Very Disheartned

[hmcashman]

I am a full member who passed to Techinican level 18 months ago. :D :D

I have worked as a bought ledger clerk and bookeeper for several years. :)

I have been trying to get a better job that recognise my AAT qualification. I get lots of interviews but never the job :(

I am a 49 year old wife and mother, and I'm starting to feel it's my age that puts employer's off.

I am very dishearten, and don't know if I should give up looking and just be satisfied with my current bookeeping job, (this is with a small business, where there is no possibility of pomotion).

Or think about trying to go self employed (although I feel I have no actual accountancy experience just the AAT qualification).

Or perhaps think about further education, ie. ACCA or CIMA (I did find AAT very hard and it took me 5 years to qualify).

I regret paying to be a full member as It's made no difference to me personally. :(

Would like advice from anyone who has been in similar situation.


[b]

[TLG]

Hi HMCashman

You say the current bookeeper role has no chance of promotion, but is there some way you could persuade your boss and his accountants to let you take on more of the accounting role? If you spoke to your boss and told him/her that you were seriously considering leaving as you feel that you have more to offer they may prefer to let you take on more rather than lose you. Would this be a compromise you would be happier with?

With regards to finding alternative work, it is not just an age thing and new legislation coming in will ensure that it must not be an age thing in future. Keep trying for other roles if the above suggestion is not possible and be positive. Try to come over as positive and confident (even if you don't feel it), some one who is shy/nervous or very quiet is hard to interview and leaves the interviewer feeling that they didn't really find out enough about the person to know if they would be suitable or not.

Good luck

T

[hmcashman]

Thanks very much for your reply. You seem to always give good advice and seem very knowledgable. :lol:

[Baggybooks]

I don't think self-employed is a good option just yet. You say you don't have much experience yet - get that experience while someone else is paying you - then you will have the knowledge to make an informed decision and have been earning at the same time. Good luck - you've done the hard work in qualifying, now you need to build on it! 8)

[hmcashman]

Thanks for the reply. :wink:

[Frankymo1e]

Have you considered working in the public sector? They would even pay for CIMA and give you study time off.

[edpersh]

Would you not consider starting self employment just advertising book keeping and any other skills you feel confident with? How about asking local accountants if they are interested in subbing out their book-keeping.
I have just approached a local accountant and he is delighted to pass on book-keeping etc and in turn I will pass onto him any "complicated" work that is out of my range etc.
the best way to learn is to do!

Good luck!