To think the Tax Specialist Programme is doable with 2 young children?

[Mamabear256]

I’ve been offered a place on the TSP with HMRC. I have a 5 and 2 year old and I’m wondering if it’s doable with 2 young children. Part of me thinks it is but then I’ve heard it’s quite demanding and challenging and wonder if I’ll have to sacrifice evenings and weekends with my kids for it?

Does anyone know anyone who’s completed this or done it themselves? Is it manageable if you have children?

AIBU in thinking it is manageable?

I don’t know about this particular programme, but I know countless women with children this age holding down high-pressure full-time jobs.

Don’t let the fear of the unknown put you off, and take the opportunity.

I had a friend study ACCA when her DD was the age of yours. And another who worked as a TA, become a HTA and then completed a degree while her two children were young like yours and she is now a teacher in a Primary.

Any study worth its salt is challenging, especially with young children. However get it under your belt and when your children start to get more independent you will have this under your belt.

Your children will also have a Mum they can see working hard and studying hard. A great role model.

Just give it a go. I did two degrees (first one full time, second one part time and working) with small kids.

Be organised, use blocks of time to study in and enjoy the challenge. You are obviously capable, having been offered a place. You can do it! Good luck.

I am just worried if I don’t enjoy it or if I fail it. It is really scary as I’ve never done anything like this. I’ve got a degree but didn’t have children then and was 18! I’m not a big numbers person too so worry I actually will fail tbh. I’ll also feel bad if I feel I’m never around for the kids or can’t get involved in things as much with them as I can now.

I highly rate all of you who have studied and worked with children! Simply working and having children is a juggle enough.

A lot of it will be learning rules and legislation. Numbers will be a significant part but I'd imagine you will also be supported with software in real life (if not in the exams)? What level Maths qualification do you have (I am an ACA and achieved a B grade O level Maths in the 80s).

I've always held studying Mum's highly but those I've seen do it have really repaid the rewards of learning during those years and giving them a higher ladder rung to jump from into employment when the children are ready to fly.

I have a B in maths and maths statistics GCSE. I also have a law degree so I can study and learn legislation easy enough! All of my job roles have surrounded the legal area tbh so I’m not worried about that part.

it’s just scary to think that I might start it and hate it or not enjoy it then regret it! But ultimately I want a strong career and a well paying one too. The salary it takes you to once you’ve completed (£56k grade 7 but will probably be closer to £60k when I finish) is life changing!

You sound bright enough! Motivated too just lacking a bit in confidence given you've got a family too. Go for it!! You have the motivation. You know it will be hard work- but you have an aim and a long working life ahead of you.

I was a tax adviser in practice for the best part of 30 years and the firm that bought my practice had a tax adviser that was ex HMRC - an extremely knowledgeable guy who I was constantly turning to for double checking my understanding. I hope the current training is as good as he had!

Go for it!