If you’re having a bad day, Philip O’Malley’s is one of those stories that is going to lift your heart.
Last week, Sligo man Philip O’Malley posted a video to LinkedIn titled, simply, ‘Seeking employment’. The response was huge.
In the video, Philip detailed how he had been out of work for some time but no longer wanted to live off government contributions.
A clearly motivated and articulate individual, Philip – who has worked in both the private and public sectors – spoke of his work as a legal secretary, as a bookkeeper and as an office administrator.
“I’m asking the business community if they have any vacancies going?” he says.
“Because I’m not getting the work to keep my financial obligations going. I’m suffering as well. I can work from the bottom up, I don’t mind doing long hours. I want to get back into the working environment because I want to contribute to society and pay my way instead of having to rely on the benefits of others just to prop me up.”
Well, the business community was listening.
Philip received a number of responses, most notably from a gentleman by the name of Kenneth Keogh.
Kenneth saw Philip’s LinkedIn video and decided to take him under his wing. He replied to tell him that he would meet with Philip once a month to help him with his professional development, while he also offered to help him with his CV and to cover all costs for Philip to be fitted out for new business attire from EJ Menswear in Sligo.
“You have a tough, but essentially rewarding, road ahead of you, Philip, but if you commit to taking that road I’ll support you,” Kenneth wrote to him.
“I am prepared to meet with you for an hour each month to review your progress.”
A number of other people also reached out in support of Philip, with Kenneth – who has spoken to Philip every day since seeing his video – adding: “I would also like to acknowledge all those that have extended their help to you in response to your post. It makes me proud to be Irish and reinforces my belief in humanity.
“We are a great nation and the responses you have received are a testament to that.”
Following his appointment to get fitted for a suit, a more confident Philip posted the following update.
Kenneth wrote: “I would like to express particular gratitude to both Andrew at EJ‘s menswear in Sligo and Alfie owner of Alfie‘s Barber shop in Sligo for giving Philip the royal treatment and accepting my somewhat strange requests as genuine.
“Thanks again Philip for your courage and for providing me with this opportunity to help you, which I hope leads to many more positive opportunities for you. I truly wish you every success for your bright future.”
Travelling to Dublin for an appointment on Friday morning, Philip told JOE: “I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Joe Dalton and Kenneth Keogh, who have guided me to great beginnings. I am getting a lot of positive feedback and traction, but still waiting for the all-important job offers or opportunities.
“I would appreciate the foundation stones from the business world to help me gain momentum in my life and help me to contribute to a better society.”
If you’re lucky enough to snap Philip up before some other company nabs him, you can find his information here.
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