Afternoon all.

Im studying ACCA and currently doing F4 and F5.  I basically had a mid life crisis two years ago and shelved my old job (I was in Finance and Banking) and decided to follow something I had always wanted to do.  Its been a steep learning curve as debits are now credits and vice versa!  I decided to do my exams this year and so have finished F1,2 and 3.  So Im pretty old for this accountancy lark at 39!  I work for a small practice and have been preparing accounts for a year.  To say I am pretty shell shocked is a bit of an understatement but its great to get my teeth into something new.

Sue

‘Ere! Watch it! Who’re you calling old?

Hi Sue. Sort of similar background. Packed in my IT (software developer) job to become an accountant. It’s been 14 months since I’ve been in small practice.

It’s good to hear from someone in the same boat. I am 41, btw.

Hi there

I dont feel so bad now.  Being surrounded by people who are young enough to be my children is not good for my ego!!  How are you finding the change of career?

Lol.

I know that feeling. I just get on with things. Perspective is very different too.
At first, it was a bit strange to get used to the different environment. Now, I don’t find it so bad.

Send me a P.M.

And someone with ‘life experience’ will find the papers requiring a little maturity will benefit!

(I’m 39 too)

And so how much longer do I need to wait before these “maturity” papers??  At least I should have 20 years or so in the business before I retire

Hi Enigma,

It definitely feels like that when you first start out. I know I did.

You will be surprised how quickly time goes and suddenly you’re sitting, what you call, “maturity” papers.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, hang in there. I was in your shoes not so long ago. Annette, Caz and the others were a brilliant help. If an old fogey like me can do it ... 

I agree with Annette in that maturity can and does work to your advantage.

hraj - November 19 2008 01:15 AM

Annette, Caz and the others were a brilliant help.

aw shucks
......warm glow inside now, it’s nice to be appreciated!

Go for it. I was just the wrong side of 30 when I started my accountancy career. It’s been the best move I’ve ever made.

And I know what Annette means when she says ‘life experience helps’. The written elements of many papers are most students downfall, and this is where knowing just a little about the world of work and life in general can work to your advantage.

Hi
It’s good to know that people of our age (became 40 this year) have still got what it takes!
From my observations our group know the true definition of determination.

Someone once said to me that you can either turn 40 with an exam or without an exam, no matter what, you will still turn 40!
I know which one I choose.
Good Luck every body in Dec.
KYS

Right now I think I would rather turn 40 with a glass of wine!

Thanks for all the reassurance though.  Somehow I think I may need it over the coming years!

Just remember, you have to grow old, you don’t have to grow up!