The Sunday Times – *For Paul Kelly, it took a number of steps before he achieved his childhood dream of becoming a vet

Career Change Needn’t be a Leap of Faith! Article 2004

[ Preparation is the key to making a smooth transition from one occupation to another,  writes Sunday Times  Barbara McCarthy.

‘Fear of failure is the biggest hurdle most people need to overcome according to Rowan Manahan, the managing director of Fortify Services, a career management and outplacement company. “It is hard for any individual to wake up and say, ‘I don’t like what I am doing'” he says. “Inertia means it is easier to stay with the familiar pain of doing what they don’t like than brave the unknown.”

Kill any qualms about the unfamiliarity by doing extensive research on the topic before making the break. Manahan points out that the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence, so it is vital to gather as much information as possible before making any big decisions. “People need to see a career change as a long-term investment,” he says. “They need to be aware that it may take some time before they reap the rewards, financial or otherwise.” On the positive side, a career change doesn’t have to happen in one fell swoop. “Sometimes, you can start by taking small steps that will lead you to where you want to be professionally, without burning bridges or disrupting your family life along the way,” he says.

For Paul Kelly, it took a number of steps before he achieved his childhood dream of becoming a vet. Kelly had worked as an assistant manager in a financial institution for five years before he decided to take the leap. The transition was not easy. He worked by day and went to school at night for a year while preparing to repeat his Leaving Certificate as a mature student.

When he failed to get the points necessary for veterinary medicine, he accepted a place at University College Dublin in science. That way, he thought he might get in through the back door. After a year, the doors were not opening, so he sat his Leaving Certificate again. It was a case of third time lucky – he got the points and the college place. “It was a financial strain, but I never regretted making the break. I didn’t have a family to support and worked along the way to keep myself afloat financially. The shift took Kelly seven years from when he first left banking to starting work as a vet; he hasn’t looked back and still enjoys going to work in the mornings.’  ] Feb 2004 

Fast Forward to 25th September 2011….

Award winning Vet Paul Kelly’s Small Animal practice in Ratoath Co. Meath specialises in domestic pets and is renowned for his Micro and Laparoscopic Keyhole spaying procedures and techniques on cats and dogs.  Paul will be exhibiting and discussing Laparoscopic Keyhole Surgery  at Pet Expo 2011 at the RDS on Saturday and Sunday 8th-9th October. Please feel free to pop in to see him. You will be fascinated as I have been; while filming and editing the videos of the procedures in time for Pet Expo.

Ed Darragh Video Director