I’m having a tough time navigating my career path, and I need to share my experience. It feels a bit embarrassing to admit, but I have a BA in Economics and later pursued an associate degree in Accounting. Since earning my associate degree, I’ve mainly worked in accounts payable, which isn’t the worst thing, but I’m eager to explore other areas within the Accounting field.
The issue is that I’ve always struggled with certain concepts, even during my studies. Now, I feel overwhelmed by how much I still don’t understand, which has led to a lack of confidence both in my current role and as I consider other job opportunities beyond accounts payable. My background is limited, with two years in a church setting and five years in state government.
Throughout my journey, I’ve constantly felt out of place and unsure of myself. Clearly, I learned enough to earn my degree, but I still find myself frustrated. For instance, just recently, my supervisor explained something about the trial balance account, and I completely missed the point.
I’m reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions for ways I can improve my understanding and build my confidence, without having to go back to school full-time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
One response
First of all, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially in a field as complex as Accounting. Many people experience moments of self-doubt, and recognizing your struggle is the first step toward overcoming it. Here are some suggestions to help build your confidence and deepen your understanding without having to go back to school completely:
Online Courses and Tutorials: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy offer accounting-specific courses that can help clarify concepts at your own pace. Look for courses that focus on specific areas you find challenging.
Accounting Communities or Study Groups: Joining an Accounting forum or a local study group can provide support and allow you to discuss concepts with peers. Sometimes, explaining things to others or hearing it from different perspectives can make a big difference.
Use Practical Examples: Try to relate accounting concepts to real-world situations or your current job. This can help you understand the purpose behind certain processes and make them feel more tangible.
Ask Questions: Never hesitate to ask your supervisor or colleagues for clarification on topics you don’t understand. Most people appreciate when others seek to learn and grow, and they may provide you with new ways to approach the material.
Mentorship: If possible, find a mentor in your workplace or professional network who can guide you. They can offer insights, resources, and sometimes even practical tutorials that relate to your job.
Practice Problems: Working through practice problems can help solidify theoretical concepts. Look for exercises in accounting textbooks or online resources that cover the areas you find difficult.
Focus on One Topic at a Time: Instead of trying to understand everything at once, focus on one particular concept or area of accounting each week. This can help prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Reflect on Your Strengths: Remember that you have valuable skills and a degree that demonstrates your capability. List your strengths and past achievements to remind yourself of what you bring to the table.
Set Achievable Goals: Set small, specific, and realistic goals. For example, aim to learn one new concept each week, or practice one type of accounting problem daily.
Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that learning is a process. It’s okay to not grasp everything immediately.
You’re not alone in feeling this way, and with time and effort, you can improve your understanding and build your confidence. Good luck, and remember that every expert was once a beginner!