After careful consideration, I’ve decided to shut down this website when my domain expires in September 2025. Until then, I’ll share a few pre-written articles I’ve already prepared.
I started this blog as a side hustle, inspired by my enrolment in the IIN Integrative Nutrition Health Coach course. I hoped the course would provide valuable insights and serve as a foundation for writing about health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations. While my personal therapy journey has been transformative, I realized that it alone doesn’t qualify me to guide others as a coach. (Prince Harry, take note: therapy doesn’t automatically make someone an expert in mental health!)
Despite researching the course beforehand, I fell into the trap of overly enthusiastic “honest reviews” that felt more like endorsements from IIN ambassadors. The message was clear: work hard, study diligently, and success would follow. I was ready to put in the effort, but as the course progressed, it became apparent that it lacked the depth of knowledge I was seeking.
The course materials were another source of frustration. As someone who heavily relies on my iPad, I expected a seamless digital experience. Instead, I encountered technical issues: PDF attachments wouldn’t open, and I couldn’t download materials for offline use. While everything worked better on my laptop, it wasn’t practical for my lifestyle. I would have preferred the convenience of using my phone to read or watch videos during my commute on the tube.
By the halfway point, I knew the course wasn’t for me. I completed two of the four quizzes and attended the mandatory coaching sessions to meet the requirements. While I earned the certification, I don’t feel equipped to work as a health coach or effectively utilize the materials. The experience cost me USD 4,245—a significant investment I’m still paying off. Looking back, I could have put that money to better use.
That said, I want to be fair. For those already working in the health and wellbeing industry, this course might make sense as a career booster. But for someone like me, trying to pursue it as a side hustle without a background in nutrition, psychology, or coaching, it was a difficult and ultimately unnecessary path. Many of the concepts, like holistic health covering mental, physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing, were things I already knew from years of reading. I certainly didn’t need to spend USD 4,245 to learn that.
Starting the Bookkeeping Business
Three months ago, I took a different path and launched a bookkeeping business. It’s been a slow start, and I’m still looking for my first client. The field is highly competitive, and starting a bookkeeping side hustle is more accessible than I initially thought. A quick scroll through Facebook groups for bookkeepers shows just how many others are also vying for their first jobs.
As a qualified accountant, it would have made more sense to pursue something within my field—something I already have expertise in. Looking back, I can’t help but feel that the money I spent on the IIN course would have been better invested in a tax course. Gaining the ability to offer additional services, such as tax returns or self-assessments, could have made my bookkeeping business more competitive and appealing to small businesses. Unfortunately, that’s not an option right now, as I need to focus on paying off my debt before I can invest in further education.
I wanted to approach my bookkeeping business professionally. I registered with Companies House, opened a business bank account, and created a website offering a free trial period and a flat fee for my services. I began promoting my business on Facebook and bidding for work on platforms like PeoplePerHour, Upwork, and Freelancer. Unfortunately, the results have been underwhelming.
For instance, one potential client on PeoplePerHour requested proof of my qualifications. I provided my bachelor’s degree, CPA credentials, and LinkedIn profile, but the job wasn’t awarded to anyone in the end. On Facebook, I’ve encountered everything from scams to businesses that hire exclusively overseas, even in UK-specific groups.
Upwork hasn’t been much better. Many clients post jobs but remain inactive, leaving applications in limbo until the listings close without being awarded. It’s disheartening and highlights the challenges of breaking into this field.
Sometimes, all it takes is that first client to get things moving. Yet, after three months, it’s still quiet, and I’ve yet to secure a single client. It’s been a challenging start, but I’m determined to keep pushing forward.
Embracing a New Role
On a personal note, I’m preparing for a significant life change: I’m expecting my baby in January. Becoming a mum is a role I’m both excited and nervous about, and I’m looking forward to this new chapter.
In the meantime, I’ve kept my Instagram and Pinterest accounts active, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that being a social media influencer or content creator isn’t for me.
Lessons Learned
I started this journey with the best intentions, hoping to turn my passion for health and wellbeing into something meaningful. However, I’ve struggled to find my voice and identify my niche. Not everything goes as planned, and that’s okay.
This chapter is coming to a close, but I’m optimistic about what’s next—both personally and professionally. The lessons I’ve learned along the way will undoubtedly guide me toward better opportunities in the future.
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