Job opportunities in NI

[Horowitz89]

I left NI to go to university and have not lived there since, although I visit regularly. I am in my mid 30s with young children (not yet school age) and live in London. Recently I have started thinking of moving home. I am not that happy in my crappy house with a massive mortgage and see my friends at home with a great quality of life and would love tonoffer that to ny children. I also miss my family at home and am worried about my parents as they get older, and I do miss the culture and community at home.

My problem is work- what would I do? I have one of those bullshit corporate jobs that is well paid but pointless. I work in PR for a mid-sized company with not a lot to show for my career, particularly after 2 maternity leaves. But it has allowed me to buy property, have a nice life etc. What could I do in Northern Ireland with this background?

I dont think I would be suited to going freelance/ working contracts as I am quite risk averse. I would be open to retraining but what are the growths opportunities in NI- is it computing/cybersecurity? I would probably not be based in Belfast but west of the Bann near Derry. I could do some commuting to Belfast or we could also be based there if needed. I have a good humanities degree but which is 20 years old!

I think this is something I do in the next 2-3 years or probably never, so trying to see things in the round. If I was a doctor or teacher or something like that I think I would've done it by now, but work has always been the stumbling block. I.am however very aware that I have never lived or worked there as an adult so I might be looking at things through rose tinted glasses!

Any thoughts or advice very welcomed!

I would start by looking at the jobs that are advertised and see do any suit you. Could you contact a few recruitment agencies.

We moved back and do not regret it. We don’t need the huge salaries as property is not as expensive. But we both have been extremely lucky with jobs.
I totally get what you are saying unless you are super rich you are probably not going to live in an amazing house in London. Then you come back to NI and see people living in these gorgeous homes on average salaries. Good luck with whatever you decide.

We moved back after our first was born and since that time I’ve seen a lot of large tech, finance and law organisations set up shop here so I reckon you’ll easily find a job. And yes quality of life is so much better here; I work less hours than I would have to in England and am able to do some of the school drop offs thanks to hybrid working. Definitely get in touch with some recruiters as the previous poster has said; I reckon they’ll be very keen to have you.

If you Google enough you should be able to find a list of NIs biggest companies/major employers. There is a lot of investment at the moment. This may help you understand what might be out there. Think sideways, perhaps public sector. HMRC for example have a largish set up there.

As well as looking out for vacancies you might find out which employment agencies target employers use. A maternity leave cover, say, is a good way to get your foot in the door.

If you are willing to consider Belfast or somewhere to the south, you might look out for Dublin jobs which allow a good amount of wfh. You would not be the first.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond- great leads here and a good project for me over the next few months!