Studying for the CPA while working full-time is brutal, and I’m struggling to balance it all. Between work deadlines, long study sessions, and trying to have a life, I feel like I’m always falling behind in one area. For those who’ve been through it, what helped you stay on track? Any study schedules, time management tips, or motivation hacks that made the process easier?

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I would study every evening for 2-3 hours, and 6-8 hours on the weekend each day. To me, the key was not to have a social life during that period. I took one exam a quarter and finished in a year. My husband would play video games while I sat at the table and studied.

I'm better as a crammer, so I'd do this intense studying for a few weeks before the exam. Week of the exam, I'd live, eat, breath it. Commute to work? Listening to lectures. 5 minute break at work, knock out some MCQs. Lunch break? More MCQs. Taking a shower? Play the lecture in the bathroom.

Night of exam get good rest.

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I also told myself I could never reschedule the exams. I need hard deadlines to motivate me for that cramming.

What helped me was setting a strict study schedule—same time every day, even if it was just an hour. I also used the Pomodoro technique (25 min study, 5 min break) to keep from burning out. Small wins add up.

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I woke up around 5 and studied for about 2 hrs and then an hour or so in the evening and maybe 4-6 hrs per day on the weekends. Used Becker, watched videos at 2x and hammered mcqs, skipped sims. Passed everything in 4 months.

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I had a coworker I studied with and would study at B&N every Saturday. Listening to audio lectures when driving. MCQs while waiting, breaks. It was not fun and thinking about it gives me unpleasant feelings. Just do the moves and keep at it. I did not study during busy seasons. That was too much. I would just break and pick back up after the busy season
.

Truthfully. Working full time and studying I failed, failed miserably. I was a mom, am a mom, husband traveled for work it was virtually impossible for me. Husband and i decided it was best I step away. I was able to take a leave of absence (without pay of course) for about three months to pass the final few. Far and Audit I believe it was at the time. Best decision for me and my situation at the times.

I was working full time, had 2 young kids, and a working spouse. I had to find the best study time for me and my brain and that was first thing before starting any client work or having anyone mess with my vibe. I would study 1-2 hours a day, listen to the Becker lessons while I drove to and from work, did as many multiple choice on the app while watching TV or sitting at my kids practices. Then would go study at different coffee shops on weekends. Limited study time to 2-3 hours blocks. I would not retain anything after that or would get antsy and bored. I knew it was for a short amount of time so the work life balance was more work for 6 months but worth it. Had to be selfish with my time so said no to many extra curricular things like parties and late nights out etc. I think just find what works for you to retain information. Once you pass one, it’s motivating. It’s doable but definitely have to sacrifice some things while going through it!

I had to almost eliminate my social life while studying, because I couldn’t do it all. But then I would take a month off studying after each exam to rest and recover and see friends. It prolonged the pain, but don’t think I could have done it without those breaks

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