u/hmclaugh32

Level 4 qualified for a few years now. Made the decision to work towards achieving chartered status over the next couple of years (end of 2028).

Current credits/certificates:
L4 DiFA - 50
R02 - 20
J10 - 20
J12 - 20
R03 - 10
RO4 - 10
R05 - 10
CF8 - Long term Care Insurance -15
Total = 155

Planned sittings:
J02 - trusts (20)
AF1 - personal tax & trust planning (30)
AF8 - retirement income planning (30)
AF5 - financial planning process (30)
AF6 – Senior Management & Supervision (30)

This should bring me up to 295 credits total
- I have chosen the fist 2 x AFs as they play to my strengths and cover topics I deal with regularly in my day job
- J02 chosen to support AF1 studies
- AF5 as mandatory
- AF6 is only on there as a colleague told me it’s a good one to do, but I’m open to other suggestions

Does this sound like a clear pathway?

Worked in financial services all my working life, and don’t see myself ever leaving this industry (largely due to fear of having to start over again).

Last 3 x roles (including current one) have really burnt me out. Long hours, relentless workload, lack of leadership support - all of which is normalised internally.

I’ve moved employer/role type a few times, but always end up back facing the same issue. I am by no means work shy - my career is important to me and I like to be challenged by the work I’m doing. But with every week/month/year that passes, I feel the physical and mental toll it’s taking on me.

Is this just the way it is? Is it unrealistic to expect to earn a good salary in a 9-5pm?

Or is it a problem specific to certain industries, such as financial services?

Would be interesting to hear from others what you deem a normal working week hours total?