To think this is a dig?

[Headisspinningggg]

I am doing a certain prestigious (?) qualification at a big company. Went to a top 5 uni (not boasting, just context) but have recently failed my last couple of exams linked to this qualification. This happens.

A friend told me yesterday about their friend who is apparently doing the same qual. I’ve checked and it isn’t, it’s a bit easier and she went to a different uni and works at a very different company from mine, different lifestyle all round. Friend said “oh my friend is really clever, she’s passed all her exams first time so far”

Aibu to take this as a dig?! She knows my struggles and also having looked into it we are doing completely different things anyway!!

Can’t be ACCA/ACA because ACCA is not easy! Maybe AAT/ACCA?

But yeah, I would take that as a dig for sure. She will have no clue what it’s like. Keep up the good work; you will get there OP!

Yes it was a dig or at best extremely thoughtless.

ACA at a big 4 and your friend's friend is doing ACCA? Not comparable but I'm not sure if you should bother to put your friend right. Loads of very bright people fail ACA exams, I'd ignore friend and put it down to ignorance.

Dont see why you had to say you went to a top 5 uni? Not really relevant, and recruiters dont really care where in the rankings most of the time.

ACA and CTA/ATT is my guess.

Chances are your friend has been cringing ever since she realised what she said, OP.

Come on you have to tell us which (accountancy?) qualification it is!

Not really relevant, and recruiters dont really care where in the rankings most of the time.. Not true.

WheelDecide has it. Accept that ACCA not actually easier, just different but I was really hurt by it. I think said friend might be a bit jealous as they always press me about my salary and I just change the subject. We’re in different industries and mine is quite full-on

Friend and her friend went to eg met uni and I went to eg Durham. Really really not trying to be snobbish here but it was so hurtful - she just grinned at me and said ah well she’s aceing them, she’s really clever. I realise I’m doing it now but I would never have thought to make a university comparison or similar - so don’t see why friend feels the need to make me feel shit by saying something like this.

Yea, that sounds like a dig OP.

Some people just can't help themselves.

Only you know what sort of friend she is to you and how much she wanted to "dig" you.

I have met people like that and I just distance myself from them as I don't think people who need to have a dig, add anything to my life.

I have found no longer being available for them most effective. Whenever we bump into each other subsequently, they don't behave like that.

Best of luck in your next set of exams👍💐

Google says the a stage salary of ACA professional is £70K+, with £30K+ for ACCA.

It sounds like a put down to me. Next time say 'yes I did think about doing the easier qualification but I chose the harder route as there is greater earning potential'.

PS:. Big 4 is more than a bit full on. Friend sounds jealous.

People don't really understand these gradations in qualifications.

Smile and say "How nice for your friend", but inwardly you know differently.

*average salary

.The best recipe for happiness I can think of is to not compare yourself to others. Just smile, nod and concentrate on doing what you want to do. It really doesn't matter what other people think, if you are happy with what you are doing and your own achievements.

Wot @Lex234 said ^

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em: if you keep failing the exams for the prestigious qualification, just get the easy one instead. My ex fiancé was at Cambridge and then one of the big three accounting firms until he failed the chartered accountancy exams. He did some lesser qualification while unemployed and became a chartered management accountant instead. My dad (who left school at 15 with two CSEs!) used to make snippy remarks about this, but the fact is that if you're any sort of accountant you must be on track to out-earn 90% of the population.

Personally, as someone who never mastered times tables or short division, I take my hat off to you. People who scoff probably haven't passed many prestigious exams themselves, as that would require actual work.

Thanks all - I’m almost there so excited to finish! I reckon I can do it, I only have 3 out of 15 left

I think the salary differential between ACA and ACCA is mainly because it’s ACCAs who work in industry more as general rule and are therefore less likely to be based in London. ACCA isn’t any easier. It’s less audit and practice focussed. The ACA/ACCA rivalry is just snobbery, but I agree that the people who are most likely to be snippy about failing professional exams are usually not volunteering to do them in droves!

She's just saying her friend is clever, maybe she is. You say you went to Durham, Hatfield college by any chance?

No Lionel, why?

I’m not saying she’s not clever. Just the dig element

You can be really clever and not go to a top 5 uni you know.

@Twickerhun , everybody knows that , but that's beside the point. It was a dig.

Twicker, that is obvious. I really don’t care about it. I mentioned it to illustrate the implication that no one should say things like that anyway as it’s all subjective - if I’m going to be judged on my performance in these exams then I could easily judge on arbitrary things like that. Which I won’t. Cos I’m not a dick

Glass houses and stones comes to mind