I doubled my pay — and rescued my firm
FIVE years ago, Ryan Peddie was working as an IT manager in a Newcastle civil engineering firm, but feeling jittery about his career prospects.
His employer seemed to be struggling. Amid wholesale downsizing, the signs were not good for Ryan, 36, who had four children to support.
‘I wasn’t convinced that they would need an IT manager in the future,’ he says. ‘I was worried, because it was the only skill I was qualified to do.’
This was a major factor behind his decision to embark on an Open University degree in financial services.
As he completed each module, he implemented his new knowledge at work — quickly moving from IT to the finance department.
He says: ‘It was a huge decision to go back to studying. I had to fund my degree myself and, with my family responsibilities, it could have been a catastrophe. But I knew that even if a degree didn’t help me out in this job, it would be useful to have on my Cv.
‘So I took the gamble. It was one of the best things I ever did.’ His ‘incredibly supportive’ partner Caroline had their fifth child, Rowan, just over a year ago, when Ryan was trying to get his degree finished.
He jokes: ‘I think the baby cost me my first-class degree. I had been wanting a First, but with the sleepless nights and a newborn in the equation, I suppose I can’t beat myself up too much about my 2:1!’
As well as his degree, his employer turned the corner and profits are well up.
Ryan is not only still in a job, but in a much more senior job — finance director.
On his watch, the company’s fortunes have shifted to the point where they now have a £7 million turnover.
The increased responsibility has led to him doubling his salary. ‘That’s a nice bonus,’ he admits.