I appreciate that Stranger. I was just trying to explain that unfortunately at the basic level it's not very well-paid and I've seen positions advertised locally at £9 an hour.
And as pp said it's a vicious circle - is impossible to get experience, but then they turn round and say they want people with experience- how can you win?
Why would you do that for £9 an hour? if you'd worked for years, studied bookkeeping, got experience and still working for £9 an hour when you can get other jobs for much more hourly rate. I appreciate this doesn't apply to op because she has medical issues and she is looking for a home job.
but just generally, what I'm saying is locally they'll pay someone to do bits around your garden. I'm not even talking a proper qualified gardener but just odd bits they'll pay someone £15-£20 an hour. or they'll pay similar than that for someone to do your ironing. so what I'm saying is there is a lack of respect for basic bookkeeping. It's not very well paid.
a very good bookkeeper is a skilled thing and they're hard to find. Especially at the moment. Many of my friends with years and years worth of bookkeeping, skilled, who know how to solve complicated messes once clients get themselves into a real pickle can be charging £25 to £50 or £75 per hour. Both SE or PAYE at that rate.
Most work from home. Many have SE book keeping jobs, lots of clients. And many have a PAYE job aswell, so best of both worlds - own clients, work when you like. Plus job, enjoying going into an office for 2 days a week.
But this is not where OP is. I agree with a pp, that unfortunately OP may be in for a nasty shock, re the reality.