I Survived (Busy Season & CPA Exam)
Howdy!
Long time no see! I hope y'all have been well. This past year has been absolutely crazy! I am finally recuperating.... it will probably take a little bit longer to get fully re-energized but I'm getting there!
I'm sure some of y'all are wondering what's been going on, so let me fill y'all in....
Personally and professionally, this past year has been a challenge but I'm a stronger person because of it. Professionally: As you may know, I work for a Big 4 firm. I won't go into details but needless to say, it was darn difficult (but most certainly atypical of a normal busy season.... very crazy circumstances and not at all routine!!). My busy season started in October 2011 and didn't end until mid-May 2012. My team and I worked between 70 - 80 hours per week (around 90 the last few weeks before filing) for about 7 months straight (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks). It was physically, mentally and emotionally challenging but I made it through.
Right after my busy season, I started to seriously study for the CPA exam in mid-May. I am very happy and relieved to tell y'all that I passed all four sections over the summer! I will be writing a separate post on the CPA exam to help with advice for anyone else seeking to pass the CPA exam and working a full-time job. Needless to say, I felt pretty darn brain dead after busy season and studying for the CPA exam... hence the need to recuperate LOL
Personally: Mike lost his job in July 2011. Thankfully, we could still pay our bills with my salary but we were on a very tight budget. He was able to find work here and there but it wasn't anything near what he was making before. Good news though, he got his job back in May. We are now in the process of building a house :)
I feel like the past year was quite a test and I'm a firm believer that you find out how strong of a person you are when faced with adversity! I am so excited with what the future has to bring & can't wait to start decorating the house once it's built!
I have so much love and gratitude for all of y'all who have stayed in touch with me over Twitter & for all the support I've received! Thank y'all!!
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Congratulations on such a wonderful achievement!!!!!
ReplyDeletecongratulations! =) wishing you and mike all the best. you were one of the first few people i watched in you tube three years ago and I've always thought you are kind.. wishing more blessing to come your way =)
ReplyDeleteYou're such an inspiration and you've accomplished so much within the time you were missing from the blog world. I am certain everyone around you is very proud of your achievements and I want to say a HUGE Congrats! You've truly earned it and you're living proof that hard work really does pay off.
ReplyDeleteCongrats !! So happy to hear how much stronger you've gotten even through such crazy circumstances ! Very happy and proud of you ! Keep it up girl ! Xoxo
ReplyDeletecongratulations!! CPA exam is tough, or so I heard, but that's amazing that you passed it! I'm trying to do accounting too, though to be an accounts payable clerk, nothing fancy haha. i admire all your hard work. 80-100hrs a week is hell. i wish i could have the energy and patience and the brains for all that. you're one smart and tough cookie!
ReplyDeleteI've followed you since forever for makeup, and then noticed we started taking the same career path! I passed 3 parts of my CPA exam over this summer as well, and have my last part a month from today! CONGRATULATIONS, I know what a journey it's been, and I hope I'll soon be joining you in "the 10%" of people who pass all 4 on the first try :) You are a superwoman, pat yourself on the back!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I been attempting to work on my certification but I just can't seem to get into it. Can't wait to hear your tips!
ReplyDeleteThank y'all so much :)
ReplyDelete@Brooke: That's awesome you've passed three sections so far! I'm sure you'll do great on your last section... just stay focused and you'll be done before you know it! I actually didn't pass the first time around *blushes*. I had attempted two sections last year and finally passed them over the summer.
Welcome back Steph!! You were sorely missed!! I'm glad everything worked out for the best. What doesn't kill you make you stronger, right?
ReplyDeleteI miss your pretty face btw! FOTDs coming soon? :)
I am also planning on taking the CPA exam next year. Please post some advice and tips, it would be greatly appreciated :). Best of luck for you!
ReplyDeleteI can not but congratulate you for the achievement though it is too late.Just waiting for your tips.
ReplyDeletechic
Congrats! Happy to hear that you are back and how smartly you handled those situation.
ReplyDeletechic
I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job!
ReplyDeleteCPA Fort Collins