I am mad

System

After being made redundent from my previous job in customer services, I changed direction and decided to go back to college and do accounts.
Over the past 4 yrs have done OCR bookkeeping level 1 & 2 and computerised accounts, which I really enjoyed and passed all the exams with ease.
This year started AAT intermediate and what a shock. I am finding the work really difficult and such a step up from my last course.
I am wondering if its all worth it, as I am now 50yrs old and the chance of getting a job in a accounts is probalbly very slim.
Are there any other 50yr olds doing the same? and feeling like me
maz :?

System

Re:I am mad

Yes I'm 56, so if you're mad I must be more so! I have been a secretary for most of my life (although that was by accident not choice) but about 4 years ago I was given the opportunity to do some work in accounts. Just started doing the odd little job and then was offered 3 days a week on accounts and 2 as PA. I work in a university so the work bears no resemblance at all to double entry bookkeeping but I thought I would do the OCR anyway, which I passed two years ago. I then decided to do the AAT but deferred and have just started again. I'm doing it distance learning which I have never done before and this is where the difficulty lies. I can't get motivated! I work full-time, have three dogs to look after at home (collies!), and although my children are 35 and 33 they haven't as much left home as sleep out, and I am exhausted. The last thing I feel like doing at night is working! I have just changed to a local college who give online tutorials so I now have some structure to my work. But again I am falling behind.

As for the age thing, don't let that put you off. You're never too old. Use it or lose it!!

Good luck.

System

Re:I am mad

Hi Mazzy

No, not mad at all! Given that you will have to work until 65 before reaching pensionable age (new buzz phrase since age discrimination act came in) you have lots of useful life left in you. And it keeps your brain active (one cell in my case).

I am 47 and will start CIMA next year so will b e 50/51 before I qualify, then I shall go on to do a masters - which will take another 6 years as it will be part time study.

Go for it.

Sharon

System

Re:I am mad

hi linda

Thanks for the reply. Glad that I am not the only at my age. Dont know how you cope with it all while working as well. Know what you mean about the kids, my 28 and 26 year olds left home 3yrs ago and I see them more now than I did when they lived here. Just got my 14yr old son here now and 4 cats.

Hope your course goes well too

Maz

System

Re:I am mad

hi sharon

Thanks for encouragement, will struggle on.

Good luck for your course.

maz

System

Re:I am mad

Hi,

No you are not mad I am 52 and am seperated. I now have to find better paid employment in order to survive. I too find the learning a challenge having not done anything like this before. I have no support from my employers and struggle to find the time to study as I work full time. However I passed Foundation and hopefully if I pass Intermediate I will feel even better about myself and have more confidence to go on to Technician. I have had very little education no O levels or A levels just common sense and a very broad outlook on life. Even if all this hard work does not lead to the perfect employment I am hoping for at least I have given it my best shot. So three cheeers to all those mature students and the very best of luck

System

Re:I am mad

hi felicity

thanks for reply. Thanks what I want a good paid job (not working at moment but looking after 84yr old mom) Thats whats driving me on but if I do fail at least I can say that I tried my best. Some people think that when you reach 50yrs, your brain cells call it a day.
Dont know how you cope if you are working full time, its hard for me to find the time at the moment.

Good luck to you

System

Re:I am mad

Hi mazzy,

I'm not in my fifties, but my father is and he started studying two years ago and he's now working in practice.

Keep it up and don't lose hope! You'll get it eventually!

Michelle

System

Re:I am mad

Hi,

I am 44 started doing aat in September 05.

I am the probably the oldest student in my tuition class and sometimes struggle to keep up with the others. I have passed FRA and will be taking ECR in December.

I also work full time, me employers (Civil service) do allow me study leave for tuition but I also find it difficult to study at home after a days work.

Good luck to all "older" students.

System

Re:I am mad

I'm 56 separated and working full time. I started Intermediate last January, I have passed ECR and taking FRA in December. Yes it is harder when you are older but it keeps your brain active. I am also the oldest in my class but also willing to work harder than the younger ones.
Good luck to all for the December Exams now back to my studying.

System

Re:I am mad

I can chip in here - though I am but 30.

My mum is sixty-...er, well, she wouldn't like me to say, but has worked as a PA for at least 15 years. It turned out that she was actually bringing in more revenue to her firm through making sales calls than some of the sales team, so she stomped in to her manager's office on review day and pointed this out. Result - became part of the sales team, hefty pay rise, more fun job.

By which I mean to point out, age isn't an issue - it's what you're good at that counts. Keep at it, I expect you'll suprise yourself!

System

Re:I am mad

I don't know about you Mazzy but I feel better already! Thanks everybody!!