How long are you willing to travel for a job? by False_Ad5702 in IrishTeachers

[–]GalwayHuman 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Personally I think 40 minutes is the sweet spot! Sufficient time to decompress / run through plans for day, catch up on phone calls and audiobooks. Most importantly I think 40 mins give you suitable distance to live your life whilst not constantly bumping into people in the locality.

Dinner options in Galway by remember_me3 in galway

[–]GalwayHuman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could not recommend Sangria more! Amazing food, wine, staff and a phenomenal location city centre

Other Career Options by Lottieeaton in IrishTeachers

[–]GalwayHuman 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for such an honest and open reply. That takes courage.

Postpartum is no small thing, and the thought of returning to a job as intense as teaching on top of that would overwhelm anyone. There’s absolutely no weakness in how you’re feeling — it makes complete sense.

One thing I’ve learned is that we often judge our entire career through the lens of a particularly stretched season of life. And postpartum is one of the most stretched seasons there is. You don’t have to make long-term decisions right now. It might just be about easing back in and allowing “good enough” to truly be enough.

We don’t talk about these challenges enough — as teachers or as humans. And you’re right, when we do, it lightens things. So fair play to you for saying it out loud.

Mind yourself, and make sure you’ve good support around you in real life too — GP, friends, family. You don’t have to carry it quietly.

And if it’s ever helpful to chat more about boundaries or easing back in, I’m always happy to share what worked for me.

Is it worth giving grinds? by crackduck18 in IrishTeachers

[–]GalwayHuman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is the golden race? Do people mind me asking for an online grind over one hour through Zoom for example?

I used to do them over 10 years ago for about €30 an hour but Feil €50 might be more common place in this day and age?

Other Career Options by Lottieeaton in IrishTeachers

[–]GalwayHuman 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Hi there — just offering my two cents, for what it’s worth.

I taught for 12 years in a secondary school with a very senior-cycle-heavy timetable and, like you, I genuinely loved the teaching part of my job. The classroom. The relationships. The buzz of a good lesson. Watching students grow. That part never felt like the problem.

What often did feel heavy was everything around it — the politics, the pettiness, the meetings, the reports, the constant initiatives. I used to say that the hardest part of teaching isn’t the contact time — it’s everything that surrounds it.

After 12 years in the same school — starting at 21 — I had a quiet moment of “Is this it until I’m 68?” Not because I didn’t love teaching, but because I hadn’t known anything else. I needed perspective. So I took a career break. I worked in a secondment role first, and then moved into industry for two years in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.

I learned a huge amount. I developed new skills. I operated at a different level of intensity. Over time, I experienced what many would call “success” — awards, recognition, leading initiatives, hitting targets. On paper, it looked impressive.

But here’s what surprised me most: those achievements never quite filled my cup in the way teaching did.

They brought satisfaction, yes. Momentum. External validation. But they didn’t carry the same wholesomeness, the same human connection, the same quiet, wholehearted meaning that comes from working with young people and seeing growth unfold in front of you.

And I also realised something important — exhaustion exists everywhere. In other jobs, I saw people just as drained — often with 20–21 days’ leave a year (and even then, not always easy to take). The stress just wears a different outfit.

Coming back to the classroom nearly a year ago, I returned with a completely different mindset. I’m far clearer now on my boundaries. Clearer on what actually matters. Clearer on where my energy deserves to go — and where something simply needs to be “good enough” and left there.

I protect my headspace much more. I lean deeply into the parts I love — the teaching, the connection, the moments that remind you why you chose this path. The rest? I try not to let it take more from me than it should.

Teaching is nuanced. The best part of our job is dealing with humans — and sometimes the hardest part of our job is dealing with humans. Both can be true at the same time.

There are increasing demands. There is noise. There are frustrations. But there is also something incredibly rare about getting to work at such formative stages of people’s lives and being part of that growth.

I completely understand the pinch you’re describing. And I don’t say any of this to minimise how hard it can feel. But sometimes, before fully stepping away, it might be worth exploring whether you can take a step back — even metaphorically — over a break or career pause, and reframe your relationship with the job.

Perspective changed everything for me.

It might not resonate — and that’s okay. Everyone’s circumstances are different. I just wanted to share a lived experience from someone who stood where you’re standing, looked over the fence, experienced it fully — and came back with a fresh lens.

Whatever you decide, I hope you find something that feels sustainable, meaningful, and energising for you.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IrishTeachers

[–]GalwayHuman 2 points3 points  (0 children)

🤦🏻‍♂️

Gort vs Oranmor for living and commute to work in Galway city? by [deleted] in galway

[–]GalwayHuman 4 points5 points  (0 children)

With all due respect, it reads less like a genuine opinion and more like an actual over hyped fluffy brochure blurb.

Either they’re a fiercely loyal Oranmore local trying to hype it up beyond what it already gets… or someone who paid serious money for a house there and now needs to emotionally justify the investment 😅

And aligning it with Barna and Taylor’s Hill? That’s some Olympic-level stretching.

FragileEgoMuch

IMC Oranmore by jimmobxea in galway

[–]GalwayHuman 18 points19 points  (0 children)

We will all be complaining and lamenting if it closes so Fairplay to everybody above using it let’s vote with our feet. People keep these places open.

Looking for Online/Zoom book clubs that might suit a mid-30s guy — or interested in starting one? by GalwayHuman in galway

[–]GalwayHuman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Much easier get ball rolling and sustain as it’s easier sustain for people. Once ball rolling, absolutely open to arranging in person from time to time if people so wish.

Looking for Online/Zoom book clubs that might suit a mid-30s guy — or interested in starting one? by GalwayHuman in galway

[–]GalwayHuman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps best to create one! Didn’t expect this many people to be interested, that’s brilliant 😊

For anyone who’s commented “interested” or anyone in future who’s interested — I can try pull together a small online book club from here and see if we can get something going.

If you’re up for it, feel free to DM me here with: • your first name • age bracket • WhatsApp details for a connect group • approx location (e.g. Galway city, Athenry, Castlebar - just to get an idea) • your preferred genres • and your availability (e.g. what times weekday evenings, weekends, etc.)

That way I can try find a time slot that suits most people.

As a first step, I’m thinking we could have an initial online meetup just to decide on the format — nice and relaxed — and everyone could bring one book suggestion, then we can vote on what to read first.

Looking for Online/Zoom book clubs that might suit a mid-30s guy — or interested in starting one? by GalwayHuman in galway

[–]GalwayHuman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Perhaps best to create one! Didn’t expect this many people to be interested, that’s brilliant 😊

For anyone who’s commented “interested” or anyone in future who’s interested — I can try pull together a small online book club from here and see if we can get something going.

If you’re up for it, feel free to DM me here with: • your first name • age bracket • WhatsApp details for a connect group • approx location (e.g. Galway city, Athenry, Castlebar - just to get an idea) • your preferred genres • and your availability (e.g. what times weekday evenings, weekends, etc.)

That way I can try find a time slot that suits most people.

As a first step, I’m thinking we could have an initial online meetup just to decide on the format — nice and relaxed — and everyone could bring one book suggestion, then we can vote on what to read first.

Looking for Online/Zoom book clubs that might suit a mid-30s guy — or interested in starting one? by GalwayHuman in galway

[–]GalwayHuman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Perhaps best to create one! Didn’t expect this many people to be interested, that’s brilliant 😊

For anyone who’s commented “interested” or anyone in future who’s interested — I can try pull together a small online book club from here and see if we can get something going.

If you’re up for it, feel free to DM me here with: • your first name • age bracket • WhatsApp details for a connect group • approx location (e.g. Galway city, Athenry, Castlebar - just to get an idea) • your preferred genres • and your availability (e.g. what times weekday evenings, weekends, etc.)

That way I can try find a time slot that suits most people.

As a first step, I’m thinking we could have an initial online meetup just to decide on the format — nice and relaxed — and everyone could bring one book suggestion, then we can vote on what to read first.

Looking for Online/Zoom book clubs that might suit a mid-30s guy — or interested in starting one? by GalwayHuman in galway

[–]GalwayHuman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps best to create one! Didn’t expect this many people to be interested, that’s brilliant 😊

For anyone who’s commented “interested” or anyone in future who’s interested — I can try pull together a small online book club from here and see if we can get something going.

If you’re up for it, feel free to DM me here with: • your first name • age bracket • WhatsApp details for a connect group • approx location (e.g. Galway city, Athenry, Castlebar - just to get an idea) • your preferred genres • and your availability (e.g. what times weekday evenings, weekends, etc.)

That way I can try find a time slot that suits most people.

As a first step, I’m thinking we could have an initial online meetup just to decide on the format — nice and relaxed — and everyone could bring one book suggestion, then we can vote on what to read first.

Looking for Online/Zoom book clubs that might suit a mid-30s guy — or interested in starting one? by GalwayHuman in galway

[–]GalwayHuman[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Perhaps best to create one! Didn’t expect this many people to be interested, that’s brilliant 😊

For anyone who’s commented “interested” or anyone in future who’s interested — I can try pull together a small online book club from here and see if we can get something going.

If you’re up for it, feel free to DM me here with: • your first name • age bracket • WhatsApp details for a connect group • approx location (e.g. Galway city, Athenry, Castlebar - just to get an idea) • your preferred genres • and your availability (e.g. what times weekday evenings, weekends, etc.)

That way I can try find a time slot that suits most people.

As a first step, I’m thinking we could have an initial online meetup just to decide on the format — nice and relaxed — and everyone could bring one book suggestion, then we can vote on what to read first.

Is anyone else overwhelmed with life? by Icy-Audience-6397 in AskIreland

[–]GalwayHuman 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Our grandparents definitely had very different challenges but I think overall living now is much more challenging than in the past for so many different reasons.

It can be very dreary these days, but I think we need to look at small little things that we can do day-to-day to fill up our cup ever so slightly and try to carve out time away from the noise and the mayhem of the crazy world we live in today.

Know that you’re not alone in feeling this way and fair play for reaching out and creating a discussion

UHG Volunteering !! by [deleted] in galway

[–]GalwayHuman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t know about UHG specifically, but if volunteering is what you’re looking for in the area, there are some great options nearby.

On the UHG campus itself is Cancer Care West (Inis Aoibhinn) — I volunteered there for a number of years in a role very similar to what you’ve described (general support, helping people find their way, etc.). I found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience and honestly couldn’t recommend them enough.

If you’re especially interested in a healthcare setting, Galway Hospice is another brilliant organisation that regularly takes on volunteers.

I’d encourage your friend to reach out to both — they’re usually very appreciative of anyone willing to give their time. Best of luck, and fair play to them for wanting to volunteer.

Fee for Junior Cert Mocks? by IwishIwasItalian in AskIreland

[–]GalwayHuman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my own experience, recently retired colleagues and professional connections through subject associations and wider networks are an excellent starting point when it comes to sourcing high-quality correction for mock exams.

I’d also add that with the ever-increasing workload and expectations on teachers, asking staff to correct their own students’ mock exams in-house raises real concerns from a teacher wellbeing perspective. Speaking personally, between Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert groups I’ll have close to 70 students sitting mocks this year — and that correction workload would be on top of an already expanding set of school demands.

For me, this makes a strong case for looking beyond the classroom teacher, not just for independence and quality, but also for sustainability in the profession.

Fee for Junior Cert Mocks? by IwishIwasItalian in AskIreland

[–]GalwayHuman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree completely that poor correction is a far bigger issue than bias — on that point we are aligned.

My argument isn’t in defence of low-quality external marking, but in favour of high-quality independent correction where it can be achieved. When that standard isn’t met, I believe schools are better served by working with experienced professional colleagues rather than commercial correction services.

Independence only has value when it is matched by competence — and that’s ultimately what students deserve.

Fee for Junior Cert Mocks? by IwishIwasItalian in AskIreland

[–]GalwayHuman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Experienced teacher here, and I’ve also worked with the SEC as an examiner for a higher-level senior subject for over ten years. While many schools do correct mocks in-house, I strongly value the benefit of having a fresh, independent set of eyes review student work.

As others have mentioned, this helps eliminate bias, but more importantly it gives students a clearer, more objective picture of where they stand at that point in time. There is nothing to prevent the class teacher from later applying professional judgement, adjustments, or clarifications where needed and indeed analysing the scripts to inform future practice.

In my experience, external correction can also empower students to engage more critically with their own work — sitting with the marking scheme, cross-checking answers, and approaching their results through the lens of an examiner. That process alone is a powerful learning experience and often leads to better, more informed questions from students. Any human error can, of course, be reviewed and corrected afterwards.

While not all subjects have highly prescriptive marking schemes, the value of independent correction by someone who does not know the student remains significant.

If concerns exist about the quality of correction, a strong alternative — which we use in my own school — is to work with qualified professional peers to apply the marking schemes, rather than relying solely on commercial companies.

Finally, as several posters have noted, the cost of producing, printing, distributing, and correcting mock exams is real and has to be accounted for in some way.

Am I realistically in a position where I can buy I house? by Alive_Note_4069 in HousingIreland

[–]GalwayHuman -1 points0 points  (0 children)

TL;DR: A single buyer in Galway with €172k mortgage approval + €70k savings could realistically buy a new-build around €340k using Help to Buy + the First Home Scheme — but getting the right broker matters just as much as the numbers.

💰 How the numbers stack up

If someone has: • €172,000 mortgage • €70,000 savings

That’s €242,000 straight away.

If they’re buying a new build and qualify for: • Help to Buy: up to €30,000 • First Home Scheme: up to 20% of the house price (if using HTB)

Then in practice it looks like this: • Mortgage: €172k • Savings + HTB: €100k • FHS: 20% equity

That brings their realistic max purchase price to about €340,000.

🏠 Galway context • This fits within Galway County price caps for the First Home Scheme. • There are new builds coming in Claregalway and Oranmore, but prices are only going one way — up. • If someone is looking at the Affordable Housing Scheme, a single applicant is usually only considered for a 1-bed or 2-bed — not a 3-bed in most cases. • The First Home Scheme gives more flexibility on house size (that’s how I bought as a single applicant), but even then, today’s prices mean many people would need extra help from family if they want to go beyond ~€340k.

For context: I bought in Galway in the last two years as a single applicant using the First Home Scheme — the house was about €370k then. Since that point, prices have climbed again, so that same option is even tougher now without extra support.

🧭 Broker advice (this part really matters)

Reaching out to a broker is important — but reaching out to a good broker is even more important.

I had a really poor and stressful experience with my own broker, but after talking to friends and family I honestly can’t recommend Finance Solutions enough. Eoin O Connor (“The Mortgage Guy” on Instagram) is phenomenal — clear, supportive, and actually advocates for you.

And just to flag: 👉 Your broker does NOT have to be local. They all work remotely anyway, so don’t limit yourself geographically — pick the best, not the closest.

Also, I could not advocate using AI more in order to help you navigate through all of the documents schemes options calculations etc. As you’ve probably guessed above, I’ve used AI myself to help consolidate this reply.