Turning Challenges into a Flexible, Fulfilling Career

When Gemma looks back at her career so far, it’s clear that her path into bookkeeping was shaped as much by life events as by long-standing skills and interests. Today, she runs her own bookkeeping business, GW Bookkeeping Solutions, which she is in the process of rebranding to Terra Viridis Bookkeeping.

The rebrand reflects a deeper alignment with Gemma’s values – sustainability, growth, strong foundations, and care. Terra Viridis, meaning Green Earth, speaks to her love of nature and her belief that businesses, like ecosystems, thrive when they are nurtured thoughtfully over time.

This philosophy also shapes how she works, from supporting tree-planting and ocean clean-up initiatives through her business to focusing on helping small, values-led, and sustainable businesses grow.

Gemma supports clients in a way that works around her health and family life. Getting here, however, has involved some difficult and defining moments.

 From Driving Instructor to Examiner: A Career She Loved Before Bookkeeping

Before bookkeeping, Gemma’s working life revolved around cars. She became a driving instructor, a role she enjoyed, before moving into what she saw as a longer-term goal: becoming a driving examiner.

She loved the job. It was engaging, responsible work, and one she was good at. For several years, Gemma carried out driving tests, often with nervous candidates, navigating what she jokingly describes as many “bum-squeaky moments.”

Then, during a driving test on a warm day in March, everything changed.

Gemma was still wearing PPE following COVID when her vision suddenly went.

Her eyes blacked out. She couldn’t see properly. At first, she thought she was just feeling faint or overheated, but it didn’t pass. Each time the car stopped, her vision disappeared again. Eventually, she had to pull over and abandon the test. Thankfully, there was an instructor in the car who could drive them back.

“I just couldn’t snap out of it,” she explains.

A Major Health Scare and Time Away from Work

Gemma was taken to hospital, where doctors told her she was exhausted. Further investigation followed, including checks with a cardiologist due to palpitations. Although her heart was fine, the episodes continued.

For months, Gemma tried to return to work, only to be sent home again. In the end, she knew she couldn’t risk another incident.

“I could feel it was going to happen again. And I wasn’t prepared to keep making myself feel worse.”

She was eventually diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and was signed off sick.

After being off work for a long period, Gemma made the difficult decision not to return to her role as a driving examiner. It was a job she loved, but her health had to come first.

Training for a Bookkeeping Career

During her time off work, Gemma began thinking seriously about what she could do next and what kind of work might suit her health long-term.

She decided bookkeeping might fit the bill and enrolled on AAT Levels 2 and 3. The structure worked for her, and she managed the exams alongside her recovery.

Then, after speaking with an ICB bookkeeper, Gemma decided that the ICB route would be a better fit for her longer-term goals. From there, she moved across to ICB courses and exams, completing her exemption route with Ideal Schools.

Discovering the Right Support at the Right Time

Gemma quickly realised that the ICB exams felt different.

“They’re meatier,” she says. “They’re more intense in some ways.”

Around this time, she met the Ideal Schools team at the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping. Gemma spoke to them about her situation, including her chronic fatigue and concerns around exam timing. It was during this conversation that she learned she could apply for additional exam time.

She applied, ICB approved it, and the difference was significant.

“I’ve always had extra time for the exams, which has been super helpful,” she explains.

With that adjustment in place, Gemma passed her exams and has continued progressing, including passing Level 4 Self-Assessment very recently.

Studying Around Real Life

Studying with Ideal Schools suited Gemma’s circumstances. She worked in short, manageable periods, often fitting study around family life.

Some days involved studying. Others involve playing Roblox with her children, reading, or spending time in the garden. Everything was done in what Gemma describes as “bite-sized chunks.”

She hasn’t needed constant tutor support, but when she has asked questions, responses have been quick and supportive. She particularly values feedback that helps her think things through, rather than simply being given answers.

Building a Business That Works

As Gemma’s confidence has grown, so has her client base. She now works with a mix of clients, including charities and small businesses, and enjoys the analytical side of the role.

She has also identified a gap in the market. Many people want to do their own bookkeeping but don’t know where to start. That insight led to the creation of DIY Books, a coaching-style service that helps non-bookkeepers manage their own records in Xero, with guidance and monthly checks.

Gemma doesn’t expect clients to stay forever. For some, three or six months is enough to build confidence and move on. She is hoping to launch DIY Books in  January/February 2026.

 Work, Health and Balance

Today, Gemma structures her days carefully, usually working in the mornings, taking proper breaks, and avoiding overdoing it.

“Bookkeeping has been a godsend,” she says. “I’m doing a job where I’m working less hours and I’m getting paid more money, and I really enjoy it.”

She can be present for her family, manage her health, and still run a successful business. She doesn’t work weekends and has learned when to stop before pushing herself too far.

Looking Ahead

Gemma continues to develop her business and her DIY Books offering, and she’s open about her journey with chronic fatigue.

“Although I am not 100% healthy,” she says, “I am happier now than I was before.”

It’s a simple statement, but a powerful one.

A Career That Fits Real Life

Gemma’s story is a reminder that there is no single, perfect route into a bookkeeping career. Sometimes, the path is shaped by circumstances you never expected.

With the right training, support, and flexibility, it is possible to build a career that works around real life, not the other way round.

If Gemma’s journey resonates with you, Ideal Schools offers flexible ICB and AAT bookkeeping courses and tutor support for those looking to retrain and build a career that fits around their own circumstances.

Gemma has also kindly offered to speak with anyone considering bookkeeping alongside chronic fatigue syndrome. She can be contacted via LinkedIn here.