SBDad

As a CPA, I'd like to add another couple thoughts.

1. Taking the CPA exam. Make no mistake about it, the CPA exam is tough. It takes two full days of testing (was 2 1/2 when I took it) and by no means do most people pass the whole thing on their first sitting.

2. I came to the conclusion in college that I really didn't like pure accounting - and especially auditing. I was lucky enough to sign up with Coopers & Lybrand in their tax department upon graduation and have been very happy with that career choice ever since. I have found that taxation is much more akin to the practice of law than the practice of accounting.

3. By cutting back my practice and cherry picking which clients I keep, I will probably never retire. It keeps me engaged and will be a nice source of seasonal income in my golden years.