In January we asked five people to record their fortunes over 12 months in recession-hit Ireland. With the year three-quarters gone, CARL O'BRIENcatches up again with how they're doing
Ann Elizabeth Guan
Care assistant, 53
Just a few weeks ago I finally got my long-term residency permit. It will make a very big difference; it gives me a real sense of security. It also makes you less dependent on work permits, which last for just one or two years.
I’m still working as a care assistant to support my family at home. I have four children at home in the Philippines. My mother also lives with them. She’s in her 80s. I’m the only breadwinner for them.
I was out of work for quite a while in Ireland, which meant I had to use up all of my savings. That’s very frustrating. I’m back to where I was. It doesn’t get any easier, but I have to go on.
I’m looking forward now to next April. I’m planning to head home to see my children and my mother. It always goes so fast – it’s like a dream.
Sean Brennan
Hardware shop owner, 46
I’m being hounded by the Revenue. Hounded. Sometimes I wonder if they’re going to harass me for the rest of my life.
The old hardware shop I was involved with went bust. It was a limited company and we paid out everything we could. I never heard from the Revenue for a year or more – and now they’re all over me. It was closed down, but they say the company office was still operating. They’re trying to fine me more than €20,000.
I’ve nothing to hide. And I’ve nothing against the people working in the Revenue – they’re just doing their job. But we did everything we were advised to do when we ceased trading.
In the meantime it’s all about survival. Business is slow at the hardware shop I run here in Clondalkin, in Dublin. People are still frightened and nervous. There’s a lot of negativity out there.
All this talk of the economy coming back? It’s waffle. If there is any positive, it’s that the difficulties are bringing people together. People have more time to stop and chat. They share each other’s problems. It’s like going back to the 1970s or 1980s: no one is embarrassed, because everyone’s in the same boat.
Maura O’Keeffe
Widow, 66
It seems to be one thing after another these days. I had an infection at the start of the year. When I recovered I found I had a detached retina and needed an emergency operation. Now I’ve discovered that the cataracts in my eyes are after getting very bad. I’m on a waiting list for that.
Things have also gone wrong in the house. The shower stopped working, which cost around €300 to fix. And then the brakes went in the car.
I also had to get a new freezer. It never rains but it pours!
All that rainy-day money I’d saved up is being spent on those kinds of things. It’s coming into winter, so I’ll have to use a lot of electricity, oil and solid fuel to heat up the house.
I’ve spent almost €1,000 on turf. A fill of oil will cost around €800. To cut costs I’ll be putting on an extra cardigan this autumn to keep warm. I try to stay in the one room – it’s kitchen and living room – so I’m only paying to heat that.
Will they cut the pension in the budget? I don’t think so. People made such a fuss over the medical card that they’ll be afraid of taking on the older people.
I’m busy otherwise. I volunteer on the Senior Helpline (1850-440444), which gives a listening ear for older and lonely people. It’s very important these days.
Ashling O’Regan
Social care worker, 22
I’m very lucky. I enjoy my job as a childcare worker. Some days are really hard, but then there are days where you feel you’ve really made a difference. It’s often the little things: if you feel the young people you’re working with trust you, it strengthens your relationships with them. Our work is all about relationships.
In my spare time I’m practising for a pantomime at Christmas. It’s Jack and the Beanstalk. I’ve auditioned and would love to get the role of Jill. I’ve been singing and dancing on stage since I was young. It’s just a bit of fun.
There are a few jobs going in the childcare sector, so a lot of my friends haven’t been too badly hit by the recession. I’m still living at home and saving money to go back to college. I love being with my family, but you always have an itch for independence.
Most of my friends are living at home as well. The only people leaving are those who have to for work. No one is choosing to leave home these days. So my parents won’t be get getting rid of me any time soon.
Niall McAllister
Former managing director, 44
It’s very important to keep positive and to look forward. We can all get bogged down with the past and how we ended up here. But you have to move on. It’s the only option.
Some people might feel sorry for me: I’ve lost a business, I was a managing director and I’ve been out of work for the past year. I’m still applying for jobs and must have sent out around 300 CVs in recent months. I keep hearing that I’m “overqualified” for work. But I’m not looking for pity – far from it. The only way to move forward is to stay focused, to be positive and to hope things improve.
Joblessness is tough for anyone: your dignity and respect are in the bucket. It can be emotionally, physically and mentally draining. Living on €196 a week isn’t easy, but you get used to it after a while. You learn to adapt. I still plan to keep sending my CVs out and go for interviews (I’m at mcallisterniall@ gmail.com). I like to think I’m an honest, good man who has a lot to offer. Here’s hoping something will work out.
