Pursuing accounting / having a family

[cem2020]

Hi everyone,

I've seen a few posts like this but I am wondering if anyone had any new advice!

Background:
I'm 31, been with my partner for years (engaged but have just bought a house so not planning wedding yet). We lived abroad for a few years and have settled back in Northern Ireland. We are talking about trying to have a baby in the near future, if possible.

When we came back, I took a pretty basic job in Customer Service but now I really need something that has scope for progression/growth (I have a degree and professional experience in Project Management etc.). I went for an interview to be a trainee chartered accountant which really appeals to me, but you work full-time then go to classes on Fri night/Saturday to prepare for the exams. The training contract is 3.5 years.

I'm worried that this would be too much while I'm at a stage of thinking about kids. Has anyone ever been through a similar experience? Is it more realistic to get an accounts assistant job and then focus on becoming chartered later?

Any input appreciated!!

I did this training when I was 21 (a LONG time ago!). The work hours were long, often worked away or traveled onto 2 hours to client site and there was quite a bit of study required (many full weekends worth as well as two week study blocks before the exams.)

I had a colleague who had a child before she started and waited until she had finished before she had another child. She lived with her parents who helped with childcare and her partner worked part time to pick ensure he was around for their daughter.

I now have three children and have gone back to study something completely different but I don't work and my youngest is 10. Its doable as I do my 20 hours a week while they are at school.

I cannot imagine doing this with a small child. You would have to see how the training contract rules would be affected by maternity leave.

On the becoming a parent front, I had mine at 30, 33 and 35. That seemed plenty late enough though I know many people leave it later.

And on the marriage front... don't get hung up on a big wedding, if you are planning on having children, get married first.. it is simpler.

What sort of firm is the training contract with? If it's a big 4 or even mid tier then you will be working unpredictable hours, high pressure and I couldnt do this with young kids, although some people people's did. Most people doing this were early 20s. Is it at a small local firm? My understanding is that is more accounts for small business so more regular hours.

Accounts assistant is nothing like the role most chartered accountants end up with and I dont think many people move between the two although guess it's possible. If you are interested in working with an accounting team but at a lower level people used to say acca qualification was better, cima if you will be a management accountant and aca if you want to do audit or more strategic/ business advisory type stuff. That's not prescriptive though.

Thanks for both of your comments - it is all very useful! The interview was with a local firm in Belfast so it wouldn't be as intense as a Big4, I don't think.

I know I am overthinking at the moment - they might not even invite me back for a second interview, but Im just trying to decide what type of work I should be looking for to set me up now.

Thanks!