I absolutely know that a big majority of CPA exam takers on this forum have full time jobs, an many commitments. My aim is not to, in any way, demean anyone's efforts. I am only speaking from my own point of view.

 I have  2 elementay school kids, a 8 month old baby ( born after a big gap, and hence more precious, as parents will know)....i am a rusty 12 years ago MBA, and a stay at home mom for that entire period. Basic accounting principles seem a little foreign to me, and I have to consult an Intermediate accounting book to brush up on the basics. I am going slow & steady with the wiley book at this point. I also ( can't emphasise enough)  absolutely CRAVE to have a recognised qualification attached to my name, and am also fairly hardworking. I am way over my head in feeing that I should utilise my MBA, that I worked so hard to achieve. Ofcourse, the monetary benefits of a CPA, with family obligations, loom HUGE in my eyes.Probably that's my major motivation.  

My question is this: Not to take anything away from anyone of you, I sometimes feel that the exam is too demanding, that i really should buckle down & get to it. But, in this economy, with experienced people being laid off every day, is it really worth it to pursue the CPA, and give up time with my baby, with my family, only to realize (hypothetically) that even after the  exam is passed, the licensing in PA is a pain ( as people here have said), and the job hunting is a nightmare. I don't want to be sitting , after 2 years or so, and think, 'Oh gosh...i missed out on so much....."

Thanks for letting me vent...greatly respect all opinions here. You are some of the most helpful people I have met on the net....

I would say to do it.  If you are in no rush to complete the exam, then it really should not be that many hours per week of studying. 

Now is the best time to get the license if you really plan on getting one.  Take advantage of the down economy now so that when you finish, and most likely the economy is on the upswing, you will be ready to go.

Also, are you doing this just for the certification of for future job prospects?  If it is just because you want the cert than you need to evaluate how much you really want it.  If you want it because you think it will help you get a job, just realize that unless you are looking for a job in accounting (not finance) the license really isn't much of a help.  An MBA from a good school is worth more from what I have seen.  Neither an MBA or COA will get you anywahere without experience though.