Level 1 test results takes one month to come out. And IF i pass Level 1, I would like to take Level II in June '16. Would this be enough time to study for Level II?

I'm very, very bitter at my work but forced to stay here for cash flow and stability reasons. I'm hopeful about going through the CFA exams, but I'm also thinking ahead about sponsorships. How do you guys plan to be sponsored? By your current work or elsewhere? My work environment is very toxic, especially for people like me who love to learn and take classes on my own time to advance. I'm somewhat young, 25, but they view me as "green". Which is probably true since I have a very naive vision of how a business environment should be--where there's no office politics. I felt like I was wasting my time here since i'm not learning anything...but one thing i'm learning is how office politics works. Once I pass the first two levels (could be june '17 at the earliest), I'm planning on asking my employer to sponsor me, if they don't, I need to walk. I'm giving myself a deadline of June '18 to pass all three levels. Realistic or am I dreaming? BTW, i'm currently working in securities lending. Mainly reconciling wires and processing trades. Brainless work for me. Another reason why I would like to go for the CFA, the challenge and makes me feel humble.

Sorry for going on a tangent here. I just have a lot of decisions to make and hope any third party view would give me more insights or suggestions. thanks in advance for any input.

First off, congratulations on your marriage and your desire to complete the program. Second, I'm sorry to hear about your husband's condition. Those are not excuses for failing. Sometimes life intervenes and we can't move things along quite as smoothly or at the pace we originally envisioned. Our family commitments far outweigh studying for these outrageous exams so don't worry about it. Concentrate on preparation for December of 16.

Office politics are everywhere. You'll never escape it. Learn how to use it to your advantage. That's the best advice I have there. Does your company employ CFA's? Do you see a future for yourself there after completing the program? Either way, ask them about covering some of the cost. If you don't ask, the answer's no. If you don't see a future there and they won't help with the program then why stay? I don't know your financial commitments, need for stability, etc.., but life's to short to work somewhere where you're under-appreciated, under-challenged and worst of all, underpaid! Ha!

I sympathize with your situation and I think you should go for Level I in December. Let's say you pass Level I in December, which with some determined study you can do. Level II is a totally different beast, but it wouldn't hurt to give it your best shot in June of 17. However, I'd worry about Level II after you pass Level I and not before then.

You may decide to go for Level II in June or you may need to take a much needed break. Who knows? Cross that bridge when you get to it.

Develop a comprehensive study plan centered around the texts, an online testbank, and lots of mock exams. I used this web site's questions and passed easily, and I thought it was more than adequate.

I hope this helps.

Ryan