With people from all over the world choosing Ireland as a place to live and work, we speak to those that have put down roots in the country. In our first profile of our new series, we talk to Jay Tailor, a software engineer at AOL subsidiary Adtech.
Where are you from?
I am from a small town called Begun, Rajasthan, in India. It’s a town of around 20,000 people with most of these people involved in local business and farming. It’s a very peaceful place, full of waterfalls, rivers and greenery. This town also played a role in the fight for Indian independence against the British.
Family culture is very much appreciated there and people live there with their grandchildren and grandparents. The whole town is vegetarian and residents do not drink alcohol.
How long have you been in Ireland?
It’s my third month in Dublin.
Why did you move here?
I lived in the US in the past and always wanted to move to Europe. Ireland was first on the list since it shares a lot of common things with India. Besides, there are lots of opportunities and I can improve the life of my family by moving here.
People are friendly, English is the most common language and everyone celebrates life here. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people. There was no second thought when I was offered to move here.
What work do you do?
I am a software QA engineer in Adtech. I work on the back end of one of the greatest online ad servers in the world. My job is to ensure that the consumer experience on web ads is smooth and fruitful.
How would you describe your working environment?
AOL is probably one of the best companies to work for. They really take care of every employee like a family member. Great work, a flexible work environment, daily challenges, free breakfast, regular cultural and social events – what else you can ask for?
What do you like most about your job?
I have been working in the online advertising industry for the last few years. My job here includes the new areas and the future, where online advertising is moving. It’s being automated on many levels every day and it all is run programmatically by complex systems and algorithms. It challenges me. I contribute to making a difference to the online experience of an end consumer. It really brings satisfaction.
Was it difficult to adjust to living and working in Ireland?
In a way, yes and no. Everyone in my office was very friendly and supportive. Everyone helped me to get settled and helped me to figure out necessary things. However, I also had a little cultural shock since I was a non-drinker and vegetarian. I had a difficult first day in Superquinn trying to figure out what to eat. But, at the same time, Ireland gives you the freedom and independence to adjust your living as per your comfort, which I really like.
What surprised you about moving to Ireland?
I never heard that you would have to pay for the TV licence here!
How does your working life help to make you feel at home here?
My working life allows me to take time off as per my requirement. AOL also has the option of allowing an employee to complete his work from home so that he can take care of necessary things.
Flexible timing, social get-togethers, various sports events, free gym and many other things make me feel comfortable here.
What do you like most about your adopted home?
I am in love with Ireland and especially Dublin. It’s a vibrant city with lively people (or ‘lads’ – I learned this word here!). Every culture and ethnicity is celebrated here. I think it’s the people of Ireland I like the most. And, of course, hurling, and the river in middle of the city, and Phoenix Park – and many more!
