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Call us on 0800 222 733Whānau support vital for Willie Beattie's career change
With help from his family, Willie Beattie was able to study for new career that keeps him motivated and challenged.
Ko Horouta me Tainui ngā Waka
Ko Hikurangi me Taupiri ngā maunga
Ko Waiapu me Waikato ngā awa
Ko Tu auau me Te Tihi o Moerangi ngā marae
Willie Beattie had a good job as a factory manager in Gisborne, but he was getting bored. “I was starting to stagnate and I wanted new challenges.”
Food was Willie’s passion, so with his wife’s support, he enrolled in the food technology degree at the north Auckland Albany campus of Massey University.
With a baby and a toddler to consider, Willie and his wife decided to shift to Hamilton, where his mother lived and could support them. “Mum came into town from the farm to look after the girls every day while I went to university, and my wife worked here in Hamilton.”
For four years Willie spent each week studying at Albany. “I’d get up at four in the morning on Monday and drive up there. I’d come home on Fridays. I’d spend the whole weekend with my family as a dad is supposed to do, and find some time to study there as well.”
It was much harder than Willie had anticipated, and he had to study late into many nights. “It was very tough, very, very tough. But because I had made a huge commitment in moving the family, I had a lot of motivation, plus I had the family support system so there was no turning back. I was very focused and that helped me get through.”
The family support, particularly from the women in Willie’s life, has made all the difference. “I have an appreciation of how much my mother’s been in my life and affected where I am. I know she’s proud and I’m doing this because of her as well, and my wife.”
There have been spin-offs for his mother as well. “It was quite good we did come up here, it was all quality time and it was valuable time for the grandchildren.”
Now Willie is home in Hamilton, and his mother back on the farm, she and her grandchildren still keep in touch. “They’re always yakking on the phone now.”
Willie worked for the Dairy Goat Co-operative during his study, and was then appointed as a research and development technologist. He’s fulfilled, and still learning.
“I haven’t been motivated by the dollar. What’s satisfying for me is growing with the company and being able to learn more.
“One day I’d like to be the expert in the area. I’ll just grow with the job.”