3 words:

1. Irish
2. Innovative
3. Travel

That pretty much covers me!

Proud to be Irish, always looking to change things and not standing still for too long.

Currently I am living in Thailand and have been here for over 5 years (as of October 2006!).  I am taking it easy at the moment trying to wind  down from a stressful few years working in Bangkok.

I have travelled all over the world, too many places to mention here but its a significant list and one that I am very proud of.

Of course, in order to have this lifestyle I have had to study and work hard - thereby enabling me to secure well paid and lucrative positions. 

Study hard, work hard and play harder!  

I have worked in Financial Services, Recruitment, Human Resources and IT.  Actually, the last 7 or 8 years have been in IT and it is something that I have always had a connection with.  Also, it ties in very well with Number 3 - meaning I can travel and work all over the world.

Throughout my life I have set myself goals to achieve and with realistic deadlines!  And I have pretty much stuck to those over the years.

First, I started working in the Bank straight from school and didnt go to university until I was 22 (ish).  But I made a deal with myself that if I completed my degree by night (while still working in the Bank during the day) that I would take a career break and travel the world. 

And I did - except they wouldnt give me the career break so i resigned instead!! 

I spent about 13 months travelling from States, Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, India and eventually back to Ireland.  And I did it all on my own!  But of course I was rarely alone - there are so many people out there with the same adventurous spirit.

On my return to Ireland I planned a career change - and started to focus heavily on IT.  I went back to college and completed a Software Enginerring diploma.  Then I worked for about 1 year in Ireland before getting the opportunity to work as an Expat in Bangkok, Thailand!

I set myself a 5 year period in this role and pretty much stuck to that. 

During this time I have always thought ahead financially and have made some wise investments which should do me well in the future.  I am hoping to retire by 50.  Well actually, I tried semi-retirement for a while at the age of 35 but just got too bored.  I have plenty more to offer the world yet!

 If you are interested in finding out more about me please get in contact - apple'at'geroreilly.com

{MosCE}