NUMBER CRUNCHING "I've got a better work-life balance" Christine Aplin is an ICB-certified bookkeeper and owner of Caplin Bookkeeping Find out more * Association of Accounting Technicians aat.org.uk * Association of Chartered Certified Accountants accaglobal.com * Institute of Certified Bookkeepers bookkeepers.org.uk * Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales icaew.com I worked in corporate banking for 19 years and while I enjoyed my job, I didn't enjoy the extremely long hours. The opportunity came up to take voluntary redundancy in 2016, and after taking nine months off I decided to start my ICB bookkeeping qualifications. I haven't looked back since. Having had health issues for a few years, I wanted to spend more time with my husband and obtain a better work-life balance, so I became self-employed. I also wanted to see how far I could push myself and what I could achieve. I love the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, from sole traders to large companies, and no two days are ever the same. The challenge has been in promoting myself as I'm not a natural sales person, so the learning curve has been steep at times. But the freedom and flexibility that self-employment offers is worth the stress and worry that running your own business brings. While at times I miss the security of a regular monthly pay packet, impromptu trips to the cinema and working with the dog curled up on my lap make it all worthwhile! JOBS & CAREERS /// 97http://aat.org.uk http://www.accaglobal.com http://bookkeepers.org.uk http://www.icaew.com