What to do when you feel like giving up – AAT students share their turning points

We spoke to three AAT students who nearly walked away from their qualifications about what made them stay.

We’ve all been there. Staring at revision notes that might as well be written in a foreign language, questioning whether this whole AAT journey is worth it, and wondering if we’ve bitten off more than we can chew. The fact is that nearly every AAT student has had moments where giving up felt like the only sensible option.

The students who make it through aren’t superhuman. They’re just people who found a way to take one more step forward, even when everything felt impossible.

When life doesn’t pause for your studies

For Marie Thomas, 2024 brought challenges that would test anyone’s resolve. “My mother-in-law has recently died, and prior to this she was poorly with a brain tumour and dementia,” she explains. “On top of this grieving, I have numerous chronic health conditions, severe anxiety and depression and ill health, and my son is autistic with complex mental health needs. I was very close to giving up and had a feeling that I was unable to power through. I lack confidence, and it’s hard trying to study when your body doesn’t want to play along.”

Erin Stevenson faced a similar juggling act in 2024. “I was spread incredibly thin between working full time, studying, running my own bookkeeping business part-time and having to go back and forth to the hospital daily to help with my mum, who was in for a period of time. I was so exhausted that studying became really difficult to keep up with and harder still to retain the information.”

Marie and Erin’s experiences represent the reality that many AAT students juggle significant personal challenges alongside their studies. If you are one of these people, you are not alone.

Finding your people can change everything

Emma-Louise Waple found the isolation of the journey alongside the struggles of family life particularly challenging. “I found AAT to be very lonely to begin with. That was the problem I found with self-studying. Being stuck at home and no one there to turn to for reassurance.”

But Emma-Louise came up with a brilliant solution that, in turn, has helped countless more AAT students. At the 2024 accelerATTe student conference, Emma-Louise set up the AAT Bookkeeping/Accounting Study Group on Facebook. “My group grew and grew, and it was those people who have supported me along the way, to carry on and have allowed me to grow and now become a member and get my AATQB.”

For Marie, finding that same online community proved transformative. “The main thing that has kept me studying and not giving up is being part of the study group that was created by Emma-Louise Waple. They are so supportive, like a family, and we have tutors in there giving their time for free to help students like me.”

What keeps you going when everything says stop

Marie, Erin and Emma-Louise each managed to find different anchors when things got tough. For Marie, it was a combination of practical support and community. “My training provider has been a great support; they have put no time pressure on me, which is a huge help. AAT have adapted my exams to allow extra time to allow for my fatigue, pain, and anxiety.”

Erin’s motivation came from a more personal place. “When people have outwardly not believed in me, I tend to double down and do the thing. I have severe dyslexia, and I like to challenge myself to do things in spite of this. I’ve always loved maths, but failed it at school when it got to all the formulas and showing workings, so I abandoned it to follow my creative pathways. Years down the line, I found myself returning to a love of numbers, so I don’t think I could give it up. I think I need to prove it to myself that I can do this.”

Emma-Louise’s inspiration centres around the supportive community she’s been instrumental in building. “I am now lucky enough to be able to support many students who were in the same boat as I was nearly two years ago, struggling, finding AAT hard,” she says. “Finding the struggles of family life and studying is difficult. But together we have become a family, a community where we don’t just study, we share our problems, we share our lives.”

The most important lesson we can take from these students is that setbacks aren’t failures – they’re part of the process. Erin sat her DAIF exam recently and didn’t pass, but she responded in the best possible way: “To me, this means I now know exactly where my struggles are, and I can focus and push hard to get better at these areas.”

Marie is so glad she didn’t give up and is now booked for her FAPS exam. “It’s a huge module, but with the support I have had, I feel confident that I am going to pass.”

Take the next step on your individual AAT journey

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should carry on, here are some last pieces of encouragement from these inspirational students…

Marie says: “Don’t give up, there is always support out there, and remember, never compare yourself to others. You are a unique, wonderful human, and just because someone finishes their course quicker than you, doesn’t mean this is a reflection on your ability and your knowledge. We are all on our own personal journeys, with our own timetables and responsibilities and remember, the tortoise won the race in the end!”

Erin encourages you to reconnect with your purpose: “Think of your ‘why?’ Why did you want to do this in the first place? Every journey is individual, so comparing to others, whether it’s those going for distinction or speed, if that’s not what’s important to you, try not to get hung up on it. Just focus on the subject you are on, practice as much as you can and with time, it’s achievable. Lean on your peers and communities for help.”

Emma-Louise adds: “I say to everyone, either doing their AAT, or thinking of doing AAT, don’t be afraid, do it. It’s an amazing experience. Reach out to us all. Students, members and tutors are here to support you. There is a long road ahead of you, but make it enjoyable, ride that roller coaster, but let’s do it together, holding hands and with a massive smile.”

Further reading

How to build your personal brand while studying AAT

How to overcome setbacks and ace your qualification

We answer your most common concerns when it comes to studying with AAT

Sophie Cross is the Editor of Freelancer Magazine and a freelance writer and marketer at Thoughtfully.