I Heard a Rumor That People in Their Twenties Have Fun?
Hello Another71.com world. I thought Id take my first blog post to introduce myself. My name is Virginia, Im a 20 something, working for a mid size public accounting firm. I am single, childless and want to enjoy my twenties, but here I am studying what feels likemy life away.
The words CPA Exam and struggles have been synonymous for me. I was a top student in both my undergraduate and graduate accounting programs, so I figured the CPA was just the next step.
I moved to a new city for my job and dedicated myself to the exam. I did not let myself make new friends here or meet any guys. I did not want distractions. I even sent out an email to close family and friends letting them know Id be MIA over the next 6 months for my exam. I thought I had the best plan and Id be done in no time. Despite my 4am wake-ups to study before work, and studying whenever I got the chance, I was burning out.
I had no idea how to manage showing my new job and new coworkers that I was a go-getter and willing to put in extra hours when I needed all the hours I could for studying. Of course they wanted me to pass, but they also wanted me to work. I took REG in April 2009 and BEC in May 2009. The day I received my REG score I was beyond burnout from my horrible schedule and I got a 74. BEC, 70. I was emotionally, physically and mentally drained and I had no idea what to do. I did everything right didnt I?
So here I am January 2011. Since spring of 2009, I have taken BEC five times, AUD twice, REG three times and FAR twice. I cannot count the times I wanted to give up, or wondered when luck would help me out. I feel like Ive given the exam two years of my 20s and its given me nothing but stress in return. I struggle with staying home to study rather than hanging out with friends, my sisters and even going out and dating. Maybe you can relate to me or maybe not, but I know CPA exam candidates have one thing in common: a life they want outside of the CPA Exam.
The Thursday before Thanksgiving 2010 was a great day. It was the day I found out I passed BEC. It was the fifth time I took it and my first passing score. I had four failing scores for BEC alone in the low 70s. I can tell you I cried harder finding out I passed that day then I did any other time I cried over failing scores, or being stressed or frustrated. During the Oct/Nov 2010 testing window I took FAR, BEC and AUD. I passed BEC and AUD. I felt like I won – like the world was mine and I was almost done. Somehow I reminded myself that that was only 2 of 4 and I had a brief moment of despair.
Right now Im studying for FAR again. I took REG last week, and was not a fan of the new TBS. Ill let you know more about that on my next post. Speaking of FAR, I think I best be making a rendezvous with those Gleim books again today. And by again today I really mean for the first time today”.
You know, I heard a rumor that people in their twenties like to have fun. Sounds awesome. My twenties have thus far been filled with Becker CPA and Gleim books.
Hurry up and finish the exam because you are cute. Many guys are missing out!
just wonder on "was not a fan of the new TBS" coz i gonna appear next week without any idea... oh!, any guideline?
I can relate to how you were feeling last year. I, too, struggle with staying home to study rather than hanging out with friends, my sisters and even going out and dating. I am wondering what changed during the last testing window. Did you switch up your studying strategy? Perhaps, you stopped overstudying? Please share.
Just think... you are halfway there. Glass half-full!
Thanks for this post. I failed the FAR with a 71 in the last testing window (Q4 2010). It's nice to know someone else feels my pain. Happy studying!
Thank you so much for you post. I have had a very similar experience with the exam. Thought I would get it done no problem. I was always a good student so it has been extremely frustrating and have taken BEC 3 times (two 74's) and passed on the third time, REG twice, AUD three times (one 74) and waiting for third score, and FAR once. I have wanted to give up so many times but knew I would regret it. I hate hearing similar stories, but at the same time it is nice to hear that people who are good students and hardworkers have struggled like me. Thanks, that was a little inspiration to keep going that I needed, especially at this time of year!
@Gobinda: My next post will include what I thought of REG 2011 @Kimberly: Thanks for your support... I promise to write about the changes I made that I think attributed to finally passing, though I don't think it'll be in next week's post. Stay tuned! :) @Allyson: Thank you for the support. I love your blogs! @Dan: It's nice to know others are in the same boat. It's what gets me through the darker moments of the exam. @Rachel: I'm so happy my story helped you! Though I wish we were both in the "perpetually passing" boat. Knowing there are others struggling out there like me helps me get through my studies. I think if they can do it, I can do it too. Head up and study hard! :)