Adrian Phelan

Welcome to my blog

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on January 31, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 18

Welcome to this week’s blog

Blog

AI proper roasting

I know it shouldn’t feel like an event when I cook, but I did another roast gammon on Sunday, and it was delicious. Practice makes perfect is not a lie. It’s fair to say I had to cook over the stated times on the pack, and what AI had told me, however the latter helped me make perfect roast potatoes, veg and Yorkshire puddings. AI might take our jobs, but it certainly does help make the perfect roast; and a decent sticky toffee pudding too.

Season’s greetings in the rain

The animals were roaming in pairs where I live, on Tuesday. It was a horrendous walk to the station. And very cold as well. We’re prone to flooding and I once had to take my shoes and socks off to get under the railway bridge, which frequently becomes a natural paddling pool. If you ever see me doing that when it hasn’t rained however, just politely smile, and move on

But we’re in the last week of January now, and before we know it, it will be Valentine’s Day, then St Patrick’s Day, Easter and can I take the opportunity to wish you a Happy Christmas for next December. The pubs and restaurants will be advertising it in six months. The turkeys usually arrive in our local farm shop in August with a couple of them getting nervous around Thanksgiving. But enough about that for now, I haven’t yet moaned about there being Easter eggs in the shops already. Although I did spot a Maltesers one I have my eye on if you’re buying.

The film bit

I saw ‘Is This Thing On?’ on Friday. It’s good. I read two, three-star reviews in advance, and three stars is a fair rating, compared to other films that have come out this season. I think it loses two stars because it is a bit disjointed, and the jokes that the main character tells in his stand-up routines are a bit odd. Again, it’s not one you have to see at the cinema. But it will make for good viewing when it comes on d’telly at Christmas.

Dentist

I went to the dentist on Wednesday. I have more fillings than teeth, so there’s very little actual tooth matter left to treat. Because of that I haven’t needed a filling for a few years, and I thought I might have needed one this time because of a slight chip. But it was too small to be a concern for now. However, I did get the sales talk on my future options; one of which being an £800 crown which could also by its very nature lead to the requirement for root canal treatment. However, where it is, I think a basic silver filling will do. For now. It will fit in with the other 20 I have.

I Swear, The Traitors is good

I was listening to Irish breakfast radio this week and there was a report of complaints to the BBC in Britain about the amount of swearing there is in the Irish version of The Traitors. The long and the short of it is that you will never get 30 Irish people together and not have swearing. We can’t help it. And we’re not British.

When the smoking ban came in in Ireland (the first country in the world to introduce it), all people spoke about for a year was the smell of BO and stale farts. England just didn’t have that problem. You’re too polite. If anything, you farted less in public when the smoking ban came in.

So, I’m not surprised about the swearing, and I’m not surprised about the complaints either. It’s what makes us different, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Do Good Well

World Interfaith Harmony Week caught my eye today so I’m promoting it in this week’s charity section. I love the description which says, Spreading harmony and tolerance between the world’s religions and those with no faith.

I’m the latter but value diversity so if you can support in any way, please do.

Thank you thank you

As ever, if you haven’t scrolled on before this bit, then thank you.

I hope you’re enjoying the posts and if you are, please have a think if there is anyone in your network who needs capacity in my skills area. Here is my CV,

I will see you next week.

Adrian

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adranphelan.bsky.social

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TikTok: @adrian.phelan

Threads: adrian_phelan1

23 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

16 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

9 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

2 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

26 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

20 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

12 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

5 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

28 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

21 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

14 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

7 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

31 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

24 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

17 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

10 October

Adrian’s All – Fairy tales of a jobseeker

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 17

Welcome to this week’s blog

Slightly long (but worth it) film bit

We’re a day late again this week but for good reason. What a Friday! I went to see Professor Brian Cox at a theatre I can see from my office and was able to squeeze in a film before the 7.30 start at a cinema I can also see from the office. With work it meant I was on my arse for 13 hours, but what an arse.

The film was ‘Saipan’, which I’m sure has some of you scrolling away but for any Irish in Britain (It came out in the UK yesterday but has been out in Ireland for a month) who remember the Keane/McCarthy Saipan saga I ebbed and flowed on my opinion during the screening, but concluded it was good, and worth seeing. Eanna Hardwick played Roy Keane well and let’s face it, there probably isn’t a bad Steve Coogan film, and he plays Mick McCarthy. A chance to lay a few ghosts to rest I feel.

I’ve seen six of the films nominated for best film at this year’s Oscars which I’m chuffed about. I haven’t watched Frankenstein yet, but I think that’s on Netflix. Year after year I look at the list and think, I’ve not seen one of them, so it’s great to have a few under my belt and I’ll try and tick a few more off before the big night. I think Sinners has the most nominations and for pure wtfness it’s probably the one to watch if you want a flavour of this year’s big hits. Hamnet is good too but you can watch that on the telly later down the line as I said in last week’s blog.

The cleverest man in Britain apart from Stephen Fry

What a man Brian Cox is. If there’s anyone who knows the size and composition of the universe, it’s him. He’s doing try-out nights in advance of his arena tour kicking off in the autumn so to see him from the third row of a 500-seater was a privilege. In the spirit of the work in progress, I won’t give too much away about what he has planned, but there is a nod to his musical side, with one of those 80s piano/guitar thingys making an appearance. If you’ve ever been to Prague as well, you might recognise some of the visuals but that’s all I’ll say for now.

A bum note

It’s a slow news week so I’m going to moan about tinnitus. Out of nowhere it’s just ambushed me. It’s like the love child of a tuning fork and the sound of static from an old tv. I’m guessing it’s connected to wearing a headset for 35 hours a week so a nice gift from my interim gig (which I am still grateful for by the way). But the ringing is constant, and loud so if you have any tips for blocking it out, let me know. And I won’t believe it’s connected to beer consumption.

We’ll take a cup of kindness yet

I went to a Burns night in the restaurant at my local college on Thursday. The whole thing was run by the students, and it was excellent. There were cocktails and mini burgers on arrival and then four courses, all for a reasonable price. I didn’t have any tartan on but one of our party did, and I spotted at least one kilt. I do hope for his sake that he wasn’t too traditional with his choice of underwear. It was a bit cold. But bravo to the students. It really was wonderful.

The job bit

I learned a harsh job lesson this week. I was planning to apply for a role that was pulled before I had a chance to get my application in. There was no end date in the advert, and I missed it by a couple of hours. I certainly won’t dilly dally in future.

I had a good career chat on Monday though with one of the leading pharma companies. I know where I could fit in well for a role in the pharma industry. I just need hard work to meet a bit of good fortune to make it happen.

I carry on Here, once again is my CV.

Having my ears raised

I’m at that stage where the indicator for needing a haircut is more about how bushy my eyebrows have gotten as opposed to the length of my hair, which increasingly wants to show-off the quality of my scalp. I used to get dandruff when I was younger but even that can’t be asked anymore, because of the lack of coverage.

I mention the hair thing as part of the build-up to turning 50. I’ve always been grey, so the only place I am visibly aging is in my face (I still have a great body). The main manifestation of that is just below my chin where fish could now easily be stored.

I’ll try and keep the ageing moans to a minimum, but as The Rolling Stones sang, ‘What a drag it is, getting old’.

Do Good Well

I didn’t have a plan for the charity bit this week so arbitrarily I’m signposting to Race Against Dementia Day which took place this week.

A bit more about Race Against Dementia:

Founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, after his wife Helen’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, Race Against Dementia funds early-career researchers to accelerate progress towards a cure for dementia.

With over 55 million people affected globally and someone diagnosed every three seconds, Race Against Dementia is taking immediate action to drive significant breakthroughs and develop leaders in the field.

Do support if you can.

Goodbye and thanks

As ever, think if me if your projects need any extra capacity. Here is my CV.

Thanks for reading the blog and I will check in again next week.

Adrian

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adranphelan.bsky.social

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Threads: adrian_phelan1

16 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

9 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

2 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

26 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

20 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

12 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

5 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

28 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

21 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

14 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

7 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

31 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

24 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

17 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

10 October

Adrian’s All – Fairy tales of a jobseeker

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on January 17, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 16

Welcome to this week’s blog

It’s mid-January and you’ve probably said at least once this week, ‘Can you believe it’s two weeks since New Years’? But the year is up and running and I hope everyone is doing ok so far. As it’s what they call Blue Monday in a few days, I’m going to jump straight into the charity bit. Hold on to your credit card bills and grab a cuppa!

Do Good Well – Brew Monday

I came across Brew Monday earlier this week. It’s on 19 January and is described as a day when the mental health charity Samaritans encourages people to connect with someone they care about over a cuppa and a catch up. The aim is to transform “Blue Monday” into an opportunity for conversation, and support. You don’t have to restrict it to one day of course. There’s never a bad time for a chat.

I’m not a hot drink drinker so I’m rebranding it to ‘Diet Cola Monday. I’ll meet you by the vending machine. Remember the card option sometimes doesn’t work.

91 January

Following on from Blue Monday, it’s not with fondness that I remember being paid monthly when January came around. Particularly when December’s pay came early. It really did feel like a long month. I’ve never stared at a calendar more than I have done in January. It was also always a month when because of poverty I had to endure my own cooking as well. When payday finally came, I would reward my austerity by blowing all my wages in the first week and be skint again. Rinse and repeat.

The film bit

I can’t let the blog pass before mentioning Hamnet. We saw it last Friday. It lived up to the reviews I’d read in advance. Most gave it four out of five stars. It doesn’t lose a star for acting though, just a slight chink in the story. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal were both excellent, and the children who acted in it were also rightly praised for their performances. It was shot in Herefordshire which doubled up as Stratford, with the National Trust providing some great properties for housing locations. The grand finale is set unsurprisingly at Shakespear’s globe which they recreated at Elstree Studios so highlighting a local achievement there. Moral is, go and see it, however it is one that you could also enjoy on d’telly.

I saw the second 28 Years Later this week as well. I’m torn because I want to recommend fans of the film series close the loop and go and see it, but it is very violent and gory so not an easy watch. When I see what makes a 15s movie or TV show these days, I often wonder what the threshold is to an 18s and this is definitely an example of what that would be. I’m known for raving on about Ralph Fiennes. I think he’s a great actor. However, Jack O’Connell is fast-becoming one of my favourite actors as well. Good in the Amy Winehouse movie, great in Sinners and now great in this too. I can’t wait to see what comes next from him.

I’ll be there for you

We had friends over from Australia this week who we haven’t seen for a number of years. Their once-small kids are now teenagers and we’re all knocking on the door of 50. But what a lovely time we had. The gap in get-togethers meant nothing to the friendship. We may as well have seen them last week. The same applies to a couple of other friends I saw in 2025 after a long time. A good, positive friendship will always endure time. So, 2026 could be the year for it. If you’ve been putting off getting back in touch with someone just do it. Facebook updates are no substitute for the real thing.

Nuts are we…

I went to the Masters Snooker in Ally Pally this week. The blog is normally a sport-free zone but allow me to indulge my hidden Hilda Ogden (Respect if you get that reference) for a sentence or two.

There are very few arenas where being on your mobile phone is disrespectful, and if the cinema is one, then being at a live snooker match is certainly another. You are forced to be in the moment. Snooker is also a largely unpredictable sport. A frame could last ten minutes, or an hour. You’ll never know. And even though it’s not something you might watch week in week out like football, at the Masters, you are guaranteed to see a match between two of the world’s best players. The view across London from Ally Pally is also stunning – particularly at night – and I’m looking forward to that too.

Running

I did the Parkrun on Saturday. First of the year. It was congested but I managed to trundle around in just over 27 minutes.

I ran 10k on Tuesday as well. I probably burned the equivalent of about two Bourbon creams in calories but I’m glad I did it. I still don’t need the belt on the trousers.

This is a short section, but I wanted to take the opportunity to signpost to the Parkrun website If you want to get into running, find one near you and get involved. If you’re doing Couch to 5k, it’s the perfect place to celebrate your achievement.

I hope to see you at one soon.

Goodbye and thanks

I haven’t forgotten the original reason I started the blog. It was to be a companion as I secured my next substantial role so as you’ve stuck with it, I will say that there will hopefully be a couple of positive updates next week.

As ever, thanks for your support. Do have a quick look at and share on my CV and keep me in mind if you think I could add capacity to any of your projects.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adranphelan.bsky.social

X: @AdrianPhelan1

TikTok: @adrian.phelan

Threads: adrian_phelan1

9 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

2 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

26 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

20 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

12 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

5 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

28 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

21 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

14 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

7 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

31 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

24 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

17 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

10 October

Adrian’s All – Fairy tales of a jobseeker

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 15

Welcome to this week’s blog

Someone reading this post will be the 1000th visitor. I know it’s not an exact science, but I’ll take the milestone nonetheless. The regular audience is starting to settle in. There are 1,400 views for those 1,000 visits so some of you are viewing multiple times. It’s not a huge audience but it’s interested and I’m grateful for that so thank you. The rest of you now cross the street when you see me coming and that’s fine too. I owe most of you money. Either way, here’s to the next 1,000. The more the merrier and you’re all very welcome.

Job bit

It’s six months since my contract ended which is a milestone. I spent some of the holidays in the library on the hunt and have popped in after work a couple of times this week too. There’s been lots of students with their noses deep in course work; home for the holidays and escaping the house for a few hours no doubt. With unlimited free online access on your own device and two hours a day access to their PCs, the library really is a valuable asset. [That read like a cheesy advert which was unintended] It helps that some have toilets too. There is one I use that doesn’t and I have on occasion lost the feeling in my legs trying to keep them crossed.

I continue to seek more certainty with my future so will keep going until I get that. We’re all into a new quarter so as ever, keep me in mind. Here is my CV.

Mine’s a Bourbon

I weighed myself again this week. The brief mystery of how I’ve put so much weight on was solved by an audit of the Bourbon creams I’ve gotten through over the last month. They have to go. I’m also not off the mark yet with the Parkrun this year so I need to sort that out as well. There’s no time like the present. I’m not doing Dry January, but I have cut back on the booze so hopefully that will help with shedding some pounds as well. My new suit is crying for mercy. If you’re doing anything interesting health wise in January that you’d like to share, send me an email at adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

Film bit

I went to see Marty Supreme at the weekend. Just give Timothée Chalamet the Oscar now. I think he was in every scene and had to work hard in each of them. I’m starting to think he gets the roles now that Leonardo DiCaprio would get if he was 20 years younger. I’d describe the film as a working-class Bond-esque caper with a couple of random cameos by Gwyneth Paltrow. Catch it while it’s in the cinema. It wouldn’t be as good on d’telly.

I’m seeing Hamnet tonight. There are strong Irish connections with the writing and acting of course. I’m wishing Jessie Buckley every success with the forthcoming awards season. Paul Mescal as well but he is a bit further on with his success.

As a quick TV/film addendum, we got the 1% question on the 1% club on Monday. In fact, with the help of our passes we got through the whole game. The 1% question was easy however and all the contestants got it. I’ll post it at the bottom of this blog.

Physical jerks and dainty bowling

I went bowling last weekend and I was rubbish. I usually have quite a dainty approach to throwing a bowling ball (picture that) so I thought I’d try something new and whack it this time. I came last. I’ve come to the conclusion that I have a subconscious leaning to the left. It didn’t matter which way I threw the ball, the bloody thing went down the left gully. I did have a couple of good hits but alas no strikes or spares. I’m reverting to dainty next time. More suited to a beta male, I think.

I played badminton as well mid-week. If my bowling is dainty, my badminton is anything but. These days my body swivels uniformly around just one axis. I’m very rigid, where I used to be quite bendy. But we had the chance to shoot some hoops in the hall as well which was fun. Basketball was my main sport as a child. The club I played for, Tolka Rovers is fundraising so their teams can compete in a European league. If you think you can help them out, you can send money to their Revolut Account .

Ice, Ice, baby

Imagine an alliterative word before ‘freezing’ and that’s what it’s been over the last week. I took down the outside Christmas lights at the weekend, and my hands are still out there. It wasn’t a job you can do with gloves, so it was pure pain.

But on the flip side it has been nice and sunny this week, and the wolf super moon has been spectacular. I think the one on Tuesday was the biggest I’ve ever seen.

It’s Thursday now and I take everything back as I wade home through the rain. I hope it’s short-lived, although the phone App says different.

A couple of years ago I fell over spectacularly in the icy snow; legs akimbo. I banged my head, and some said I was never the same again. So I’m quite wary of walking in the snow and ice now. Despite being careful, I very nearly ended up on my arse again last week. I had to do some kind of mash potato-style dance move to steady myself. I didn’t break anything thankfully, but I was a bit red-faced.

Do Good Well

2026 is National Year of Reading which is a vital campaign to tackle the steep decline in children’s reading. One of the leading charities supporting this campaign is Schoolreaders whose goal is for all children, regardless of background, to leave primary school being able to read well so they can go on to access their secondary education fully and maximise their future life chances. You can read all about the campaign on their website and if you’re in a position to, find out how to donate. The main campaign website also has more on what’s happening throughout the year and how you can get involved.

Bye for now and thanks

As ever, thanks very much for reading, particularly if you got this far. We’re 15 in now which is phenomenal.

Let’s see where it takes us.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan

2 January

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-6/

26 December

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/12/26/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-5/

20 December

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/12/20/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-4/

12 December

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/12/12/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-3/

5 December

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/12/05/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-2/

28 November

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/28/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male/

21 November

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/21/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-8/

14 November

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/14/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-7/

7 November

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-6/

31 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-6/

24 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/10/24/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-4/

17 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/10/17/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-3/

10 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/10/10/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-2/

3 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/10/03/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker/

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 14

Let’s hope it’s a good one

Happy New Year. It’s 2 January and there’s a grand stretch in the evenings. (Someone had to say it). We had a nice New Year’s Eve, attending two parties – including a 50th birthday -and treated our fuzzy heads to a walk to a nearby village on New Year’s Day.

I think I’m too old to mourn Christmas passing but if I could live a couple of the days again I would. We’ve had a nice time.

The half century beckons

Another year ending with a ‘6’ is here and I must face the inevitable. 29 September is the big day. I know plenty of water will pass under the bridge between now and then, but I’ll be gearing up for it. I have quite a few friends turning 50 before me so I promise to put a pound in the jar every time I say, ‘I’m still 49’, as it will get annoying.

I don’t have a long ‘to do’ list before the big day arrives. Securing my next substantial role continues to be top priority. That and an anchor tattoo for my upper left arm. Once again here’s a link to my CV. Do keep me in mind if any of your projects require extra capacity. I’m just an email or a phone call away and any tattoos or piercings can be discretely covered if required.

Movie bit

I saw Housemaid on Monday. The screening was full, and everyone was engrossed, so it was perfect. It’s difficult to describe without giving too much away but I can say it’s a horror with twists. Sydney Sweeney was the main star, but my hat goes off to Amanda Seyfried around whose character the story was woven. Quite a lot was asked to deliver in the role and deliver she certainly did.

Marty Supreme is next on the list and I’ll hopefully fill you in on that next Friday.

Off to work

I worked three days this week and you could hear a pin drop on the commute. There were very few people about hopefully meaning the world was taking a well-earned break. I had two consecutive three-day weeks which is luxury for a contractor, so I was happy. I sense things are slowly getting back to normal now as well and I can hear the clink of decorations going back into their boxes for another year.

Next question is ‘who will spot the first Easter egg?’

Incidentally, if you have dropped a pin, contact me, I have it for safe keeping.

Back to hospital

My Dad is in hospital again as complications with his cancer continue. I want to mention how impressed I am with the care he receives, in a setting that is just a twenty-minute walk from our house. He is looked after very well. I’m hoping his stay is short, and again, thanks to my siblings and my mother for stepping up where I can’t with looking after him.

Do Good Well

I researched awareness days to see what charity to choose this week and discovered that today is World Introvert Day. It was a new one on me and the website is worth a look.

As it’s not a big week for awareness campaigns for obvious reasons I’m just going to share links to the Irish Cancer Society and Cancer Research UK. Do donate where you can.

Bye for now and thanks

As ever, thanks for reading. Your feedback is always welcome so do share your thoughts with me.

As always, I am still looking for my next substantive post so do keep me in mind. Here is my CV.

Happy New Year

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan

Previous posts

Scroll to read a previous issue. The first Adrian’s All was published on 3 October 2025.

26 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

20 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

12 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

5 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

28 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

21 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

14 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

7 November

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

31 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

24 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

17 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

10 October

Adrian’s All – Fairy tales of a jobseeker

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 5

Five will make you get down now

I’ve reached post 5 and I need to be careful not to become a caricature of myself. I’ve rounded off each of the first four with thanks, but having reached this mini-milestone I wanted to bring that to the top. I really am grateful that you’ve stopped by. If I could ask one more thing, it would be if you could tell a few people about the blog and share the link so they might read it. If you do that, I promise not to go ahead with the miniature printed version I was going to bring out as a stocking-filler for Christmas.

What have you come as?

Happy Halloween. It’s great that it’s on a Friday this year, with no work the next day. Oh yes, work; I did some of that this week. First time I’ve dipped my toe into something non-comms related for over 20 years and what an experience. It’s also the first time I’ve been in the office five days in the one week since before the pandemic. I’ve had to resurrect shirts I haven’t worn since I was in my early forties; and I only have white trainer socks. I’ve looked like I’ve been dressing up for Halloween all week. I need to go shopping at the weekend. Everyone in the team is lovely though, especially the colleague who is training us (a reminder it’s a customer services role) and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Ultimately, I’m glad to do something where I’m helping people while I’m searching for the next career move. On that, one thing I’ve totally forgotten to do in the blog is share my LinkedIn profile so here it is.

Boss

My film recommendation this week comes with a nice side story. I went to see ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ and on the way out I met a lady who was a big fan of The Boss and by accident had attended the London premiere of the film, sitting just rows from the man himself and the other stars of the movie. Her daughter had bought the tickets for the screening not knowing it would also be the premiere, so what a result. She was still beaming and showed me a few pictures. She didn’t quite catch the movie in the detail she wanted to which is why she had come again. For those who are fans, she thought it was great. I thought it was worth 3.5 stars out of 5. However, I’m now on my second warning from Cineworld for talking to strangers so I’ll have to keep myself to myself for a while. I don’t want to be barred before I’ve seen the second half of Wicked.

Two casts in a pod

I know I don’t look old enough, but I moved to the UK 30 years ago last month. Someone I met on the very first day (at university Halls) was good friend Martyn Housley-Smith. Martyn is a talented and entrepreneurial teaching professional and has his own podcast which explores issues and topics surrounding education and learning. In the latest episode he chats to Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Lucy Shoolbred who among her many roles was a consultant on the Netflix series Adolescence. Such is the growing reputation of the podcast that Martyn has been able to secure guests of Lucy’s calibre. I’m chuffed for Martyn and what he has achieved and so not to scupper his efforts I’ve agreed not to discuss our nights down at the students’ union.

A second podcast recommendation is this week’s episode of A question of Science hosted by Professor Brian Cox who along with a panel of experts asks the question ‘Who owns space?’ I was actually in the audience for this one and if you listen carefully you can hear my distinctive clap. This is one of several episodes, all of which are worth a listen.

Do Good Well

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Prunella Scales this week. I’m a huge Fawlty Towers fan and although she was elderly, I think it’s still always poignant to find out when such iconic figures leave us. In her honour I’m sharing links to Dementia UK and Dementia Ireland. Do check them out and support if you can.

Bye until November

I can’t believe it’s November tomorrow. It comes as a surprise every year. And once Halloween is out of the way there’ll be no avoiding the ‘C’ word so brace yourselves.

Have a great week and stay safe on bonfire night.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 4

You can always go, Downton

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m proper posh. I’ve never watched Downton Abbey, but I went to see the film the other night, and I came out thinking, ‘Where have you been all my life?’ I would totally fit in there; my major stress being managing luxury. And I’d look great in the clobber. I think I heard an Irish accent among the cast. It should have been me. I’m going to talk a bit more like Pierce Brosnan for a while as part of the job seeking strategy so bear with me if I bump into you in Waitrose.

How can I help?

Some news on the job front. It looks like I’ve landed a customer services role at a council for the next three months (ink not quite dry). I’m not sure what the sensitivities are so I won’t expand on it for now. However, for those looking, I went to a job fair on Wednesday at a Job Centre Plus and had a good chat with the Royal Mail rep. It looks like there’s quite a bit of work going for delivery drivers including a bit of postie work so if you’re looking, consider it.

What a few months it’s been – the serious bit

Now that I’ll be starting work again, I’ve been reflecting on my emotional journey since I found out I was leaving my last job and here are my thoughts. I had five weeks’ notice to the end of my contract. That was five weeks where I had to deliver in the current role alongside pondering/worrying what will happen when I finish. However, when I finished, all the pressure of delivering in the role was lifted and I just had the one focus, finding a new job. I was walking around with half the weight on my shoulders gone. From that point I also had autonomy over my days, and although I had a job to do to find that next opportunity, I was my own boss. It remained vital to performance manage myself, but sod it, if it was 2.30 in the afternoon and 25 degrees outside, I also owed it to myself to go down to the local lido and make the most of it. I could then work that little bit later into the evening. I need to be employed and I know that, but I will leave this phase grateful for the chance to be ‘me’ a bit more. ‘However, as Dolly Parton sang, ‘Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living’. So onwards and upwards. (I know it’s been a hundred years since someone said that).

Setting a president

I didn’t want it to be overly obvious that I am Irish, but I think it was given away with the whole filim thing. Anyway, Ireland chooses a new president this week. The voter turnout will be interesting (In fact everything about proceedings will be interesting) and I am curious as to who wins. With two female candidates the forerunners, the likelihood is that the winner will be female. Our current President, Michael D Higgins (Google him now) will be a hard act to follow for a number of reasons, but whoever wins I wish them well.

Do Good Well

I had a tremendous response to the Big Issue picture I posted, so carrying on that vibe. The vendor I bought from didn’t want to be photographed which is fine but perhaps I should have asked before I suggested we did a video of the two of us singing ‘I’ve Got You Babe’. That would have been classic.

It’s Black History Month and if I was still working part of my day would have been promoting this so as we’re approaching the last week of the month I want to give it a quick plug.

Feedback and thanks

Next week’s post is likely to focus on the fact that the clocks have gone back an hour. Even though I know it’s coming, I won’t be able to believe it’s happening. However, if among the confusion you get a minute, do let me know your thoughts on the blog. You can contact me about this or anything at adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 3

Having the time of your life

Sorry I’m a bit late with this week’s blog. I had family (brother, sister and brother’s girlfriend) staying which took away some computer time; but I’m back online now reflecting on a great couple of days hanging out with them locally and in London. We went to see ABBA Voyage, and I don’t want to give too much away about the show, but our collective scores out of ten totalled 42 out of 50. We congratulated ourselves on the maths with that one. We made a day of it and took in the cable car over the Thames, walked around Canary Wharf and had lunch at The O2 Arena. It was quality time and helped me to further heal from them hogging the remote control when we were 12.

Sign on you crazy diamond

I had a call with my JSA (Job Seekers’ Allowance) buddy this week and it was ok but we’ve established that there’s little point in taking a couple of days work here and there because it throws everything out of sync, doesn’t really bring any extra cash to support me and the family and takes me away from finding that substantive role. I have a real desire to show willing though so it’s a bit frustrating. I’ll put last week’s two days in Watford down to experience and look with optimism around the corner. A good colleague was in touch and said, ‘”You just have to keep going,” and I will.

Ultra no more – release the date

Please note that I will now not be taking part in the Ultra Comedy event on 30 November. It sold out before I sold my quota of tickets and they have firm rules on that. I am disappointed but I’m planning to find an open mic slot elsewhere, so I’ll let you know the details when I have them. If it’s anything like last time I’ll be on at drinking up time when they’re trying to get everyone out, so don’t come early.

I know your name, but your face escapes me

I’m very good at remembering faces but don’t have a very memorable face myself so I often strike panic into people who haven’t seen me for a while when I come up and say hello. On my way back from Ultra Comedy training last week, I bumped into Kieron and Sue Concannon, parents of Luke who is the singer with folk/hip-hop/alternative duo Nizlopi. I’ve met Kieron several times at various gigs, but it’s been a while. After a few bars of me rattling through our lives together, it finally clicked and we had a good catch-up about how Luke and Nizlopi are doing. I’ve included some links above I hope you’ll check out their websites, their music and perhaps consider buying Nizolpi’s first album which has just been released on vinyl. Both Luke as a solo artiste and Nizlopi as a group have an amazing catalogue so do check them out. They did two triumphant gigs at The Water Rats last Sunday but alas, I couldn’t make them. However they are returning to London to play The Moth Club on 30 November.

I’ll go 50/50

I went to the first of what will be a couple of years of 50ths for me and all our school/university friends. It was a top night/occasion in a club in Brixton, and we met many people we hadn’t seen for ages. Some had read last week’s blog so there was a general disappointment that we are now all too old to donate poo for medical purposes. We’re all now seeking alternative side hustles. If being there taught me anything it was that I wasted an opportunity to get people together by not having a 40^th. I will remedy that next year when I turn 50 myself. It is very surreal to type that.

Do Good Well

I’ve not done anything for a good cause this week and to atone for walking past several Big Issue sellers without buying a copy, that’s my plea for this section. I shall buy the next one I come across. If you send me a picture of you and your big issue I’ll include it in next week’s post.

Three is a magic number

I’ve got to three blogs now. Whether I have 3 or 300 views I’ll carry on regardless. And this is a safe space. I’d love to hear your thoughts on anything be it about the blog or otherwise. It will all be taken in good spirits. Until next Friday, have a good week.

Adrian

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

07974669338

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Giving blood | Working at The Card Factory | Banter with Ryan Tubridy | Banned from WhatsApp

Welcome to my first post.

I’m conscious if you’re reading this you could be my future boss or my parents so the content is drafted accordingly. The editor’s cut will be available privately one month after the successful completion of the probationary period of my next job.

I’m Adrian, 49 living in North Hertfordshire and currently job seeking. This weekly blog will simply hold a mirror up to how my last seven days have been. So if it’s not for you, scroll on, but hopefully something will resonate and you’ll stick around. Part of it will be about the highs and lows of job applications but it will be more general than that, so I hope you enjoy it.

Gizza job

The job hunt is going well, but the job kills not so much. I had a first interview for a comms role at a high profile organisation last Friday but didn’t advance beyond that stage. I also didn’t progress beyond application for two other roles I thought I was a strong match for so hearing those outcomes brought low points. But you lose a match on a Wednesday, there’s another one on Saturday to be ready for so you can’t afford to dwell too much. And indeed, this blog is being written between applications.

I’m at a stage financially where I need to keep an open mind. Substantially I’m a senior communications and engagement manager mainly within the NHS but my last application was for seasonal work at The Card Factory. And since I hit ‘submit’ all I can think about is how excited I am by the prospect of inflating helium balloons. I’ve also applied for driving jobs, which should go fine as long as I never need to parallel park or reverse into any kind of space.

Happy Birthday to me

But despite the knock backs, it’s been a good week. I had my 49^th birthday on Monday and treated myself to a trip to the cinema to see One Battle After Another starring Leonardo di Caprio, which was very good. This completed a trio of good movies for me following Stephen King’s The Long Walk and I Swear, about Tourette’s sufferer and campaigner John Davidson. The high of the week came when my review of I Swear featured in The Irish Post. It’s about 20 years since my last film review so it’s great to be a published writer again, especially in a national newspaper.

Welcome to The Ryan Tubridy Show

My love of film led me to an unusual place on Tuesday when I found myself disagreeing with Ryan Tubridy’s appraisal of The Long Walk. He didn’t like it and I did, so I contacted his Virgin Radio show. In fairness to him, he read out my message, took my view seriously and was glad listeners could hear both sides before making a decision about seeing it. However, at the time of writing it’s Friday afternoon and he’s just doubled down on his disdain for the film, so without a voice, he wins those airwaves. I say go and see it.

Why oh Why WhatsApp?

I’m very risk averse when it comes to posting on apps which is why I sit here completely baffled that I have been banned from WhatsApp for not following their terms of service. I have no idea what it relates to as they don’t tell you. The only thing I can think of is that there is a rule about being too boring. I’ll update next week how I get on with that.

I’m a stand-up guy

I’m taking the opportunity during this transition period (while I’m on the scratcher) to revisit things that used to motivate me, and I’ve put my name down for a charity stand-up comedy gig called Ultra-Comedy (you know the boxing equivalent) which will take place in November. I’ve no idea at this stage how it will go but there is training leading up to it. I have an obligation to sell tickets so as the weeks go on with this, perhaps you might come and see me and support a worthy cause.

Do good well

‘Things for good causes’ time and I gave blood on Tuesday. I was such a wuss, moaning internally about how discomforting it was. I felt the needle a bit more this time, but it wasn’t exactly childbirth. If you can donate, do, and talking about things needle-related if you are eligible for the flu, COVID-19 or any other vaccines this winter do go and have them. I will tirelessly campaign for that. Last for the do-gooder paragraph is a plug for Best Before cafes. Please raise awareness of these if you have one near you. They offer full bags of food for just £3, reducing so much wastage. It really is a good thing.

So that’s me off the mark. Blog 1 done. Look out for the next Adrian’s All next Friday, 10 October.

Back to the job hunt!