Navigating My Journey Toward the CPA: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

As I stand on the brink of my third attempt at the CPA examination, I find myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The test begins in just two days, and to say I’m conflicted would be an understatement.

Looking Back on My Previous Attempts

My first attempt yielded mixed results. I passed Day 1, only to stumble at the Level 1 Sufficiency for Days 2 and 3, scoring a Level 7. Attempt number two saw me facing the same fate as I fell short at Level 1 Sufficiency once again, achieving only a Level 2 despite using Densmore materials to prepare. Now, as I prepare for attempt number three, I find myself at a crossroads filled with uncertainty.

An Urge to Move On

There’s a part of me that just wants to get this ordeal behind me—regardless of the outcome. Pass or fail, I yearn for the freedom that will follow this exam. Once it’s over, I plan to discard my notes and textbooks, allowing myself to finally move on. Yet, I am acutely aware that a failure could be a tough pill to swallow—not just for myself, but also in the eyes of friends and family. Even so, I understand that life extends beyond the CPA designation. Options like pursuing an MBA or a master’s in another field are still on the table. After all, the journey to becoming a CPA has left me feeling more ambivalent than passionate.

The Lack of Enjoyment

Let’s be honest—I don’t find joy in this profession. I can tolerate it at best, but calling it enjoyable feels like a stretch. The nature of the work is often repetitive and tedious, leaving me yearning for something more fulfilling. If I do happen to pass this time, I might feel an initial sense of accomplishment, perhaps even a bit of pride, but I know that the designation itself holds little value in my eyes. The way CPA Canada has managed the process post-amalgamation has turned this designation into something I struggle to respect.

A Means to an End

At its core, the CPA designation seems to me like just a stepping stone—a way to secure a better-paying job rather than a true validation of professional skill or commitment. My experiences have led me to view the journey as a mixed bag, and frankly, it leans more toward the disappointing side.

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