I've pretty much decided to start up part time after Christmas doing manual and computerised bookkeeping, VAT returns and credit control and I'll build up on services as I go.
My question is how many hours does everyone reckon they actually work a week? Is it vastly different from what they bill?
When I first started out, the hours I actually worked upon a clients accounts were more than I billed for, as I wanted to make sure that I did a first rate job. Even though I had worked within accounts departments for many years, when you venture out on your own, this is total different ball game altogether. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in my abilities but now I have gained more experience and come across different kinds businesses Im more as ease with what I do.
Fortunately, I worked from home for the first few clients, and once I had built up my confidence and experience in actually doing the job I was happy to then work on site, and this is what I now prefer.
I average 25 hours a week at the moment which fits in well with family life.
It is a bit daunting when you first start out, so many questions and doubts come into your mind, but believe me, when you acquire your first client, well just make sure you photocopy your first cheque and frame it.... I look at my framed cheque (very sad I know), but when I have doubts I look at it and get on with what I now enjoy.
