Married with Child(ren)?

[Minerva]

Ask me tomorrow.

OK - I'll answer now

It's taken me 13 years test-taking time to have multiple children and get to the equivalent of 7 current exams plus most of my PD (about 375 pre-transition credits) plus 2 attempts at 8I. Looking back, I think that my pass rate was just under 50% overall. FWIW, I'm not at all proud to admit this, but I'm not sure I ever took a full 300 hours during those early years, which was stupid (and contributed mightly to those halfhearted or ineffective attempts). But, that was the choice I made at the time. (BTW, I use the term "ineffective" here in the sense of unsuccessful, not the SOA definition.)

Due to circumstances, I stopped completely for several years, so my elapsed time is longer than my test-taking time.

Took 8I for the first time in 2000, the second time in November (this time with a significant, concerted study effort - the kids are older and I like to think I'm a little wiser). I hope to never take it again.

Edited for clarity






<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Minerva on 2002-01-11 07:59 ]</font>

I have a husband and two kids. I started exams when my kids were both in school. I have been at this 7 years and hope to get my ASA in the next year or two. My husband works nights, which has been the best choice for the family but makes it more difficult for me to get good study time in the evenings. I try to start early - within a month of the prior sitting. I get up early on the weekends to study. The last few months before a test, I take my study stuff everywhere with me in case there's a few spare minutes. Usually I get between 325 and 375 hours and I pass about half the time.

[MarsLasar]

I have DP and CSP to go, but the wife is already hearing the biological clock whispering.

I wouldn't be surprised to be both FSA and preggers at the same time.

[Kaia]

Originally Posted by MarsLasar

I wouldn't be surprised to be ... preggers at the same time.

Seeing as you're a dude, I'd be pretty surprised actually.

[Mr. Grim]

don't do it. Children are okay but don't do that married thing.....it will ruin you as a man.

[KAJ7481]

married, no kids. My husband is awesome and very understanding.

[jason.]

Originally Posted by Crystal Dragon.

How many folks out there are taking exams and have a spouse and kids? I find the time constraints overwhelming. How do you deal with it?

I'm married, have a 5-y.o. son who just started Kindergarten, and we are expecting #2 in April. I'm studying for the November MLC, will be studying for the May C and the June CFA I. My wife will quit her job when #2 arrives so I have that "hey, you really can't **** your career up" pressure too. Add that the time required of me at my job is immense as of late due to the current dislocation in the credit markets, and I definitely share your feelings that the time constraints are completely overwhelming.

I deal with it by almost never sleeping, using what little time I do have to study as effectively as possible and always keeping my eye on the prize at the end. My wife could not possibly be more supportive. We have taken three weekend road trips in the past seven weeks which helps alleviate some of the pressure too.

[Alto Reed on a Tenor Sax]

If I didn't have kids, I would have zero motivation to pass exams, so its kind of a wash.

[EC1E]

Find a small study group of determined go-getters. Develop a strategy to eliminate all other students. Execute that strategy. Think how that will look on your resume.

[Al Bundy]

I'm not sure why since I am not taking exams, but I feel compelled to post in this thread.
Thanks!