[Anonymous]

I began my career in public accounting right out of college and loved it. I was in my early and mid 20’s and suffice it to say, studying for the exam was not my top priority. Some great opportunities came my way and I left public accounting without passing the exam. Years later I find myself in my early 30’s and back in public accounting, wanting to knock this exam out and move on with my life. It is literally the only thing standing between me and obtaining a lifelong goal. I keep telling myself that I am more mature this time around my studying will be more disciplined, and I can get it done. Am I crazy for thinking I can do this the second time around?

[aaronmo]

I can't speak for you…but here's what I can tell you about my path…

I'm 42. I was a pretty sharp guy in my early 20s, but I also was completely undisciplined, unorganized and very ADHD. I failed out of colleges multiple times (good colleges, and I learned a ton). There is absolutely no way I could have passed the CPA exam at that age…even though I was FAR quicker mentally, and could do fairly complex calculations in my head.

I'm far slower now. I need a calculator. I have to read things a dozen times before I have them to memory. I need far more repetition. I read more slowly…and I have to go over things more often. I don't have the mental acuity I had at 22 and I sure as heck don't have the memory banks. What I do have is a lot of maturity, wisdom and insight. Comparative to others, I passed pretty easily and quickly. I did the work. I stayed focused and on point.

Do the work and you'll likely be fine.

[Author]

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