‘Can’t buy back time’: Paramedic’s interesting new career path

She may no longer be saving lives, but this former Toowoomba paramedic’s change in career has continued to impact others. Here’s why every day she’s grateful for making the switch.

When Teagan Ryatt was a child, she spent every chance she got making PowerPoint presentations, drawing pictures and experimenting with technology.

As she grew older, her creative side never diminished, but her desire to make an impact by helping others grew stronger so she decided to become a paramedic.

Toowoomba's Teagan Ryatt, 24, has traded in her job as a paramedic to start her own home-based business Yellow Duck Creative and spend more time with daughter Evelyn Ryatt, 2. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Despite loving the role, when Teagan gave birth to her first child Evelyn two years ago, she was faced with the difficult decision of re-evaluating her priorities and the life she wanted.

Working a standard of 12 hour long shifts with late finishes, she made the decision to resign and start her own brand and web design company Yellow Duck Creative.

“Some paramedics make it work with being a parent and they do a fantastic job, but for me, I realised I couldn’t buy back this time with Evelyn and our future children,” Ms Ryatt said.

“A big part of being a paramedic is offering people encouragement by letting them know it’s going to be OK.

“I still get that rewarding feeling because it’s a similar thing helping business owners to grow and feel confident in themselves, their products and services … it’s still all about encouragement.”

Toowoomba's Teagan Ryatt, 24, has traded in her job as a paramedic to start her own home-based business Yellow Duck Creative and spend more time with daughter Evelyn Ryatt, 2. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Coincidentally, Teagan’s first and longest standing client was the person who delivered Evelyn – Dr Ashleigh Smith’s The Glimmer Project – a program which supports women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn loss.

Since starting Yellow Duck Creative in September this year, the home-based business owner has continued to grow her client base.

With the added bonus of flexibility and her own choice in schedule, it has allowed the mum of one to be present and witness all the precious moments with her daughter.

Teagan said the career change had also restored her creative identity, which she had not had time to feed while working as a paramedic.

Toowoomba's Teagan Ryatt, 24, has traded in her job as a paramedic to start her own home-based business Yellow Duck Creative and spend more time with daughter Evelyn Ryatt, 2. Picture: Rhylea Millar

“Evelyn may not always understand the decisions we’ve made as a family, but every day I’m reminded why we made them,” she said.

The new business owner’s tips for others looking to start a digital or home-based business is to get advice from a business coach and to set up a sustainable foundation.