Motivation

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited 10:31AM in AAT student discussion
I completed Foundation at college last summer (bar the exam , which i passed a couple of weeks ago).
I started Intermediate just before christmas on a home study course with FTC, i'm finding it really hard to get motivated at the moment, was just wondering whether anyone had any tips?

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Look at someone who seems pretty crap at their job, but they earn more than you and have more responsibility. Usually motivates me!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Think of all the shoes you can buy when you are qualified and earning loads! :-)

    Or decide to treat yourself to something nice like a holiday or new car when you have qualified and stick a picture of it somewhere you go alot i.e. next to your PC monitor...

    Try to make yourself a realistic study time-table and stick to it, giving yourself mini-rewards i.e. 'if I do 8 hours of study in the week, I can go out Sat night and let my hair down..'

    Just a few ideas anyway!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Hi
    Sorry I may not be of any help to you because I am in exactly the same position. I am finding it really hard to motivate myself to do this course distance learning. (This is the first time I have attempted distance learning.) I have already deferred once and now am finding myself behind again. I prefer to go to college but as I am working full-time and I don't finish until quite late the hours didn't fit in so had no choice. It Didn't help when I read somewhere (after I registered) that the ideal age to do this NVQ is around early twenties and I am somewhat past that!! Any tips or advice would be welcome (not retirement though I've already thought of that).
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Hi

    I have the same problem and am no spring chick either.

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Some valid points made.

    Better money-nice car etc
    More varied and interesting jobs available to you
    Greater career prospects



    My boss regularly tells me that "nothing focuses the mind like money". A bit shallow I suppose, but true.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I don't necessarily agree with the money thing. Money doesn't make happiness! Yes more money makes life a bit more comfortable but it would be wrong to put yourself through the accountancy exams just for the pay rise!

    I did it for me just to prove to myself that I could get qualified and also to say to others that I was qualified.

    True the pay rise was welcome but qualifying shouldn't necessarily be just about the money! A friend of mine did it for the money and each time he gets a payrise it's never enough! :roll:

    Good luck anyway
    Regards
    Ste
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Well Steve you opened a philosophical can of worms there!

    Money dosen't make you happy I agree with that, but it certainly stops you being unhappy in some circumstances.

    I had a job that I liked, but have to give up and retrain because I simply cannot afford to buy a house and it was me making me unhappy!

    Roll on the big house price crash of 2006.

    Doing things for yourself and happiness at work has to come after financial security. Im not talking about big new 4 * 4's and five bed detached houses. I'd just like a nice semi and run down old banger - you have to be a brain surgeon to get that these days!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Yes Lincs, I agree with your post - it is all down to personal circumstances - none of us are all the same as it would make things boring if we were.

    I did not aim to open a philosophical can of worms - I don't get motivated by money and certainly didn't do all my exams purely for the money I did it to prove something to myself and also to enhance my career. On the flip side it does pay for the house, the car (not a flash car) and my beer! :lol:

    Again, all our circumstances are different and I certainly agree with the 5 bedroomed detached with a 4x4 and a pony in the back yard that has probably been re-mortgaged 4 times! (the house not the pony :lol:

    Anyway, good luck with the retraining and in a few years, you never know, you could be posting a thread from your 5 bedroomed detached after you have put your 4x4 in the garage!! :lol: Only joking!

    Best regards
    Steve
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Steve

    Ditch the beer and you could have the flash car!! :lol:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I stopped drinking (mostly) a few years ago and I still don't have a flash car :?

    Chris
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Being more serious, I actually find motivation in the pleasure of learning - never happier than when I've new stuff to learn. The once a week at college helps too - friendly competition with the other students and tutors you want to do well for are a real boost. Add to that the fact I've already invested a fair bit of time and money to get this far and that I hate to fail at things, well, my motivation is pretty high.

    Sure, financial security is ultimately the reason why I'm doing this but I don't think that alone would keep me going.

    I'm looking forward to the big house price crash too seeing as I live in an area of above average property values and below average income :?

    Chris

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I always find the pressure of dates helps. I do taught courses at BPP and so have to get course exams etc done on time and I find that motivates me. Also I try and get the highest percentage I can and when I was doing AAT my tutor used to say 'you don't have to get it all right you know' but my thought is that if you aim for that then you're bound to pass.

    I have the utmost admiration for you doing home study but I think that you are provided with course exams to do so use those as your stick!!!

    Good luck
    Annette
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I work for a big company that doesn't really use all of AAT as it is quite unique, so I'm not doing it for the money as I get paid the same whether I am qualified or not. I am doing it to better myself as I was a loser in school and didn't do well. As far as the house and car are concerned, I drive a flashier car than my Area General Manager :shock: reason - I sold my house to buy the car, got nowhere to live but got a nice car...... :roll:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation
    X5wrangler wrote:
    I work for a big company that doesn't really use all of AAT as it is quite unique, so I'm not doing it for the money as I get paid the same whether I am qualified or not. I am doing it to better myself as I was a loser in school and didn't do well. As far as the house and car are concerned, I drive a flashier car than my Area General Manager :shock: reason - I sold my house to buy the car, got nowhere to live but got a nice car...... :roll:
    I have to agree with you i did not do at all well at school , should of taken a few years off before doing a lvls , however part of it is money and the second may see strange to some people to prove it to myself .
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I'm kinda the same.... I did alright in my Gcse;s but flunked out of a-levels. So going back to studying 10 years later is really to prove that i can do it.
    Yeah the lure of a better job is there too along with the money that goes with it but as has already been said, money isn't everything!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Earning a good wage is obviously a benefit of becoming an accountant and it can be a lot of the motivation - I agree, it does depends on personal circumstances. Example - I only have myself to support, but others may have a family who they have to provide for.

    I like the thought that I will be earning lots one day, but I also do it because I am constantly learning new things and I've never been bored either. I find it difficult and challenging at times, but the satisfaction you get once you overcome those obstacles is very rewarding.

    The only regret I have is not realising what I wanted to do earlier - I am 25 this year and I won't be fully qualified (ACCA) until I am 28/29 - if I had started straight after school, I would be done by now! I went to college straight from school and then straight into a finance job, but I didn't start AAT until I was nearly 23.

    I know there are many people older than I am studying for AAT, but sometimes it's hard when most of my same-age friends have done their degrees and are near finishing their masters or professional qualifications and I still have many years ahead of me! But still - it will all be worth it in the end and I'm definitely not gonna give up! :-)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I wish I had of started AAT slightly earlier too! I was suppose to start it in my old job but then the company struggled and I was made redundant. Then in my new job, I had to pass my probation period before I could sign up to anything.

    I know I'm only 22 but I'm in the same position as PP22 where all my friends have done their degrees or whatever and are in brilliant jobs and can afford to go out on a regular basis etc.

    Me, on the other hand, I'm scraping together every last penny to get a deposit together for my first house whilst being underpaid, in my opinion, for the job I do. Roll on the house price crash.

    Kelly
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    To be honest, I've been pretty lucky and earn quite a decent wage for my level - probably because I've got 2 1/2 years experience and have always worked in industry. I get around the same as most of my friends - even a bit more than a few of them - but it's more the fact that when they're finished they'll have loads of spare time and I'll have to turn down nights out etc. as I'll be busy revising etc!

    It's a pain really that it takes 3 months to get results and then another 3 months to take the resits, otherwise it could be done a bit quicker!

    Oh well, just keep on at it! :-)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I have the same regret as PP22, I started AAT at 22, I wish I had gone straight inton AAT after getting my GCSE'S at 16, but its difficult to know what you want to do. A work experience student who is 17 and is learning full-time - I wish I had done this as PP22 would have completed AAT And have finished ACCA probably.

    I know I have years of learning in front of me too, but the prospects will be far greater as so many in the department have admitted so many more doors will open once AAT qualified.

    I keep motivated because I've always wanted to be the person who is qualified in a particular field, not to be the one who supports the professional.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I started AAT when i was 25, i had no clue what i wanted to do when i left school, then i had my daughter and i finally realised what i wanted to do with my life, took a few years to actually do it tho as daughter was too young so i couldn;t go to college.
    I;m glad i persevered and finally got to start studying...its all the more worthwhile when you pass a stage and you get a certificate to prove your not stupid!!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I'm 40 and would have liked to have started sooner but I didn't and can't do anything about that. I am also lucky enough to be in a very well paid job without being qualified so to speak. I am absolutely loving what I am doing with my studies and I think it's gone the other way for me where a few people can't believe what I am doing at my "age", well life begins doesn't it??? Keep at it PP22, that's the spirit, you will soon be at the same level as your friends and peers. 8)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Hindsight is a great thing hey! :-)

    Like matthew23 says though - I wish I had started earlier, but I didn't actually know I wanted to do it then!

    I studied I.T. at college, which was very useful for the computer skills but it was only when I started a temp job in finance that I realised I quite liked it!

    Even then, it took 2.5 years before I started looking for accounting roles..

    I guess at the time I was 19 - 22 and I just went to work to earn money to go out and enjoy myself! I wasn't really thinking that far ahead! :-)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Hi
    i am exactly the same position like you
    I finished my foundation last year as well and i started intermediate as home study according to some family commitments..... i finished unit 7 and i am working in unit 5 at the moment. i am studying in FTC as well.The only thing i could say I will be more than happy to help as much as i could and we could exchange the knowledge Via email if you are intersted. :lol: my email. salwa1966@hotmail.com.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Hi to X5wrangler,

    Can I ask what you do for work? Have you built up accounts experience to get where you are. One of the Finance Managers equilent to the Accountants has done this, he has no qualifications whatsoever but he has been with company pretty much since it started 30 years ago or so.

    Just interested!! Louise
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Hi there

    I'm really after being able to call myself a professional as I am either part-skilled or an office clerk at the moment on most databases - I would be so proud to be a professional - especially as I didn't go through all the pain of a degree to be an office body the rest of my days.

    Don't get me wrong nothing wrong with office clerks job's no offence meant, but I can't wait to be a MAAT. Pay will be a good and much needed bonus!!

    Torix
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation
    phunkyphantom22 wrote:
    Think of all the shoes you can buy when you are qualified and earning loads! :-)

    Everything depends when you get a job.... :?

    I am in the same position of Anniemf1978 and I am 28 years old studying AAT with no relevant working experiece in offices.

    It's really wroth while for me carry on?? Who's going to take me when there are so many people in their early 20's with full qualification and experience?

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    well you have sopmething these other people dont have , you have life , but i can see where you are coming from , just got my 3rd rejection so far but i will keep on trying .
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    I didn't start doing accounts until I was 26 and I was 33 before I qualified as an ACMA and MAAT. I have been head of finance for 3 years in my last post and am looking for something similar again. I am almost 43 (in just over a week :? ) and at my level with my experience, there is a lot out there. So don't give up - it can still happen.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Motivation

    Hi Louise,
    yep, it's as basic as that! I started working for a very large company in Management Accounts 14 years ago with no real qualifications and have got on with experience, I am now studying for my qualification and the business is paying for it, it is not essential I am qualified but they are now changing the rules to come in line with most businesses and if I want promotion then I will have to be qualified so I have done something right for a change.

    Cheers

    Mandy

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