Balancing Work, Life & ACCA Exams: A Short Guide on Getting It Right
It’s that time of year when we look ahead, make our plans, and set our goals.
For many trainee accountants, that means juggling the demands of work alongside professional accounting exams.
It’s an exciting journey, but it can also feel like a steep mountain to climb.
Balancing Slow-Burn Study and Burnout
Your well-being is your top priority as you prepare for the long haul of these exams.
Before you begin, consider a few vital questions:
Can I find time in my schedule to study a little each day?
How long do I intend to take from start to affiliate?
Do I have supportive family and friends who can give me space and time to study—or support me in other ways?
Will my employer provide a mentor, pay tuition/exam fees, or offer study days?
Answering these questions honestly will help you set realistic goals and expectations.
Finding the Right Support
Once you’ve decided to begin your exam journey, choosing a supportive learning provider is crucial. At aCOWtancy, our tutors and support staff are available through our chat button—you’ll always speak to a real human, never a chatbot. We don’t rely on generic WhatsApp groups that often push automated advice without meeting your personal needs.
Instead, we encourage you to join our lively and supportive aCOWtancy ACCA Facebook Forum
Richard Clarke, aCOWtancy founder. personally moderates this group, offering his expertise. Here, you’ll find a community of students facing the same challenges and celebrating the same successes. Best of all, you don’t have to be an aCOWtancy subscriber to join (though we hope you’ll consider it in time).
The Power of Community
Studying online can sometimes feel isolating. That’s why we love hearing about other platforms that focus on well-being and inclusion. For instance, Hannah Macdonald, founder of Accountancy Hub created her service and platform with the sole aim of supporting trainees:
“The reason I founded Accountancy Hub is because I struggled as a trainee—sitting accountancy exams, working full-time, and being dyslexic.
Accountancy Hub was born out of seeing an opportunity for a platform and service developed by accountancy trainees, for accountancy trainees.
Wellbeing and inclusion are central to our service because we know how challenging those first few years in your career can be, and we want to make life a little easier.”
You’re Not Alone
Whether you’re just starting your first paper or gearing up for the next, remember you’re not climbing that mountain alone. Reach out to your peers, join our Facebook group, and explore the aCOWtancy Classroom to find all the resources you need to make your exam journey more manageable—and even enjoyable.
Good luck with your studies!
Richard and the aCOWtancy Team