You will also need to check and see if your state is one of the state's that require a certain amount of auditing hours to obtain the work experience requirement.  The state I am in does, but others do not.  If your state does not, then you are in good shape, but if it does then you would have to be doing internal audit at costco to get the required hours.  Just financial reporting and tax work does not cut it with states that require auditing hours.

I think its a good idea.  You don't have anything to lose by taking the exam.  You may have to at some point (once you pass) take a couple years and "pay your dues" at a small firm to learn the business side - billing, software, tons to know in tax and then transition to part time/work when you want. 

The economy is bad right now so many people are discouraged.  But a career spans many years and a CPA certification will not hurt.  If you have good experience, good work ethic, and ambition - you will figure out a way to use it....