Thanks Brian, I think I've pretty much decided that I've not got much to lose really. I've already spent £,000's getting this far, what's another £500 or so to get set up? And certified status will be another string to my bow, so to speak, whether I decide to go it alone or manage to get a job (or both!)
Jo, I think you're right - attitude and a belief in my abilities will get me there. I learned so much from catering - staying calm under pressure, planning and prioritising work, problem solving, this list goes on.
I've looked at this journey as investing in myself for my and my family's future, so I won't have to be working endless hours in minimum wage jobs for the rest of my life when I know I'm capable of so much more. Now it's coming to crunch time when I've almost qualified and I'm having difficulty finding the right job, and when I think I've found it I flunk at the interview, it's frustrating. In my last interview I clammed up and completely forgot to mention ANYTHING about my treasurer role - the most relevant work I do! OK, working on the self-believe and positive attitude. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer.
Mandy, it's taken me 2 1/2 years to get this far with AAT. I was able to do level 2 in 6 months on a 'fast track' course because I had a basic understanding of double-entry bookkeeping already. Level 3 took just over one year, and I started level 4 last April. I have one more exam (Thursday - eek!) and the ICAS (Internal Controls and Accounting Systems) project module to do. I did levels 2 and 3 at the local college and level 4 at the local Kaplan centre. Are you studying online or at a college? With online/home study you can complete it as quickly as you can learn it. I might be wrong but I think one member did the whole qualification in less than a year! A few of our class are on graduate programmes or apprenticeships, one has been working in quite a high level role for years but wants the paper qualification to go with it, most are working in some capacity in finance, and then there's me, quietly been passing exams but not doing much with it lol.
AAT have lots of practice assessments on their website and I always complete those before going to the actual exam so I know what to expect. I remember being extremely nervous for my first exam at level 2 as I hadn't taken any since I was at school (I'm 45 this year). Now I've taken so many over the last 2 1/2 years I'm used to it. I will still be glad when Thursday is over though. I'm sure you'll get on fine, Mandy, as you've have the background.
I think I just need to do it and stop looking at the ifs and buts. If I'd done this in October when I first started thinking about it I'd be registered by now :/
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