“Pitman gave me the opportunity to finally build the career I’d spent years looking for.”

When COVID changed the world, it changed Andrew MacDonald’s life too.
After being furloughed and eventually losing his job, Andrew joined Amazon for stability. It paid the bills, but deep down he knew it wasn’t where he wanted to stay.

“I needed a change. I needed a focus and a career goal.”

For years, Andrew had never quite found the right career. He had worked in corporate accounts, spent nearly 15 years with one company before redundancy, tried sales and several other jobs, but nothing ever felt right.

Then he discovered Amazon’s Career Choice programme and enrolled on Pitman Training’s Accountancy pathway.

Starting again

Beginning a new qualification in your mid forties is not easy.

Andrew studied after full working days, often spending evenings and weekends learning while balancing family life.

“It was doing eight or nine hours at work, then coming home and studying for another couple of hours. The last year was really tough.”

But he kept showing up.
One year became two.
Level 2 became Level 3.
Level 3 became Level 4.

A career before graduation

Andrew did not wait until he had finished studying to change his future.

After completing Level 2, he secured his first accounting role. Later, while working towards Level 4, he joined TaxAssist Accountants in Durham, where he still works today.

His employer believed in his potential so much that they funded the remainder of his Level 4 qualification.

Today, Andrew helps landlords, sole traders and small businesses with everything from tax returns to financial planning.

“It’s definitely more my kind of thing. I enjoy working for a smaller business where people know who you are.”

Four years of persistence

What many people do not see behind a qualification is the determination it takes to earn it.

Andrew completed Levels 2, 3 and 4 over four years while working full time.

“I’ve really pushed myself for four years to get into this position.”

Now approaching 50, he has no plans to pursue more qualifications. Not because he cannot, but because he has reached the career he set out to build.

Instead, he is focused on growing within the business he loves.

Would he recommend Pitman?

Without hesitation.

“Oh God, yeah, definitely.”

From day one, Andrew says the support from Pitman Training and his local Newcastle centre helped him stay on track.
“There was always that support. I could do my exams locally and I never had an issue.”

Even his partner has followed in his footsteps, enrolling on the same Accountancy pathway after seeing Andrew’s success.

Advice for anyone thinking about changing careers

Andrew’s story proves that it is never too late to start again.

Whether you are recovering from redundancy, changing industries or simply looking for a career with more purpose, the first step is often the hardest. It can also be the one that changes everything.

Four years ago, Andrew was working in a warehouse after losing his job during the pandemic.

Today, he has built the accounting career he always wanted.

Sometimes one decision really can change the direction of your life.