acct experience and 2 bachelor's degrees, that's it.
The 27 year olds have way more than I do right now, and I have to accept it. The good thing is that I can still pass for 30 years of age even though I'm 40. I'm doing this for myself too, “too far into it to quit.”

[Author]

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