Self-employment or not? [Archive] - AAT Discussion Forums

View Full Version : Self-employment or not?

Yvette

07-03-05, 01:00

Just wondered if anyone can give some advice on whether or not to go down the self-employed route. I returned to work on a part time basis 5 months ago after being on 1 year maternity leave. I don't feel I am used to my full capacity. I like the idea of being self-employed for the flexibility it can give etc... but I do suffer from a lack of confidence in my own ability. Part of me thinks I should bite the bullet and go for it, but it is also a frightening prospect. Can anyone relate to this and share some advice?

sarahesmith

08-03-05, 01:00

Hi Yvette, Do you work for an accountancy firm or do you do the books ect for a company. I ask because I do the bookeeping for an engineering company but have just started doing bookeeping, payroll ect for a small catering company as a self employed bookeeper. I am just about to post my member in practise form back to the AAT. I was very nervous and panicky at the start but love it now and once I have my Member in Practise okayed by the AAT hope to find some more clients. I am going to my first Branch meeting on Wednesday. Have you been to any? You can email me if you like on sarahesmith@blueyonder.co.uk Regards, Sarah

Michael56J

10-03-05, 01:00

Hi, Yvette. I was in the same position. I qualified as a bookkeeper about six years ago, but, because of health, I couldn't take it further. When I was able to return to work, I decided to finish my AAT. I arranged to work part-time for my "normal" job, which is not in finance, and took on a client for ten hours a week. I accepted that I wouldn't get paid too much, but I was looking for the experience, and it's worked. It's given me the confidence to inform my employer that I intend to leave as soon as I can so as to work in accounts and they've accepted it and expressed appreciation for my honesty. You have a wonderful opportunity, here. You already work part-time. Although you have a young baby, it still gives you a chance to do something every day. Try it. Until you give up your other job, you have nothing to lose, and confidence to gain. Mike p.s. There was a good article in this month's Accounting Technician magazine about someone who did start his own business. It's worth a read.

KrisP

14-03-05, 01:00

Hi all, I to am considering becoming self employed (during the 1st Quarter 2006) due to redundancy and would appreciate any advice people would have to offer who have already become self employed. As with most people my biggest worry is experience, I am qualified MAAT and part qualified CIMA but only really have experience in Accounts Payable for large companies. Any advice on getting started, gaining experience, what type of services to offer, what to charge etc would be much appreciated. Thanks, Kris.

Yvette

15-03-05, 01:00

Hi Michael Thank you for your response, it was motivating and just the sort of thing I need to hear. I guess the time has come to bite the bullet and to go for it. As you say I can take on a small client and then build on that. I did read the article you mentioned and found it inspirational. Good luck with your switch to self-employment. Yvette

Michael56J

23-03-05, 01:00

You're very welcome, Yvette. I hope it goes well for you. I'm sure it will. I spoke to an agency again, yesterday, and she wasn't particularly encouraging, but she did say that the self-employed work was a big bonus. Mike

sjmaccounting

25-03-05, 01:00

<< Just wondered if anyone can give some advice on whether or not to go down the self-employed route. I returned to work on a part time basis 5 months ago after being on 1 year maternity leave. I don't feel I am used to my full capacity. I like the idea of being self-employed for the flexibility it can give etc... but I do suffer from a lack of confidence in my own ability. Part of me thinks I should bite the bullet and go for it, but it is also a frightening prospect. Can anyone relate to this and share some advice? >>

Tahir

31-03-05, 00:00

I am working on a part time basis as self employed offerring basic bookeeping, VAT returns and completing self assessments. I'm Finding it difficult to build up clientel, I have advertised in the local papers and handed out business cards to several individuals and businesses, but don't seem to be getting a good response. Can anyone advise on the best route to advertise and get a good response ?