Having been unexpectedly made redundant 3 months before reaching state pension age, and knowing that I did not want to stop working, I took the opportunity of enrolling on an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting course. I had a lot of financial experience but no formal qualifications – and I am a great believer in life long learning! Also I was able to get this funded, thanks to the People Hub in Cornwall who help people get qualifications to change career.
Because I am not used to being idle, I was able to focus every day on the course and was soon ready to take my first exam. Luckily there is a venue only 10 miles away, so this was no problem (although I did need help from my Tutor Pete to actually find the venue!). Having successfully completed the first one, I continued with the course and now, only 2 months after starting, I have taken my final exam.
I have really enjoyed the course, finding that the theory complemented my experience and enhanced it. It was great to be able to work at my own pace and the support and feedback from Pete was positive and useful. Although I am about to start a new job, my next step is to take the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting which will allow me to set up my own bookkeeping business at some point in the future – meaning that I won’t have to rely on finding paid work to supplement my pension and can work flexibly to suit me.
