Failed s7 3x (Unforeseen Circumstances)
So, about 8 months ago I was sponsored through my previous employer for the S7. Everything was going great and I passed the SIE with ease. Unfortunately, 4 weeks after my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Doctors said the cancer was terminal. spreading fast and that she had limited time. Almost instantaneously her health started to deteriorate as she started undergoing her treatments. Immediately, I had to change my priorities from studying for the exam to taking care of my Mom. I quickly became overwhelmed physically and emotionally to the point of exhaustion. Between taking care her and driving her to all her appointments in conjunction with the mental aspect knowing what was to come....It became a heavy burden on my shoulders. As a result, my performance in my studies suffered immensely.
I called HR and explained to them my situation and asked for some leniency regarding their expectations of me completing the exam and requested time off. My request was denied, and I was told that I was not eligible for any FMLA or paid family leave. Furthermore, I was told that I was still expected to pass the exam within the threshold the company had set. This left me with no other choice, and I was forced to take the exam within the following 60 days.
First attempt I scored a 70, Second attempted 70, third attempt 71…failed by 1 point. As a result, I was terminated.
Anyways, it’s not my intention to get too personal and I’m not playing my violin, but I think it’s important to explain the (conditional) situation I was in and why…
It wasn't because I was unable or unwilling to pass the exam. In fact, I have 10 years in the financial industry working as a Private Banker, Analyst and Accountant. Additionally, I have a double BBA in Finance and Economics.
I was VERY familiar with the material and concepts tested as my education and career fully coincided with it all. Initially, I was at the head my class consistently scoring in the mid/high 80s'.... But with all the bad that was happening, I found myself in a bad place. It came to the point where it was impossible for me to think critically let alone clearly as I became consumed by my own thoughts. Doing the simplest tasks became difficult without losing thought and forgetting what I was doing. I can remember every time I took the exam- I knew what most the problems pertained, what was being asked and I knew that I knew how to solve them...I just couldn't recall or put anything together bc my mind wasn't functioning clearly. I failed because the most unfortunate events of my life had transpired all at the wrong time and was forced to deal with them.
Now that is all said and done. I have started studying where I left off and am back scoring in the 80's and 90's
Questions: How hard will it be for me to get sponsorship again through another firm after failing 3 times? Do you know of anyone else that attempted the exam more than 3x? Can potential employers see the # of times someone took the exam? Will this affect my eligibility? Also, are there any companies that would be more susceptible and willing to sponsor for my fourth and final attempt?
I’m adamant in becoming an FA and aspire to eventually become CFP and there is no doubt in my mind that I'll past with my next attempt. It's something I'm determined in achieving because I'm great at what I do and love it. If anyone can give me some insight or constructive advice, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
