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Top tips for making a career change

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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.

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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