Lián Sherriff, Ireland

How did you find a job on the Isle of Man? 

Word of mouth, which is testament to the tight knit community here! Initially, I didn’t work. I had given up my career when we left Ireland to settle us here and look after my husband and son. It was only after a year of living here and a chance conversation that I found out I was allowed to work and would automatically be entitled to a work permit. I then started applying for jobs.

At first, I applied for jobs in the same sector I worked in Dublin, advertising sales, but upon reflection I decided that I really didn't want to go back into such a stressful environment and that I was ready for a change.

I considered working in shops or the service industry; I’m good at looking after people and love to chat! After 2 chance encounters, I finally ended up at Noa Bakehouse and I was with them for nearly 4 years.

With my son starting secondary school and our lives settled, I felt it was my time. I decided to go back to college to study Event Management and Marketing. On my last day at Noa Bakehouse before embarking on my studies, I was saying good bye to one of the customers - she asked me what I was going to do, so I told her. Later that day she rang me and asked if I would like to interview for a job with a digital & creative media network. I didn’t know anything about the company, I didn’t have an up-to-date CV or anything to wear, as I hadn't done an interview for a job like this in years.

I went for it thinking, ‘What's the worst that can happen’, and somehow, they thought I was the right person for the job! The Isle of Man gives you so many unexpected opportunities to network and build relationships - you just never know where they can lead you.

Now, I work part-time for Isle of Media, predominantly planning events for them. I love my job - It allows me to be creative, work autonomously and do something I really enjoy-organising things!

We heard you are part of the Isle of Man Film Festival, how’d you get involved with them?

Noa Bakehouse! It was there I met loads of people and made loads of contacts. The guys from the Isle of Man Film Festival had their meetings in Noa, which prompted me to get involved- and last year I did! I loved it and wanted to do more, so this year I am helping organise events.   

What difference has living on the Isle of Man made to your work-life balance?

Once you acclimatise to the slower pace of life, it’s wonderful. We have an incredible work-life balance. Because I work part-time here, I have been able to have time with my son that I would not have had anywhere else. He is safe and that gives him freedom he wouldn't have anywhere else.

My husband has a 10-minute walk to and from work. We live in a house that we couldn’t afford anywhere else. The Island seems to be geared up for families and outdoor activities. Everywhere you go there's a park or a glen with a pub nearby to have a lovely Sunday roast.

We love to go camping during the summer. We enjoy walking, cycling and eating out. It’s great that the Island has so many great restaurants now!   

What’s the best-kept secret on the Isle of Man? 

That it’s a wonderful place to bring up children, on so many levels. From the schools to the playgrounds, to free activities, like Isle of Play, the affordability of activities for children abounds!

What top tips would you give someone looking to make the Isle of Man home? 

My top tip would be to just go with the relaxed way of life, don’t fight it. I would recommend the Isle of Man to others because the quality of life here is like nowhere else.  

The Isle of Man is very idyllic. It’s given us time as a family, which is something you can’t put a value on.  

Inspired by Lián's story? Contact one of our team and make your 'one day', today!