I think that this is an excellent path for you to pursue. Initially, you will likely take on accounts/business that later on you will choose not to pursue because as your practice grows, you'll reach the point in which you can turn down accounts. (Will you initially set up an office in your home? I ask this because I sell/lease commercial real estate and I work with many new businesses and I recommend, if at all possible, working out of the house for as long as you can and keep expenses down, especially in the beginning.)

Before I finished reading your story I was thinking this guy could do my taxes. Go for it.

Hi, Check out Jennifer McLean, she will help you starting your job. Her offer actually expired 15 min ago. I really wanted to be in her signature success program but I didn't have $297 and that is a very very good deal. She has a support team that will get you to your dreams and it's not only that, she loves helping people because she almost went homeless when she quit her job working for corporate America where she helped people make millions. Google her up Hope this information will guild you to her. Love and blessings Rosalyn

Hi Ryan, And thanks for sharing. Ryan I don't have nearly the education you have and I have faced that same problem of being called "too slow". Although I don't have a learning disability (as far as the definition of learning disability is concerned) but I too have been not chosen, removed, let go for not being fast enough.
Do not give up on your dream of owning your own business - and like R Lanier stated "The stress of your own business is very different than working for a company..." Whatever you do concerning making a living and having to deal with people, problems of others will bring its own stress - but you sound like you are more than able to handle it. Go ahead and start your own business. Being an accountant you know what you will need to start-up - so do it right and do it right the first time. Remember what Frank Gonzalez said "...time is money accuracy is a follow-up, this holds true whether you have a disability or not." And he is so very much on point. But realize you are doing a double pointer: (1) you are starting your own business; (2) you are going to an area (place to start your business) you are not familiar with and the people do not know you. This is a good opportunity to let your talent(s) speak for you. My dad use to say "Let your work speak for you. If you are any good you do not have to tell people how good you are." You are never out of options until you take your last breath. You are not dead, you are full of (great!) ideas - now you and your ideas get to work! The very best to you.

I am an accountant as well, (Colorado) the demand for CPA's is big; I myself was laid off years ago; I was a controller (2012), started working on contract basis until now, I decided to go back to permanent position (full time) and having a lot of trouble getting a position as Senior Accountant, or even Staff Accountant due to many companies requiring CPA certification even for those type of positions, salaries are way down; If you are in the position to open your own business I will root for you, I think it is a great idea. I just started with my preparation for CPA and CMA certifications, it is not easy but good studying habits we will get it. And about disappointments, the is always there like any other type of business, just keep up, get a good sales presentation and be competitive with your rates. I was thinking to do the same myself once I get my cerification, good luck

Hi Ryan: First of all, congrats on finishing up your CPA! It is a good ideal to check out other job markets within commutable distance. If working at your own pace works better for you, opening your own firm may be an option (but finish the CPA first and get through the exam). The other suggestions I have are (1) tap your school's resources (career services and services that help students with learning and physical disabilities if available) (2) tap your local resources for assistance to learn techniques that can help you increase productivity, prioritize, and help you from getting overwhelmed. Last, Don't Give Up! The right place is out there for you!

Ryan: Your not by chance located in Michigan? I am sort of in the same predicament, I recently graduated with my MBA, in accounting, or so I thought, come to find out I need 10 more classes before I can even think of sitting for the CPAs. I have been struggling to find work and gotten so desperate that I have taken pet sitting jobs because that's all I could get. I really wish I could get in with an accountant who would teach me the ropes, but I have yet to find that person. Good luck with your future endeavors, hope you are successful.

Amie

Ryan, you are not out of options, in 1995 my wife started a lawn service, I had a good job and thought she was nuts, my company sold out to our competition in 2000 and my benefits, bonuses and pay was cut, but I was helping her with the lawn business after work and not only replaced what the company took but built it big enough that we made more money than with us working separately. The stress of your own business is very different than working for a company and it is well worth the effort. We sold our lawn service for a good profit and started flipping houses. So go for it and do a good job and you will have a loyal following, even now I still get people calling asking me to please get back into the lawn business.

Hi Ryan!,My name's Mike i identify with the part of your letter where you were let go for being too slow physically.i was hired for the Burlington coat factory from nov.2nd to jan.7th.(as a ticketer-that's some one who opens cartons,puts price tags on items,seals up the cartons,puts the cartons on a conveyer belt).i was 58yrs.old eyesight as it was,i couldn't go any faster.only as fast as my age permits.i didn't meet my work percentage.to top it off because of working that short time i couldn't collect unemployment(5 months is needed)i like working at my own pace too.as for your problem .it might be a better idea to persue something different, if you can, since speed slows you down(i'm at a loss what cpa is)you might be at a dead end. good luck!

You have to do what is right for you and only you. If running your own Tax Preparation Service and being a CPA is what you want to do, then by all means go ahead and do it. Only you know if it will make you happily succeed in the long run. Just saying.