- Anjana Prasanth was a science student who decided to pursue chartered accounting. She worked harder than the rest. But just as she was about to give her CA finals, she got married.
- Later, she was pregnant and had a new-born baby. People advised her to give up and get on with her new life. Yet, the new mom reappeared and failed again.
- She was determined, though. Anjana had to get the CA degree, no matter what. And, as her son turned one, she cleared her exams too. She now works as a management consultant in UAE, Dubai.
- Here’s a story about trying against all odds and never giving up.
Shifting Gears and Pursuing Chartered Accountancy
I hail from Kerala, India. Along with its backwaters and beaches, the state is also known for its active contribution in the field of science; we have so many engineers, scientists, doctors, and nurses from Kerala.
I, too, had chosen the science stream in high school.
Soon, though, I realised that I loved numbers. But I did not want to continue ahead in science. I had a penchant for finances too.
I sat down with my family members to discuss my career ahead. Many of them were already established chartered accountants, so they advised me accordingly.
Thus, it was decided. The prestigious ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) had accepted my application to study Chartered Accountancy.
Challenges Faced and Challenges Tackled: My CA Journey
I had relocated from science into a career that was all commerce.
Initially, it was damn tough. Others in the course already had the basic knowledge needed for accounting. I lacked that. But I had to build my career on it. The foundation had to be strong.
So I worked twice as hard to get the basics right. Two things helped me get through: (1) dedication, and (2) drive. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. (Cliché, but that’s the truth!)
My hard work paid off. I cleared the foundation and inter-level stages. But it was the final stage of CA that tested me the most. And when I say “tested,” I mean it in all its sense!
CA is a tough exam. But, here, life was testing me—which is harder than CA.
So many things were happening in my life simultaneously. Other things gained priority, and I lost my focus on my studies.
My CA final exams were due in May 2014. But at the end of 2013, I got married. My husband was in Dubai, but my exams were still due. So, after marriage, I decided to stay back in India for the exams. I failed that attempt again. I eventually decided to join my husband in the UAE and prepare for the CA exams from Dubai (luckily, the ICAI has an exam centre in Dubai as well).
After moving to Dubai, I began studying for the CA Exams, but then… I learned that we were expecting our first child, and I was pregnant!!!We were all so excited—a beautiful chapter in our lives—but I had this question: “What about my CA exams?” So, I decided to continue studying for that attempt, but unfortunately, I could not clear it again. And I couldn’t appear for the next attempt as the exam dates coincided with my due date.
In the meanwhile, I returned to India for my delivery, and our baby was born in November 2014. We were so happy, but my desire to complete CA was still very much alive. So we decided that I would return to India for a few more months and take the CA exams there.
My husband supported me wholeheartedly in my decision.
While Nursing A Newborn Baby, I’m Studying For The CA
I now had a baby to look after, as well as my studies.
Motherhood isn’t easy, especially when it is your first child. And deciding to continue studying while also caring for a newborn makes it all the more difficult. You get divided.
However, a constant voice in my head reminded me that time was running out and that I needed to finish it sooner rather than later. On top of that, I received the standard advice to put the study aside and focus on my baby. It used to stress me a lot. It even made me second-guess my decision.
There were times when frustration got the better of me. I even thought about leaving my
pursuit of a CA degree. But I looked back at my journey so far and shrugged away all these momentary thoughts, and I got back to working hard. I was determined.
There was a clock ticking inside my mind and a voice telling me constantly, “If not now, then never.” NOW was the time. And I reattempted the exams in May 2015. But this time too, I couldn’t pass.
I wanted to give up. It seemed that CA was not my cup of tea. But my family, especially my father, stood by me. He knew how much I wanted it. So, he motivated me to give it another shot, regardless of the outcome. I re-registered and started over.
My goals were clear: (1) look after my baby well; and (2) pass the CA exams. So, it was. I persevered.
“How Have I Adjusted My Study Schedule?”
To accommodate the changed priorities, I modified my study schedule. I had the time to study when my baby was sleeping. So, I mostly studied at night.
I synchronised my study routine with my baby’s sleep pattern. I would read on the bed with a small table, so I could keep a watch over him too.
My parents and my husband were my pillars of strength. They stood firm beside me, supporting me, encouraging me, and lending me motivation throughout.
When I felt things were getting difficult or complicated, they showed me the way and
assured me that everything would be fine. Most of all, I knew they were there. So, I tried again.
Clearing CA (Third-Time Lucky!)
November 2015. I had my CA exams scheduled. My husband and I decided that come what may, after appearing for the exams we (our son and I) were to go back home in the UAE.
All the formalities for tickets and visas were completed. But, at the last minute, my exams got postponed. Rearranging everything needed efforts and incurred extra costs too. But when I indicated my willingness to write the exams, my husband agreed without hesitation. He knew how badly I wanted to pass the exams and how hard I had worked for it.
I was feeling a little guilty as I knew my husband was missing us a lot but when he said – Anjana, it is just a matter of few days and the cost is nothing in terms of the reward, it made me feel better.
And…luckily, I cleared that attempt. I was a Chartered Accountant. Finally!
Being a Mother and Beginning a Career as a CA in the UAE
One of my two goals was accomplished. I was a qualified CA.
Now, I dedicate all the time to my son, Manu. So, I did not start working immediately. I raised my child and waited until he was old enough to be left at daycare.
In August 2017, I joined a manufacturing company in Sharjah as a management accountant. In 2018, we shifted to Abu Dhabi as my husband got a big opportunity to work in the government sector. I am currently employed as a management consultant in an Abu Dhabi-based consulting firm.
5 Ideas for People Who Want to Continue Their Education After Having a Baby
Been there. Done that. So, here’s my advice for all those new mommies and daddies looking to continue studying along with your wonderful bundle of joy:
1. Believe in yourself. You are a lot stronger and so much more capable than you think.
you are. If you really want it, then just go for it. You’ve got the power.
2. Looking after a new baby can be challenging initially. Take every change positively. It
will help you embrace the new life better.
3. Plan everything in advance and have a routine. Effective time management will help.
You keep up with the new life and study as well.
4. Prioritize. That’s the magic word! Cut out all the extra activities (including social media).
and gossip calls too) and just focus on your goals.
5. Have trust in your support network. I know it is tough to leave your baby behind. But,
Your parents or your husband or wife would handle the baby well. Leave your worries and
Just study during the time allocated for that.
Concluding…
When I tell my story to people, I get many positive responses. But the most asked question is: “How did you do it all?”
My answer: “I did what I had to do.” I did it because I wanted to. I was determined, so everything fell into place. Most of all, I never stopped trying.
Was it easy? No.
Did I want to quit? Yes. YES!
What did you do then? I kept trying.
Was it worth it, though? Absolutely.
Looking back, the happiness and satisfaction that I got after completing CA and achieving my goals outweighed all the tiredness, stress, frustrations, or any regrets that I felt during the journey.
It does not matter if you are single or married, have a child or not; all that matters is your determination. In my case, I am very lucky to have a supportive family and a very encouraging life partner, so it did make things a little easier.
Never give up.
