u/CraicDealer97

Pretty much anything chipper, Chinese, pizza, kebabs, burgers etc. Would be good to know what places people think are actually worth the money at the moment.

I recently ordered a Beef Szechuan with boiled rice and couldn’t believe how expensive it was, especially the price they were charging just for the boiled rice. Takeaways seem to have gotten seriously expensive.

Where would anyone recommend to order from and what would you recommend on getting there?

I use the umbrella addon with my real debrid account added to it, also cocoscrapers module is added. Is there any way I can set it to only find links for a movie or tv show in English audio? Currently, umbrella finds shows in all languages for me.

Some background info: I’m 29, living at home with relatively low living costs, no debt and a decent amount of savings built up.

I’ve been working as an Operator in a medical device company for around 2 years 3 months. It’s a rotating 12 hour shift pattern (days and nights) and I work every second weekend. The salary is around €46k per year.

I’m nearly finished a Springboard course related to manufacturing, and the company also offers good benefits such as private health insurance, an employee share scheme, a pension and life insurance.

The job itself is probably the easiest and best paid job I’ve had, and the benefits are excellent. The downside is the shift pattern. I don’t think I want to work rotating days and nights long term, even though the pay makes it difficult to leave.

One thing that makes the decision harder is that most of the realistic progression available to me still involves working the same rotating shift pattern. While there are some day roles in the company, they’re much more competitive and aren’t something I’d count on getting.

Because I still live at home, part of me thinks I should stay another few years, maximise my savings and make the most of the benefits. Another part of me thinks this is probably the best time in my life to try something different, whether that’s travelling, changing careers or moving into a role with a better work life balance.

If you were in my position, what would you do? Would you stay and maximise the financial benefits, or leave while you’re still relatively young and have fewer commitments?

Has anyone else noticed an increase in homelessness around Kilkenny over the last few years? I regularly see people sleeping rough around areas like Kieran Street, John Street and other parts of the city centre, as well as people around the Good Shepherd Centre. It’s something that’s become much more noticeable to me lately.
I’m curious about the reasons behind it. Is it mainly due to the housing crisis, addiction, mental health issues, or a combination of factors?
I’m also wondering whether most of the people sleeping rough are originally from Kilkenny, or whether many have moved here from other parts of Ireland. Does anyone know how that generally works or have any insight into it?

According to reports, the collision involved a car and a mobility scooter on Rose Inn Street shortly before 5pm.
The street is currently closed.

I posted in the /Kilkenny subreddit about a year ago on another account when I’d been with Abbott for a year. I’m nearly two years in now, so I thought I’d update it and add a few more things I’ve learned. For context, I came from a retail background with no manufacturing experience and no qualifications related to manufacturing, so everything I learned was on the job**.** I’ve added a few more bits towards the end. I’m happy to answer any questions too.

Pay & hours:

Line operator base pay - €14.50/hr with a shift premium of 33% that you get regardless of working days/nights.
Roughly speaking with shift rate it's €19/hr. Work week is 42 hours. 42k annually with possibility of overtime. Hourly wage goes up in small increments every April on a performance basis. Paid every two weeks. There is an annual bonus paid to all employees every April.
• Lead operator pay is €16.50/hr with shift premium of 33%. Roughly €22/hr.

Benefits:

Basic VHI health insurance covered 100% by Abbott and the option to add dental to it at your own expense. (Can add other VHI plans and Abbott pays towards it)

Pension scheme - you contribute 4% of your salary and Abbott contributes 12%.

Other benefits include:
Life insurance
Employee Stock Purchase Program
Education Assistance (must have 1 years service to apply)
Reward & Recognition programme
Earn & Refer program
Subsidised canteen dinners (€5 a meal)
Free Gym access for employees

Shift pattern:

4 cycle pattern 12 hour shifts 7-7. You have a short week & a long week. 2 days (Weds/Thurs), 5 days (Mon,Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun), 2 nights (Weds/Thurs and 5 nights (Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun) - repeat. - 84 hours worked over two weeks. Paid every two weeks.
Lunch breaks are two 15 mins & one 30 mins.
Line operators, Lead Operators, Maintenance/ manufacturing Techs, warehouse & Quality Techs all work the above shift pattern. Office staff work 8am - 4.30pm Mon - Fri.

Uniform:

Abbott provides employees with workwear when you start. This includes polo shirts, T-shirts, quarter zips, fleeces, jackets all with Abbott logo.

Pre employment medical - what to expect:

During the pre employment medical you’ll complete a number of health checks. These typically include a vision test, hearing test, lung function test and a urine sample (urinalysis). You’ll also have your height, weight and blood pressure checked, complete a medical questionnaire about your health and medications, and discuss any previous injuries or medical conditions with the occupational health nurse or doctor. The medical is generally straightforward and is to ensure you’re fit to safely carry out the role.

The work involved for a line operator:

The work itself isn’t difficult or particularly physical. It’s actually decent pay for what you have to do. The downside is that it can become very repetitive over a 12 hour shift. Most of the role involves monitoring highly automated production lines, watching for machine faults (usually a red light or alarm), clearing simple faults, removing any defective parts if needed and resetting the machine to get it running again. There is also some computer work such as scanning products, creating labels and completing production documentation. Once you’re trained (which takes around 2–3 months), the role is fairly straightforward. The best way I can describe it is that you’re essentially babysitting automated machines for 12 hours while making sure production keeps running. It can get boring but it’s not very stressful.

The culture & progression opportunities:

This is probably the biggest downside for me personally.

The culture will depend on your team, but like many workplaces there can be gossip, rumours and cliques. Some teams seem better than others.

In terms of progression, I’ve found it to be quite competitive. I’ve been with Abbott for nearly 2 years and have applied for both a Lead Operator position and the Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship, but wasn’t successful in either. From what I’ve seen, many people apply for internal roles and there can be a lot of competition.

As a Line Operator, it feels like you reach a ceiling fairly quickly. The job itself is learned within the first few months, so unless you move into another role, there isn’t a huge amount of new learning after that.

Abbott also uses a lot of development/acting up roles, where employees carry out a role for several months before a permanent appointment is made. Some people like this approach as it gives them experience, while others find it can make progression feel slower or more uncertain.

Overall, if you’re happy being a Line Operator, it’s a good job with good pay and benefits. If your goal is to move up internally, just be aware that progression can be competitive and may take time.

Pros & Cons of the line operator role:

Pros

Good pay.
Good benefits.
Modern facility.
Stable roster.
No manufacturing experience needed.
Good first step into pharma/medical devices.
Strong GMP experience for your CV.

Cons

Rotating shifts.
Monotonous work.
Limited progression as a Line Operator.
Long 12 hour days.
Overtime requests.
Team culture varies.

Would I recommend it?

Yes, especially if you’re trying to get into manufacturing with no previous experience. It’s a good opportunity to gain GMP experience, earn a decent wage and build savings. A good stepping stone.

Personally, after nearly two years I feel I’ve learned most of what the role has to offer and I’m looking at other options. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad job—it just means I’m at a different stage in my career now.

Workforce:

I’d say the teams are well balanced. There’s a good mix of men and women, along with a wide range of ages and experience levels. Some people are just starting out in manufacturing, while others have worked in the industry for many years. There is a balance in all the areas.

Canteen:

The canteen is managed by Food Space. I would rate it quite highly. There’s a good variety of hot meals, breakfast options, sandwiches, salads and snacks. It’s subsidised so the prices are reasonable. The menu changes regularly, although after a while you do notice some meals repeating, which is probably to be expected. There are usually 3 different options for lunch with a vegetarian option always listed. Overall, I’d say it’s one of the better workplace canteens I’ve used.

Recruitment process:

This was the recruitment process I went through:

Online Application – Apply through the Abbott careers website and upload your CV.
Aptitude Test – If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete an online aptitude test. From what I remember, this assessed areas such as numerical reasoning, logical reasoning and problem solving.
Phone Interview – If successful in the aptitude test, you’ll have a phone interview with a Talent Acquisition representative. This is generally an initial screening call to discuss your background, availability and motivation for applying.
Face to Face Interview – If you pass the phone interview, you’ll be invited to an in-person interview with the hiring managers. Expect competency based questions about teamwork, following procedures, dealing with challenges, safety and working under pressure.
Medical & Pre employment Checks – If you’re successful at interview, you’ll complete a pre employment medical (vision, hearing, lung function, urinalysis, etc.) along with reference checks and any other required pre employment checks.
Offer & Start Date – Once everything is completed successfully, you’ll receive your start date and begin your onboarding and training.

A few notes on the application process:

Recruitment can come in waves depending on business needs, so getting rejected once doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t be successful a second time. There is plenty of jobs still available for the line operator position. Abbott KK is planning on expanding more lines in every area going into 2027 and 2028

I posted here about a year ago on another account when I’d been with Abbott for a year. I’m nearly two years in now, so I thought I’d update it and add a few more things I’ve learned. For context, I came from a retail background with no manufacturing experience and no qualifications related to manufacturing, so everything I learned was on the job**.** I’ve added a few more bits towards the end. I’m happy to answer any questions too.

Pay & hours:

Line operator base pay - €14.50/hr with a shift premium of 33% that you get regardless of working days/nights.
Roughly speaking with shift rate it's €19/hr. Work week is 42 hours. 42k annually with possibility of overtime. Hourly wage goes up in small increments every April on a performance basis. Paid every two weeks. There is an annual bonus paid to all employees every April.
• Lead operator pay is €16.50/hr with shift premium of 33%. Roughly €22/hr.

Benefits:

Basic VHI health insurance covered 100% by Abbott and the option to add dental to it at your own expense. (Can add other VHI plans and Abbott pays towards it)

Pension scheme - you contribute 4% of your salary and Abbott contributes 12%.

Other benefits include:
Life insurance
Employee Stock Purchase Program
Education Assistance (must have 1 years service to apply)
Reward & Recognition programme
Earn & Refer program
Subsidised canteen dinners (€5 a meal)
Free Gym access for employees

Shift pattern:

4 cycle pattern 12 hour shifts 7-7. You have a short week & a long week. 2 days (Weds/Thurs), 5 days (Mon,Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun), 2 nights (Weds/Thurs and 5 nights (Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun) - repeat. - 84 hours worked over two weeks. Paid every two weeks.
Lunch breaks are two 15 mins & one 30 mins.
Line operators, Lead Operators, Maintenance/ manufacturing Techs, warehouse & Quality Techs all work the above shift pattern. Office staff work 8am - 4.30pm Mon - Fri.

Uniform:

Abbott provides employees with workwear when you start. This includes polo shirts, T-shirts, quarter zips, fleeces, jackets all with Abbott logo.

Pre employment medical - what to expect:

During the pre employment medical you’ll complete a number of health checks. These typically include a vision test, hearing test, lung function test and a urine sample (urinalysis). You’ll also have your height, weight and blood pressure checked, complete a medical questionnaire about your health and medications, and discuss any previous injuries or medical conditions with the occupational health nurse or doctor. The medical is generally straightforward and is to ensure you’re fit to safely carry out the role.

The work involved for a line operator:

The work itself isn’t difficult or particularly physical. It’s actually decent pay for what you have to do. The downside is that it can become very repetitive over a 12 hour shift. Most of the role involves monitoring highly automated production lines, watching for machine faults (usually a red light or alarm), clearing simple faults, removing any defective parts if needed and resetting the machine to get it running again. There is also some computer work such as scanning products, creating labels and completing production documentation. Once you’re trained (which takes around 2–3 months), the role is fairly straightforward. The best way I can describe it is that you’re essentially babysitting automated machines for 12 hours while making sure production keeps running. It can get boring but it’s not very stressful.

The culture & progression opportunities:

This is probably the biggest downside for me personally.

The culture will depend on your team, but like many workplaces there can be gossip, rumours and cliques. Some teams seem better than others.

In terms of progression, I’ve found it to be quite competitive. I’ve been with Abbott for nearly 2 years and have applied for both a Lead Operator position and the Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship, but wasn’t successful in either. From what I’ve seen, many people apply for internal roles and there can be a lot of competition.

As a Line Operator, it feels like you reach a ceiling fairly quickly. The job itself is learned within the first few months, so unless you move into another role, there isn’t a huge amount of new learning after that.

Abbott also uses a lot of development/acting up roles, where employees carry out a role for several months before a permanent appointment is made. Some people like this approach as it gives them experience, while others find it can make progression feel slower or more uncertain.

Overall, if you’re happy being a Line Operator, it’s a good job with good pay and benefits. If your goal is to move up internally, just be aware that progression can be competitive and may take time.

Pros & Cons of the line operator role:

Pros

Good pay.
Good benefits.
Modern facility.
Stable roster.
No manufacturing experience needed.
Good first step into pharma/medical devices.
Strong GMP experience for your CV.

Cons

Rotating shifts.
Monotonous work.
Limited progression as a Line Operator.
Long 12 hour days.
Overtime requests.
Team culture varies.

Would I recommend it?

Yes, especially if you’re trying to get into manufacturing with no previous experience. It’s a good opportunity to gain GMP experience, earn a decent wage and build savings. A good stepping stone.

Personally, after nearly two years I feel I’ve learned most of what the role has to offer and I’m looking at other options. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad job—it just means I’m at a different stage in my career now.

Workforce:

I’d say the teams are well balanced. There’s a good mix of men and women, along with a wide range of ages and experience levels. Some people are just starting out in manufacturing, while others have worked in the industry for many years. There is a balance in all the areas.

Canteen:

The canteen is managed by Food Space. I would rate it quite highly. There’s a good variety of hot meals, breakfast options, sandwiches, salads and snacks. It’s subsidised so the prices are reasonable. The menu changes regularly, although after a while you do notice some meals repeating, which is probably to be expected. There are usually 3 different options for lunch with a vegetarian option always listed. Overall, I’d say it’s one of the better workplace canteens I’ve used.

Recruitment process:

This was the recruitment process I went through:

Online Application – Apply through the Abbott careers website and upload your CV.
Aptitude Test – If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete an online aptitude test. From what I remember, this assessed areas such as numerical reasoning, logical reasoning and problem solving.
Phone Interview – If successful in the aptitude test, you’ll have a phone interview with a Talent Acquisition representative. This is generally an initial screening call to discuss your background, availability and motivation for applying.
Face to Face Interview – If you pass the phone interview, you’ll be invited to an in-person interview with the hiring managers. Expect competency based questions about teamwork, following procedures, dealing with challenges, safety and working under pressure.
Medical & Pre employment Checks – If you’re successful at interview, you’ll complete a pre employment medical (vision, hearing, lung function, urinalysis, etc.) along with reference checks and any other required pre employment checks.
Offer & Start Date – Once everything is completed successfully, you’ll receive your start date and begin your onboarding and training.

A few notes on the application process:

Recruitment can come in waves depending on business needs, so getting rejected once doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t be successful a second time. There is plenty of jobs still available for the line operator position. Abbott KK is planning on expanding more lines in every area going into 2027 and 2028.

Hi everyone,

I’m 30 from Ireland and I’m considering renting an apartment in Spain for 2 or 3 months, likely from early August until October or November.

At the moment I’m looking at either Barcelona itself or one of the coastal towns that can be reached by train. What I’m looking for is affordable rent for a short term stay, good public transport, walkable area,supermarkets, cafes, restaurants nearby. Safe for a solo traveller. Easy access to Barcelona if outside.

I’ve been looking at places such as Sitges, Tarragona and Vilanova i la Geltrú, but I’m open to other suggestions.

Has anyone done a similar long-term stay in this area? Which town would you recommend and what sort of monthly budget should I expect?

Hi everyone 👋

I’m 30 from Ireland and considering the idea of spending 3 months abroad. I’d be travelling solo and looking to keep costs reasonably low. Ideally I’m looking for somewhere that has the following.

Good weather, safe for a solo traveller, good public transport (I don’t drive) walkable area with supermarkets, cafes, restaurants etc , English spoke to some degree.

I’m open to Europe or further afield if it’s good value. For anyone who has done a long term stay abroad where would you recommend and what sort of monthly budget did you need?

My Vodafone broadband contract was up, and I got a call offering me a cheaper package with the same internet speed. As part of the deal, Vodafone Secure Net was included, so I agreed to it. At the time I thought it sounded like a good idea as an extra layer of security. I understand the purpose of it, but since it was enabled I feel like my internet is a bit slower. More importantly, I can no longer access or change the DNS settings in my router.

I’ve already turned Secure Net off in the Vodafone app, but when I log into the router it still appears to be active and the DNS options are still locked.

Has anyone else had this issue? Can Secure Net be fully removed from my end, or do I need to contact Vodafone to have it disabled on their side? So far it’s an absolute pain and constant alerts to my emails.

I’ve been working as an operator in a medical device company for 2 years. Overall, I’m managing the shift pattern, but I’ve noticed some bad habits creeping in overtime.

I’ve gained some weight, I’m consuming more energy drinks that I used to, and I’m finding it harder to lose the weight than before. The job itself is fairly repetitive with very little movement during the shift. On day shifts there’s easy access to cooked breakfasts and lunches in the canteen, which doesn’t help either.

I have considered leaving around the 2 year mark but the job is relatively easy, pays well for my experience level and is only a few minutes away from home. I also don’t know what I’d like to do if I did leave. The downside is that I do find it quite monotonous and wondering what the long term effects of the shift pattern might be. It’s proven long term shift is unhealthy.

Some background info on me - I’m 30, living at home, no kids or major financial commitments. I have savings built up and the job is 42k annually including shift allowance of 33%.

The shift pattern is 5:2. It’s a 4 cycle pattern 12 hour shifts 7-7. You have a short week & a long week. 2 days (Weds/Thurs), 5 days (Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun), 2 nights (Weds, Thurs) & 5 nights (Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun) - repeat. 84 hours worked over 2 weeks.
60 hours worked long week, 24 hours worked short week

For anyone who has worked a similar pattern, how many years did you stay on it? Did you notice any effects on your health/ fitness? Would you stay if you were in my position or use my current situation for something else?

Cheers.

I'm 30, living at home, no major bills, good savings built up. I've been working as a Line Operator in Abbott Kilkenny for 2 years. Before this I had no manufacturing experience and no degree (just a few QQI Level 5 qualifications).

What I like about the job:

~ About €42k a year (€15.80/hr + 33% shift rate €21/hr
~ Pension, VHI, ESPP share scheme, onsite gym and subsidised canteen
~ 5 minutes from home
~ Set shift pattern and plenty of days off
~ Off every second weekend
~ Only working 14 shifts per month
~ Modern facility and good working conditions
~ The work itself is easy

What I don't like:

~ Rotating 12 hour shifts (days & nights 7-7)
~ Mentally drained after shifts
~ Repetitive and monotonous work
~ The lines are heavily automated. The operator is monitoring lights changing from green to red and then usually just resetting the machine by clicking the reset/ start button. You’re basically babysitting the machines.
~ Very numbers/target driven (feel like a robot at times)
~ Constant overtime requests due to staffing shortages
~ Workplace can feel childish at times (rumours, gossip (feels like your back in school)
~ Progression internally seems difficult

The shift pattern explained:
It’s a 4 cycle pattern 12 hour shifts 7-7. You have a short week & a long week. Pay is every 2 weeks. 2 days (Weds/Thurs), 5 days (Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun), 2 nights (Weds, Thurs) & 5 nights (Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun) - repeat. 84 hours worked over 2 weeks.

One thing that's making me question my future there is progression.
I've applied for Lead Operator and a Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship and wasn't successful despite being strongly backed by my Team Lead. From what I've seen, a lot of progression now seems to be through "development" or "acting up" roles where you spend 6 months doing the job before any decision is made on making it permanent.

For a Line Operator, it feels like you hit a ceiling fairly quickly. Most of the role is learned within the first few months and after that you're mainly staying for the pay and benefits.

A lot of my coworkers who plan to stay long term have mortgages, kids and major financial commitments. I'm in a different position as I'm single, living at home and have savings.

I’m unsure if I should stay because of the pay and benefits even if the job is monotonous and not mentally stimulating?. As I’ve said my role is learned in 3 months. I’m now there 2 years. I have considered looking for another job even if it is a pay cut or considered a college course as I have savings built up.