News
Top tips for making a career change
By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors
There is nothing like a global pandemic to get us reflecting on all aspects of our lives, including our career.
The last 18 months have challenged us in many ways and thrown up lots of questions about what is really important to us both personally and professionally. The vast majority of people have had to adapt to working from home and/or often working in a different way which brought both challenges and opportunities. A significant number of people are now opting for a more blended or hybrid model of working where this is facilitated by employers, as a means to achieving a better work-life balance. There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of people who have changed careers either because of necessity or because on reflection they feel that the job they have been doing is not giving the satisfaction, personal fulfilment or financial reward that they would like at this point in their career. Making a career transition or ‘pivot’ can be challenging and overwhelming, so before making any career move it is helpful to look at it as a three-step process. Bear in mind also that a change of position within your own organisation can be as good an option as a totally new start. The choice is yours.
Three-step approach
Start by looking at yourself, reflecting on your skills, competencies, strengths, interests, motivations, values and personality traits. Taking time to do this by yourself or with someone else will enable you to get a clearer picture of what you want from your career at this particular stage. If you go straight to a search of the jobs market you run the risk of settling for a job that doesn’t meet the career needs that you have right now or in the foreseeable future. Next, consider the practicalities which includes the kind of salary you want or need, the working hours and conditions, location and whether you need to do something to upskill or retrain in order to broaden your opportunities. This step also involves examining your professional branding including updating your CV, looking at ways to improve your LinkedIn profile and presence on other social media networks. The third step is to start looking at what is out there in the jobs market ensuring that you keep in mind the career criteria you have established for yourself in the earlier part of the process. As part of this process think about all the people who are in your network and may be helpful to you as you make this career change. Start having career conversations with people you know and researching roles and organisations that sound interesting to you. As you start applying for roles you may need to work on your interview techniques to build your confidence to ensure that you present the best version of yourself in interview when you get called.
Finally, allocate specific time to this journey of career transition and set goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based) so that you hold yourself accountable throughout the process. There will be times where you find it difficult and get stuck, but committing to the process will be worth it.
Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Careers Advisor. For details see www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Church seeks creative Christmas trees for festival
The Methodist Church in Killarney is inviting local schools, community groups, businesses, and individuals to create and submit decorated Christmas trees for an upcoming festive event on Countess Road.
The Christmas Tree Festival will take place at the church from December 4 to December 6.
Organiser Revd Alison Gallagher explained that the initiative aims to build on the success of the church’s Summer Fête, which raised several thousand euro for church funds and designated charity ADAPT Kerry.
Revd Gallagher previously directed a similar festival in Inishowen, County Donegal, which featured more than 50 unique tree entries from local schools, daycare centres, supermarkets, jewellers, and local services.
Revd Gallagher said: “In August, we had a very successful Summer Fête, and hundreds of people attended. That event raised several thousand euro for the church and our designated charity, ADAPT Kerry. We are now hoping to build on that success with this forthcoming festival, which will hopefully showcase the creativity and talent that exists in the town and surrounding area.”
Anyone interested in submitting a tree for the display can contact Revd Gallagher on 087 263 2906 or by email at alison.gallagher@irishmethodist.org.
€6,000 Scrooge Giveaway!
Six lucky audience members will each walk away with €1,000 as the Gleneagle Arena welcomes an extraordinary international production to Kerry this New Year.
Fancy starting 2027 with an extra €1,000 in your pocket? That’s exactly what’s on offer when the spectacular Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza arrives at Killarney’s Gleneagle Arena from January 1 to 3.
In an extraordinary twist, one lucky audience member at every performance will win €1,000 in cash, drawn live on stage as part of the show. With six performances scheduled, an incredible €6,000 will be given away over three days!
Every ticket holder is automatically entered into the Lucky Seat draw, adding another reason to book what promises to be one of Kerry’s biggest family entertainment highlights of the festive season.
And what a show the Gleneagle Arena is bringing to Killarney!
Forget everything you know about traditional Christmas theatre. This breathtaking production transforms Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol into a dazzling spectacle of flying acrobats, fire breathers, gravity-defying circus performers, spectacular costumes, music and comedy.
Fresh from a successful 2025 season at ICC Wales, the production features an international cast of circus stars and West End performers, including former Cirque du Soleil artist Harvey Donnelly.
Critics have praised its spectacular staging, with Wales Online describing the production as “the Christmas show for people who think Christmas shows aren’t for them.”
Produced by Jon Conway, whose credits include Elf The Musical, the show also features a special connection to Dickens himself. His great-great-grandson, Gerald Dickens, has been involved as a consultant, helping preserve the magic of the original story.
Securing this major international production is another fantastic addition to the Gleneagle Arena’s entertainment calendar, giving Kerry families and visitors the opportunity to experience world-class theatrical entertainment without travelling to Dublin or abroad.
With tickets starting at €27.70, it’s an ideal Christmas gift and a spectacular way to welcome the New Year.
Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza runs from January 1st to 3rd, 2027, at Gleneagle Arena, Killarney.
Book your tickets now through Ticketmaster.ie or gleneaglearena.ie.
Church seeks creative Christmas trees for festival
Church seeks creative Christmas trees for festival The Methodist Church in Killarney is inviting local schools, community groups, businesses, and...
€6,000 Scrooge Giveaway!
€6,000 Scrooge Giveaway! Six lucky audience members will each walk away with €1,000 as the Gleneagle Arena welcomes an extraordinary...
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food...
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026...
Innovation Centre marks 25 years
Innovation Centre marks 25 years The Killarney Technology and Innovation Centre (KTIC) is celebrating 25 years of supporting local business...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
