Motivation | Break through
Overcoming the obstacles and succeeding with AAT
Alan Johnson FMAAT has faced more hurdles than most during his life; yet today, he runs his own flourishing accountancy business which actively tries to assist those who might otherwise find it difficult to get help with their finances.
A difficult start
Alan did not have an easy childhood – he suffered abuse throughout and the teachers at school told him he was useless.
“I left school with one O-level in Music. I always liked Maths and I said that I wanted to be an accountant but was just told I had no chance, that I would get nowhere in life,” says Alan, now aged 50.
After leaving school, he worked as a gardener until at 23 when he was involved in a road accident which left him with spinal injuries. He remains dependent on a wheelchair today.
After the accident, Alan needed to find a job he could do so he went to his local further education college to gain his O-levels in English and Maths, followed by Maths A-level. He is dyslexic, although this wasn’t diagnosed at school – “I was just told I was lazy,” says Alan. But with his dyslexia recognised and with the help of one-to-one tuition, he succeeded in getting his qualifications.
Discovering accounting and AAT
With his O-levels and A-level Maths, Alan gained some office work experience and then started to work for an accountant which was where he started to learn about finances.
“He’d give me stuff to do and would show me how to do things. He boosted my confidence, showed me that I could do it.”
Alan began to study with AAT, recognising that he needed additional support because of his dyslexia, he chose a private college where there were only three or four students in a class. “Studying AAT gave me the foundations I needed for my career. It gave me a knowledge base, confidence and a useful skill.”
A decline in mental health
Alan continued working for the accountancy firm, assuming more responsibility and handling a range of clients. But over the years his mental health declined and in 2012, he had a breakdown. ‘There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed. All the trauma of my childhood surfaced.
On January 1st 2012 I decided that by December 31st 2012 I would be dead. I typed a suicide note which fortunately my wife found.” She insisted he seek help from a psychotherapist and with this, he began to get better.
In September 2015, Alan decided to set up his own business and by April 2016, it was up and running. In 2017 he was shortlisted in the AAT Professional Members Award.
There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed. All the trauma of my childhood surfaced
Creating a positive work-life balance
Balancing full-time employment with studying for professional qualifications like AAT and ACCA was a significant challenge for Joshua. In order to ensure that he stayed on track with his qualifications he established routines, set study goals, and used resources effectively to manage his time and commitments.
“I get distracted easily, so I have to lock myself in the study without my phone and not come out for an hour,” he says. “When you are preparing for exams, routine is your friend. I also found that if I booked my exam, I knew I had a timeframe that I had to stick to, otherwise I would just keep putting it off.
“I set myself a goal of a minimum of an hour a day of study after work, and try to aim for an hour and a half. I totally concentrate during that time, and then when I've finished I can play XBox or go for a walk.”
Alan’s tips for overcoming obstacles
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