Inspired by the blog of my friend and former lead, here are some thoughts upon turning 35… two months on from my actual birthday.
Twenty Five
Now I’m at a the midpoint of my 30s I can’t help but think back to to the midpoint of my 20s. The world seemed like such a different place in 2015.
Able to live right in the centre of Galway for €300/month is unthinkable now. The tech job prospects weren’t great after finishing college but that was a blessing in disguise as this was really the height of the Dunnes Dynsasty. The friends made and craic had in Dunnes Stores Edward Square was incredible. What’s also incredible was my ability to head out for a few rake of beers and still get up and work – in person – at 7am the next day. That’s something that has definitely disappeared in my mid 30s.
This was of course the Golden Age of the Sesh for me – most of the college friends moved on, but I ended up making a ton more from the club nights and house parties that often followed. Pour one out for the Warehouse Rave. RIP.
In the summer I made it to a load of festivals – starting with a volunteering stint at Body and Soul and culminating in an Electric Picnic that I had to leave on the Saturday night, as I had work on Sunday. Got a bus to Dublin where I passed the time with a lovely Basque lady in McDonalds until 6am, before hopping on the bus to Galway and going straight to work (after a shower obv). Feel almost faint writing that, that lil trooper is long gone!
Over that summer I also started thinking about next steps professionally and even started one of those Groupon TEFL courses, with the half notion of coming out to SE Asia teaching English.
That never transpired and the next year I got working at Shopify, around the same time I moved in with 2 fellow D McGs, so a new chapter in my life had truly begun.
So 25 was a good time, but below are some reflections on the past year.
Body & Soul 2015
Professional Development
My professional life had a profound change in the past year. Last May I got the short notice Slack message about a meeting I had to attend, and was told that after 8 years, my time at Shopify had come to an end.
A huge shock at the time, but also one that felt somewhat inevitable, given the wealth of talent let go over the previous two years. I worked at Shopify 4 times longer than any other job and it was amazing for the most part. Experienced so much and really grew as a developer, so I’m very thankful to them for that.
I already had summer plans (more on that below) and after returning and applying for a few jobs I thought I may as well give the travelling a go – I might not get this downtime and opportunity again!
The downtime also allowed me to focus on some side projects and in particular this site. With just my laptop with me I can work away on this blog as I doss about, and it’s given my travels a bit more purpose.
Personal Development
Living back home in Sligo I tried to keep busy in the evenings. I was delighted to discover AcroAer just out the road so I committed to that, in my lifelong pursuit of being able to show off some gymnastic skills, despite being so naturally bad at it.
As for things I am naturally not so bad at, running is still a big part of my life. Regularly running the Parkruns in Sligo and keeping at it on my travels. I find it such a good way to explore a new place and the physical and mental benefits are just unreal.
While in Pai I was able to pick up some juggling balls and give 5 ball a go from time to time too. I debated doing another Trick a Day May but think I’ll leave it til next year.
My trusty tin whistle came with me on the travels, but haven’t practised much… for fear of being booted out of my accommodation.
Craic development
The past year was tough one in many respects but it did have some magic moments. Organising a steamy stag do last May was a laugh, and the weddings attended in 2024 were amazing – proud to have done a military guard of honour and I was also a groomsman for the first time.
The summer was spent travelling around Germany, Austria, and Poland during the Euromeisters. Managed to get to two games too, the quarter final between Holland and Turkey in Berlin was absolutely class. It clashed with the Pet Shop Boys gig so I went to see them in Warsaw the week before instead. Delighted to see them live two years on the bounce.
Back home a trip to Galway to see Kneecap and up to Belfast for Liam Gallagher were great craic. Oasis reformed a week later – surely we played a part in that.
My shiteposting and dances/videos continues unabated – trying to put up something once a week.
And of course, since November, been blessed to travel around South East Asia. It’s been a quick couple of months but class craic altogether.
The Massive head to the Euros 🇩🇪
What’s Next?
My travels are into the final stretch and I’m looking forward to being home and catching up with friends and family. Although, in the highly connected world we live in today, it has been easy enough to keep in touch with people… and see how badly Rovers are doing.
I’m not sure I see myself in Ireland in the medium-term but it all comes down to the financial situation, and as I sit down to write my Thirty Six post next year, I hope it is from a place of gainful employment!
DavAI SummAIriser
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