Seven Years at Momentum: The Leap That Changed My Life

Today marks seven years with Momentum, and honestly, it feels a bit surreal writing that sentence.

Seven years ago, I was in a completely different headspace. My confidence was on the floor – zero, if I’m being truthful, and I genuinely didn’t believe I was capable of much at all. Around that time, I spotted an event happening in ATU Sligo. It was an event designed to inspire women, and even though every part of me wanted to stay at home, I signed up and forced myself to go.

I’m so glad I did.

That day ended up being life-changing. I listened, really listened, and one person in particular stood out – Laura, who organised the event. Something shifted for me while I sat there. For the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of possibility.

Long story short, that spark led me to reach out to Orla at Momentum to ask if there might be any work going. I went in for a chat… and walked out with what felt like a dream job. Orla is one of the most supportive, encouraging people I’ve ever met, and I’ll always be grateful that she took a chance on me when I couldn’t yet take one on myself.

I still remember my first day walking into the Momentum office in Leitrim Village. I was absolutely terrified, convinced I wouldn’t be able for the role. Thinking I was too old, and that I would fail. It took time for my confidence to grow, but I was incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a team who were patient, kind, and genuinely supportive.

If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s the importance of taking the leap – even when you’re scared. I was always someone who focused on the negative “what ifs”:
What if I can’t do the job?
What if I’m not good enough?
What if no one likes me?

But there’s another side to that coin.
What if you love the job?
What if it changes your life?
What if it’s exactly what you need?

You never really know until you try. Sometimes, a change is the very thing that helps you grow. I’m such a different person now compared to who I was back then, and thankfully, it’s been a change for the better.

Seven years on, and I’m still so grateful I said yes.