Moving to to America on my own?

LegacyUser

Hey there,
A bit of background,
Late 20's professional, good job, good company, **** location.
For the last few months I have been just cruising - no real challenges, or interest in my job. No progression oppourtunities where I want to go (career wise).

Can't seem to get a job in or near my home town, but jobs everywhere else.
Good social network (at weekends), but thats getting a bit stale, every weekend is back to a small town. Friends all starting to get married and have families etc. Still have 1 or 2 single friends I head out with every weekend. But same pubs, same people in each pub in the same spots every weekend.
I am single, social network decreasing due to every one growing up.

Well I applied for a role in a small America city a few months back, got it. Super role, brilliant experience, would probably be a 2 year stint before getting back to Ireland. turned down the job offer, but it popped up again that the role is still vacant. I am now considering whether to apply again.


I have taken a bit of time to think about my career, and apart from the travel and social experience etc, thsi role would be perfect.

Now I would love to take it, improve my career, earn a lot more money, experience, travel etc.

But I just seem to be lacking the balls to just take the role.

What I would like to know is has anyone relocated solo? and how did they get on?

Can't sleep with this decision hanging over me. I feel I have got a second chance to make a potentially life changing decision again, which is rare. Any opinions or experoiences welcome.

Thanks

My question is I suppose has anyone relocated on the own

Beruthiel

Going Solo? wrote: »

But I just seem to be lacking the balls to just take the role.

It is normal to feel fear when outside your usual comfort zone.
However, when you do take that step it is exhilarating and character building. It gives you a confidence boost and strengthens your belief in yourself.

You clearly state that you are looking for a change and are unhappy in your currant situation.
You never regret the things you did, only the things you didn't, it's now or never!

LegacyUser

I relocated on my own to America (California) for a job for 2 years. That was 6 years ago. I was only 21 when I left Ireland, and I was young enough to be completely fearless about it, I didn't think twice when the opportunity arose. I booked into a hostel for the first two nights and immediately began seeking accommodation as this was not being arranged my by job. This was a huge struggle but I never panicked, and everything fell into place eventually. I was the only 'foreigner' working in my very large company and something of a novelty factor to begin with. The whole opportunity was the best decision I ever made in my life and I know I'll probably view those two years as the happiest of my life for a long time to come.

It is important though to be willing to immerse in your new American life. I encountered other Irish people since returning to Ireland who took up similar opportunities in the U.S. and absolutely hated their experience. I'm quite an outgoing person, but the people who didn't enjoy working/living in America were very shy, quiet people who viewed the over-friendly American cashiers and some of the OTT patriotism you encounter in small towns in a very negative light.
I think it's important to keep an open mind (we all respect Asian and African cultural differences but a lot of us fail to accept there are also American differences), and try to get along with people as best as you can.

I have made friends for life through my job, people I have visited multiple times since, and I would have happily stayed on permanently working in America but that opportunity just wasn't possible. I attended my company's team building exercises and pot luck days and got to know my co-workers. They mentioned to me that I was the exception, that a lot of previous European visitors had kept to themselves and not got to know anyone. The Americans I worked with had viewed this probable quietness/shyness as being a little snobby and stuck up, that the person was too good to socialise with the Americans.
I think how much you're willing to immerse and accept the American way of life makes the difference to your entire experience.

Americans were so friendly and outgoing that I never felt alone. I had an immediate social circle; the first week I was invited to a block party by one of my co-workers who was surprised to hear I had moved to the U.S alone.
I was included in everything and had a very hectic social life throughout my stay.

I think it would be madness to pass up this opportunity. If it doesn't work out for you, you could always quit and come home. A big factor here is what part of the country the position is in.
I since did shorter stints in other parts of the U.S. including Texas and other middle America states, and the experience long-term could be a little different to my wonderful time in California.

LegacyUser

I moved to the states by myself 10 years ago, I'd just turned 21 and I was there for 5 years and loved every second of it. Found some of the paperwork at the start a pain [I moved right after 9/11 so all the forums were being changed like every 5 mins for a period very annoying but it's calmed down alot now] but once actually over there it was great. Never had any issues going over by myself and I made tones of friends that I go back to see at least once a year.

curlzy

Hey OP,

Look at it logically, you're not happy where you are and you now have an oppurtunity to change your entire life and have an adventure . Personally I think you'd be mad to let the fear stop you. Just do it one step at a time rather than looking at everything as it may get overwhelming, step one= apply for it again. So yeah, go for it is my advice.

Best of luck.

gud4u

curlzy wrote: »

Hey OP,

Look at it logically, you're not happy where you are and you now have an oppurtunity to change your entire life and have an adventure . Personally I think you'd be mad to let the fear stop you. Just do it one step at a time rather than looking at everything as it may get overwhelming, step one= apply for it again. So yeah, go for it is my advice.

Best of luck.

At least try, you can come back if it doesn't work out, but you'll have tried and that's the main thing.

With all the ways to keep in touch now you'll be grand, you even need an American Wake:D

LostinKildare

Excellent advice here.

I encourage you to go, too. You should go now while you're young. I went by myself to Europe and lived in Germany for a while when I was 22, then went home (I'm American). 10 years later I married an Irishman, and moved here with him when I was 36. It's harder to do when you're 36 than when you're 22. For me, it's more of a wrench to move as I get older. Now I've been in Ireland 10 years and I hope I am here to stay.

If you want to say -- what area would you be going to? Maybe we could give some advice that would make you feel more comfortable about the destination.

LegacyUser

Thanks for all the replies. I just really need to grow a pair and go!
Its not exactly San Diego, quite the opposite in fact! but it should still be a fantastic experience.

I will try and have the courage to make the decision in the morning.
As ye said, I can always throw the towel in and come home. There is no shortage of jobs in Dublin.

Its not like #i have any mortgage or family depending on me.