For those who worked full-time and had kids to take care of, how did you manage to study for the CPA exam?

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It’s really tough. I got 4 kids struggling like anything but also motivated at same time, I got 1 more to go before I am done.

I start my studies at around 3:30am in the morning and take breaks as needed to attend the family and work needs but it’s really challenging.

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Wow. How many hours of sleep do you get?

I passed all 4 while working full time with a 1 year old.

M-F:
Wake up and study at 5am
Get to work around 8
Study for 30min- hour
Study during lunch
Finish work, come home and spend time with family and then study from ~830-1030

Sat & Sun
Studied 5-7 hours a day

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I had 4 kids when I passed. I came up with the ELL Plan (Early Lunch Late)...nothing special about it other than Early - 1 hour before you get ready for work. Lunch - 1 hour at lunch time (eat while you study) - Late - 1 hour before you leave for the day (which may require going to a coffee shop). Take Friday night off. 4 hours Saturday. 4 hours Sunday. That’s 20 hours-ish per week, which is a great target.

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It’s possible, but it’s difficult. I was a divorced single mom of two kids ages four and five when I started testing. It was difficult life got in the way, but I eventually passed all four. Don’t get discouraged, keep pushing! You got this!

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I did my professional exams straight out of university whilst working full time but single and no children. I can't even imagine how anyone would be able to do that with young children as well! Hats off to you for trying that - best of luck!

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I could barely do it single. I’d love to hear some motivational stories.

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Ugh this is me and I’m not sure if I can do it

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Takes forever to take care of kids

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I passed 1 of 3 before baby was born, then 3 of 4 in the 6 months after.
I was forced to be so much more efficient - I studied early in the morning for 1-2 hours, 30 minutes on the train each way, then I did tons of practice questions while I rocked my daughter to sleep.

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You can do it! Late evenings and early mornings before the kids wake up. I didn’t get enough sleep during that time but was worth it.

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Passed during maternity leave. Every stroller walk was accompanied by Wiley’s videos and then practicing after 8 pm when baby falls asleep. 3-4 hours of sleep a day for 6 months.

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I just had to pass before i’m back to work. I wanted to be promoted as my expenses increased a lot because of the kids, so wanted to get the deserved pay.

Ask your colleagues who have small kids and have to work, how they survive. You just do things you have to do and pray that it will be better soon.

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