5 common accountancy career fears

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This content is brought to you by Kaplan.

The start of a year is the time to be brave and take on new challenges.

After speaking to our AAT learners, we know fear can be the number one hurdle preventing someone starting out on a new career path. But there’s no need to let it win…

Here we address and debunk the top 5 common fears that stop people from taking on an accountancy qualification and embarking on a new career.

1. The unknown

It’s common to fear what we don’t know. But it’s also worth remembering why you wanted to make the change in the first place. Consider making a list of why accountancy appealed to you and what your ultimate career goals are – this should help you focus if you’re feeling apprehensive.

If you have course related questions, Kaplan have a dedicated customer service team who are on hand to familiarise you with specific elements of the courses, before you make the decision to study any of their accountancy qualifications.

2. The qualification will be too difficult

With learning methods such as distance learning or OnDemand you can study at a pace that suits you.  You can start learning anytime, anywhere – at your own convenience. The flexibility also means that you’re under no pressure to work to a set completion date.

Studying for your qualifications is a marathon, not a sprint. When you’re managing your own studies via distance learning it’s important to remember this, a little belief can go a long way.

You can plan your study timetable and assessments around existing personal commitments in the calendar, However, if something happens, remember you can take a break from your studies and return to them later or discuss the situation with your training provider.

3. The fear of starting from scratch

As you spend almost 1/3 of your life at work, it’s worth investing time into something you love.

It’s true, making the leap and changing careers can be scary. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. However, a move into accountancy can be very rewarding and exciting at the same time.

A recent salary survey showed that qualified accountants earn on average 67% more than their unqualified colleagues. Typical starting salaries of £18,400, rising to £37,000 with experience, there is plenty of scope for further increases.

Whilst studying an accountancy course, you could quickly work your way up the career ladder, picking up new skills along the way. Studying all the way to a fully Chartered qualification.

4. Fear of being judged

Making any sort of change, like perusing a dream job could be met with some judgement, whether it be from friends, family or co-workers. If you are met with a negative reaction to your choice, it is likely to reflect how they are feeling about their own situation, in many cases they may be envious of your move or frustrated they’re stuck in a job they don’t like.

Don’t let this discourage you.

There are plenty of forums for students who are studying for their accountancy qualifications, just like you, who can offer knowledge and support. Aside from this, as the UK’s largest training provider, Kaplan can offer advice and learning materials at every step of the way, so you can feel confident in your choice of course.

5. The fear of failure

Did you know that Oprah was fired from her first news role? Or that the J.K Rowling was almost penniless before the success of Harry Potter? And look where they are now.

Understandably, fear of failure can be overwhelming when taking on a new qualification or career. But failure-phobia shouldn’t stop you in your tracks.

Kaplan offer tutor support, online resources and a range of learning materials, through this they have an extremely high pass rate – 94%. As a comparison, the national average is just 90%!

Some interesting statistics from a survey conducted by Kaplan on 14,000 accountants, back in 2015:

  • 80% of Kaplan career changers are happy in their new accountancy career
  • 55% started out in a different career, before making the change to accountancy
  • 60% of people get financial support from their employer or training provider to fund their course

Feeling fearless?

Hopefully this has helped to address some of the fears you may have had about embarking on a new career in accountancy.

If you’d like to hear more starting your accountancy journey, Kaplan offer plenty of useful information to get you started.

Kaplan is the UK’s leading global provider of diverse education and training.

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