March Madness, it really has been insane.
In every aspect, March has been a remarkable month, in world affairs, sport, culture and entertainment. Globally, all eyes are on Ukraine and whether the parties can start to move to some level of peace and agreement. Clearly Russia has seriously underestimated the Ukrainian response which has been fierce and passionate so let’s hope that sense can prevail sooner rather than later.
In more positive terms, Ireland has responded quickly and positively to help thousands of refugees to get to Ireland and get set up with the help they need, it has been a magnificent response. Long may it continue. A good podcast I listened to recently is definitely worth 44 mins of your time. The Daily (NYT) - Four million Ukrainians in Limbo.
Return of 'Glorious St.Patrick'
After two frustrating years it was wonderful to see huge crowds returning to our towns and cities for the St Patrick’s Day parades and festivities, and we were favoured with some lovely sunshine which made it all the more enjoyable. I hope you all remembered Mothers Day in the midst of the madness!
The ending of restrictions came as a huge relief to most and although case numbers remain stubbornly high, our collective fingers are crossed that there will be no going back! Even the price of petrol and diesel didn’t deter us from getting away over our bonus long-long weekend and with the clocks gone forward and the sun reappearing we can hopefully look forward to some respite from our lighting and heating bills! Yes we know, there's a cold snap on the way, but that's temporary, we are thinking positively and longer term here!
Triple threat, Triple Crown
March was the month that saw Ireland show its potency in soccer, rugby and horse racing. Irish eyes were smiling with the return (and Irish domination) of Cheltenham and a triple crown in the Six Nations (we were just a few handling errors away from a Grand Slam really!). Big shouts to Willie Mullins for winning five of the races on the last day and to Ireland’s Rugby Under 20’s side who went one better than their big brothers and win the Grand Slam.
Although only a friendly and arguably against a b-side, Ireland’s 2-2 draw against #1 ranked Belgium gave much cause for optimism for future tournaments and the team style of play that Stephen Kenny is trying to create.
On the flip-side, the previously unbeatable Dubs have just completed a wretched league season resulting in demotion from Division 1 – end of an era, or blip?
The worlds of sport and entertainment met when Nina Carberry swept all before her to carry off the Dancing with the Stars trophy for 2022, clearly a very competitive lady, whatever her endeavours.
A slap in the face for Oscar
Will Smith brought a stunned silence to the Oscars after leaping to the defence of his wife after the perceived insult from Host Chris Rock by climbing onstage and striking the host! Real life drama, and nobody was acting! The debate rages now as to whether a violent response is ever justified. That’s a video clip that will get shared billions of times and totally eclipsed the awards themselves. It was hours before we found out here at PeopleSource that the big winner was actually Dune with a stack of technical Oscars (including best score for the amazing Hans Zimmer). Big shout out to for Kenneth Brannagh for bagging the gong for his Belfast screenplay, lovely movie. Here’s the full list of the winners ICYMI - there are some cracking movies to catch up.
The big talking point otherwise is the much-awaited return of the sexy fun that is Bridgerton, a sort of over 15’s version of Upstairs Downstairs or Downton Abbey!
The big resignation, reflection, rethink?
It was interesting to see World Tennis #1 Ashleigh Barty announce her retirement from professional tennis at the tender age of 25 to pursue “other dreams”. Although there will be short odds on her returning at some point in the future it does give some insight into the thinking of 'career for life' and ‘the great resignation’. Whatever term you choose to apply to the current world of work (and there have been many bandied about) there is no doubt that fundamental changes are afoot. The big talking points are the return to the office (or a variety of hybrid practices) and the sense that huge numbers of people are, if not actively looking, then at least open to a new challenge.
One thing we do know, is that the recruitment industry is run off its feet at the moment (and we can attest to that), but don’t just take our word for it, read this recent article in the Irish Times.
One piece of advice we would give to candidates and prospective candidates is to get in touch with your chosen recruiter(s) – not too many – to make sure you understand the market, that your information is up to date and your recruiter knows what you want to achieve. It really pays at times like these to be ‘front of mind’ with your recruiter to get the first bite at the cherry. This can all be done in a quick 15 minute call to start.
If you know of any finance professionals who have arrived from Ukraine, please forward them on this newsletter and our contact details as we would be only too happy to try help with CV advise and potential roles. On that note...
Here is a selection of our latest roles,but remember, the market is changing hourly, so if you are considering a move and don't see what you want here, give us a call - 086 662 9674.
Old Habits
We find ourselves wondering, here at PeopleSource, as the world opens up again, if the Irish will return to their age-old habits of taking some time out to live or work abroad for a year. This has been such a common feature of the workforce for years, but with the job market so hot here at the moment maybe people do not want to go overseas. We are curious so we are making it the subject of our competition this month.
Competition time…
Each month we ask our readers to answer a question for a chance to win €100 One4all voucher.
Our question for March is:
Are you planning to work/move overseas at some point in the next year?
A - Yes
B - No
C - I did it before and had a blast!
The winner will be chosen at random and will receive €100 One4All voucher. Enter here to be in with a chance to win. Please feel free to elaborate in your answer if you are going overseas e.g. where to? when? how long for? We have contacts in Dubai & Canada if that helps!
Our question for February was;
Would you rather work for
A. a large multinational – 55%
B. an SME – 45%
Joining either has pros and cons which we will happily discuss further with you if you have any questions. At PeopleSource.ie we have roles open today with both Large MNC's and SME's so get in touch if you would like to hear more!
And the winner of our voucher is – Lisa Stout – we’ll be in touch!
Remember, we are upping the ante this year. We will have a draw for one person to win €600 in One4All vouchers in our December newsletter. There is only one requirement - enter the quiz question EVERY month! Easy Peasy! Well done to those who are now in the running for the €600. We’ll do something else mid-year too, so watch this space.
If you would like regular updates follow our LinkedIn company page.
PeopleSource is a specialist finance & accounting recruitment firm.
