I am not sure why.
Part of it could be that at this late stage in the semester, I am suffering something analogous to “senioritis”. Spring break has come and gone and it was everything I’d hoped it would be. Considering my lengthy to-do list going into the break, I did manage to pull off most of what needed to be done, renewal of my CFI, tax return, CPA test application, etc. Coming back from the break, however, things just haven’t been the same. I am finding it difficult to stay motivated to study, partly due the fact that my grades are all pretty rock solid due to significant study in the past. With the exception of my law class, I could more or less not crack a book in any other class for the remainder of the semester and still pull out acceptable scores. What motivation I do have is rooted in the fact that this stuff will be on the CPA exam in one form or another and considering that as my ultimate goal, I am still finding some desire to keep going. I am pretty sure this is just a temporary affliction.
I can register for Summer and Fall terms tomorrow (Friday). I plan on securing the remainder of my classes then. I have already sent out my application and fee to the Dept of Business and Professional Regulation to sit for the CPA exam. When this semester is over (1 month and change), I am going to take a much deserved break for about 10 days – sort of like spring break #2. My last final is on 4/30 and the first day of summer classes begins 5/11, the break being between these. I am going to work on my Jeep – I have decided to attempt to replace the rear main seal. It is a two piece seal, hence no need to remove the transmission. However, the oil pan will need to be dropped, etc. It will probably be a long job – but I hate to not do it just because I am scared to mess something up. My primary vehicle will be untouched and ready to rock as always. You learn by living, right? If that goes smoothly, I am going to replace the valve cover gasket as well. So, in the end, it should be leak free. Joanna (my wife) is going out of town for a few days during that time, so I will be able to spend considerable time in the garage working without feeling guilty in not spending time with her. It will just us bachelors hanging out – with the exception of Kaley (our female dog).
Anyway, direct CPA exam preparation will commence at the same time the summer term begins. Considering my goal with this entire chapter of my life is to pass the exam, the preparation for it will be the most “on purpose” I have been thus far. I will study during May, June, for the first part of the exam – I am assuming it will be the Regulation section. My hope is to sit for that in the first half of July. Then, I will study from then until the latter part of Aug and will sit for the second portion – likely Audit right before the close of the testing window at the end of August.
After that, I’ll study Sept for the BEC portion and take that in the beginning of Oct, then will study for the final (and most difficult) part – FAR – from there and will attempt to take that right before the close of the last testing window in Nov. If I miss that, I’ll just finish up in January. But I see no reason that it cannot ALL be completed and in the bag by January.
In December, I will relax and get my groove back. From there, I will need to decide where to go. I will need to make money for a good while. We will have been operating at a deficit for over a year at that point with some minor student loans in the wake as well. It has been a while since I’ve been paid a respectable paycheck. On the other hand, I left accounting for a reason – I didn’t really like it before – and need to find something else, a better situation than I left, if I am going to find happiness in the job. The ultimate goal, however, this time around is to open my own business. As to when I do it, that is completely up to me. And honestly, a part of me longs to go back to a flying job. Perhaps in time.
However, with that choice ahead of me, I will have arrived at exactly the place I was hoping for – many open doors with which to choose from.