Is it better to spend time studying for the CFA level 1 or spend time self studying, reading 10k's, and mastering writing reports and doing valuations. I have a constraint of both money and time since I work 2 jobs, so I can't really do both. Would the CFA give me any real edge in the short run, or can I possibly do my own research and invest that same money that I would use paying for the CFA as a way to show interest in investing and also have the "experience" of investing?
My goal is to somehow break into ER in the next 1-2 years out of my back office hell job, so I am trying to create some kind of an edge to try to network and break into the field.
Thank you.