As a nontraditional student, I often find myself caught between two worlds: where I am and where I desperately want to be. I’m in the final stretch of my business degree with just over a year to go, but my ambitious side often whispers, “You should already be there.” There, for me, means working in the accounting field, building experience, and laying the groundwork for eventually owning my own firm. It’s a vision that excites me—but also tests my patience daily.

The challenge I face isn’t about keeping up with schoolwork or balancing responsibilities as a mom (though those are real hurdles). It’s about resisting the urge to leap ahead of the process. I want to fast-forward to the part where I’ve already built a thriving accounting practice. Sometimes, this makes me feel like I’m behind everyone else, even though I know I’m doing exactly what I need to be doing to reach my goals.

The Power of Playing the Long Game

When these feelings creep in, I remind myself of one thing: success isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. One of the strategies that’s been helping me lately is embracing the concept of playing the long game. Sure, I dream about running my own accounting firm, but I also know there’s immeasurable value in taking my time, gaining experience, and learning the ropes at an established firm first.

Working for an accounting firm after graduation will give me the chance to develop skills I can’t pick up in a classroom. I’ll get to see how successful firms operate, build relationships with clients, and refine my expertise in a structured environment. This phase of my career will be critical for building the foundation of the business I’ll own someday. And honestly? I’ll be better equipped to lead my future firm because of it.

Ambition vs. Patience

That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Some days, my ambition feels like a double-edged sword. It drives me to work hard and stay focused, but it also pushes me to feel like I’m not moving fast enough. However, I’ve come to realize that ambition isn’t about rushing; it’s about channeling that energy in a way that’s sustainable and strategic.

When I think about playing the long game, I remind myself of the benefits of this journey:

• Confidence from experience: Every project I work on, every mistake I make, and every mentor I learn from will shape me into the business owner I aspire to be.

• Clarity in my vision: By observing how firms operate, I’ll have a clearer idea of what I want (and don’t want) when it comes to running my own.

• Credibility in the industry: Working for a firm before launching my own will build my professional reputation and give future clients confidence in my expertise.

Staying Grounded

For anyone else who feels like their goals are taking too long to materialize, here’s what’s been working for me:

1. Celebrate progress, not just milestones. Every semester I complete and every new skill I learn is a step forward, even if it feels small in the moment.

2. Keep the end goal in mind. When I get frustrated, I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place—to build a career I’m proud of and create financial stability for my family.

3. Talk to others who’ve been there. Hearing from people who’ve achieved what I’m working toward helps me see that my timeline isn’t unusual—it’s just part of the process.

I won’t lie—this season of life is challenging. But every time I choose patience over frustration, I’m reminded that playing the long game isn’t a compromise. It’s a strategy. And I’m not just working toward my dream; I’m setting myself up to do it the right way.

So, if you’re also feeling “behind” or restless in your journey, take a deep breath. Remember: the best things in life take time.