The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
How Tina got set for life-coaching
WITH worldly experience, mind-broadening travel and taking the twists and turns of life itself in her stride, Knocknagoshel native Tina Curtin is well-equipped for the ‘Life Coaching’ business she has just launched.
Since leaving school she has worked in manufacturing, security, childcare and hospitality, both here and abroad.
She has experience of working in Norway, Israel, England, Scotland, Germany, Holland, Italy and Australia, before settling in Cork in 2005.
Tina has based herself at An Ríocht AC in Castleisland on Monday to Friday mornings and is flexible on Saturdays to suit the needs of clients.
“In 2009, when the crash came and unemployment and emigration soared, I felt it was time for me to return home to Kerry. Jobs were scarce, but I was lucky enough to find parttime work and use my free time to upskill,” said Tina when we met at An Ríocht during the week.
“I wasn’t sure what to do and started with a medical secretarial course, volunteering and getting fitter.
“By the time I had finished the secretarial course, I knew it was not something I wanted to work in. When I came across an ad for life coaching, it really interested and excited me, and I felt it was a great fit for me.
“The training itself included a lot of personal development, and I gained a better understanding of who I was, what I valued, what I believed, what worked well for me and what didn’t.
“I was looking forward to sharing what I learned with other people so they too could benefit. In 2012, when I qualified as a life coach, I started working on my business plan. While researching, I came across a CE scheme position sponsored by NEWKD, Information Officer with Kerry Citizens Information Service (KCIS), and jumped at the chance of interview.
“I absolutely loved this job and it gave me more satisfaction than I could ever have hoped for. In 2014, I was delighted to secure a permanent part-time position as Information Officer and Advocate with KCIS.
“I find the variety of knowledge and skills I gained from my personal and professional development has benefited me hugely in my work both as an information officer and life coach.
“Both roles require me to meet people with kindness, understanding and empathy, while remaining impartial and non-judgemental.
“My work experience over the past six years, with the citizens information service, has given me a unique insight into the various challenges people encounter every day and has thought me how to adapt to the needs of each individual.
“I started the life-coaching business in August 2018 in addition to my role in KCIS, having taken a life-coaching refresher course in 2018 and practiced informally since qualifying.
“As a life coach it is my job to help you build on all that you are, to become all that you can be; from work, finance and business, to health, relationships and personal growth, find the steps that will increase satisfaction in your life.
“A football team, rugby team, a boxer will look to their coach for guidance, support and encouragement to achieve their goals, and you can do the same in your life by having someone in your corner to help you to make informed decisions, stay focused and motivated.
“If you are dreaming of something more, and unsure of your next step, remember that every accomplishment starts with the decision to try,” Tina concluded.
Tina Curtin can be contacted on 087 67 37 182 or by email at TinaCurtinLifeCoach@gmail. You can follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ TinaCurtinLifeCoach/.