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I apologise if I end up starting two threads, I already tried to post one but an error occurred.
Due to ill-health (I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME) I am looking into a change of careers to one where I can work predominantly from home. I was wondering if anyone can give me advice about whether becoming a self-employed bookkeeper is a feasible option. I would like to be able to spend, at most, only a couple of hours a month at each client's place of business and work at home the rest of the time. Please also bear in mind that although I am very good with figures, I have no background in bookkeeping, so need to start from scratch.
Can anyone give advice on whether this idea is realistic or not? Although I have been very ill for the last 10 month with this, I am assured (by the medical profession) that, given time, I will gradually improve, and so hopefully, once qualified, I could slowly build up the number of my clients as my health allows.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help with this.
Elise
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- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 99 posts
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you go for it Elise, the great thing about learning and working for yourself is that you do it at your own pace. So if you don't feel too good, just take a break and come back to it when you feel up to it.
good luck
CAP 
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Thanks for the encouragement CAP, I'm going to give it a try. I'm going for self-study for level 1, and after that I'll see what option looks best for someone in my situation.
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- Fellow
- Practice Licence
- 85 posts
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There is always demand for bookkeepers working from their own premises on a freelance basis these days, Elise.
Also, bookkeeping is so damn interesting, engrossing and fun - focussing on it will help you forget about feeling ill for a little while, so it's like therapy as well!
Good Luck
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Thanks for the kind words, Karen (even if I am so reprehensibly late in responding) - I am enjoying the studying, it's just going very slowly - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does exactly what it says on the tin, I'm exhausted all the time and so unfortunately my concentration is often affected, so sometimes it's very s-l-o-w - g-o-i-n-g - never mind, slow as it is, I am finding it engrossing, as you said, (when I can get my head to focus - hmph) and since I'm pretty much house-bound, what else am I to do - watch Jeremy Kyle?!? - that just leaves me wanting to throw something at the TV within about 30 seconds!
I hope to do the Level 1 exam before Christmas, so then I'll really feel like I'm on my way. Level 1 does feel really basic, almost like it's there to let us decide if we are suited to the subject or not. I am far more worried about Level 2 and beyond - gulp!
I'd like to ask a completely unrelated question:
Do people find that clients have any preference between a full Member and an Associate - i.e. do they seem to care what level you are qualified to, as long as you are qualified to practise? I suspect that my timing for taking out a practice licence will have far more to do with when I feel well enough to become a reliable self-employed bookkeeper, but I would eventually like to offer the full scope of services, so I want to get all of the qualifications (payroll, self-assessment etc.) but I suppose another way of putting it would be is it worth registering to practise with just the level 2 qualifications, doing basic bookkeeping and then add the other services as and when you qualify to do them, or would others advise that you qualify yourself to be able to offer the full range of services from day one?
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Hi,
I have just qualified and am looking for work. Ideally, I want to work from home. I am nervous to work alone to start with though, being a bit green around the ears, and have been looking to join a company to get experience. But jobs advertised want bookkeepers with experience! Huh. I've just seen your post, do you have any advice for finding freelance work?
Thanks.
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Hi,
I just finished my Level II computerised Bookkeeping course awaiting for results. Both fingers and toes crossed.
Can any one please guide me how can a fresher get a job? Job advertise say they need some with experiance.
I am very much interested to start my career and get some experiance.
awaiting for response.
Shwetha
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Hi
You can go along to your local branch meetings and make some connections, network and learn how other bookkeepers operate and how they market their services. So much to learn for everybody!
Ken
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- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 99 posts
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Hi Elise,
so glad to hear that you are continuing with your studies, it dosn't matter how long the journey is, its the getting there thats important and I'm sure you'll get there. In my experience, most clients don't seem to mind what level you are qualified to as long as you can demonstrate that you can do the job that they want you to do. However you must remember that there are restrictions on the type of client you can take on depending on your level of qualification etc. For example if you want to offer your services to Ltd companies, you must have level 3 but there are plenty of sole traders out there who need someone to keep them on the straight and narrow. So stick with it and I'm sure you'll be just fine. CAP
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- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 99 posts
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Hi Zoe,
yeah, its the chicken and egg syndrome isn't it? how do you get experience if no-one sets you on. You could always write to all the Accountancy practice's in your area and explain that you are newly qualified but eager to get on the work ladder and ask if they have anything they could offer you, even if it was only doing the basics to begin with. they can only say no !!!!! but what have you got to loose. Or go along to your local branch meetings and seek advice from some of the others. One thing about us book-keepers is wer'e a friendly bunch and try to help each other.Whatever you do-stick with it, if you knock on the door long enough, someone will open it eventually. Take care CAP
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