Back and determined

pmrozik

Hello All,

I realize that the Irish economy is struggling, but I have already booked a one-way ticket to Dublin and will be arriving on September 28. I have already started looking for employment as a Java programmer, but apart from the projects I've been working on and an exam I expect to pass in the near future I don't have any actual experience. I thought about interning somewhere prior to my departure if I get the chance or maybe I could join an open-source project.

Now here's my situation: I'm currently self-employed - I have a website, company, customers. Income is relatively stable and things have been improving income-wise this year. Unfortunately, due to some personal circumstances and the tax/social security burden here in Poland I have decided to leave. I need some breathing room and feel like my country is suffocating me as a self-employed individual. Not only that but there are some court-related issues as well that have been going on for almost four years.

I consider myself to be entrepreneurial but would like to return to a stable job for a bit. I will be taking some savings with me, but I'd certainly prefer to have a job.

I realize that I need to be realistic, but I also realize that even in difficult times out here I was able to find employment. I have also heard that many are leaving Ireland in search of employment elsewhere, but as I'd mentioned, I will be pushing very hard to get into IT, and programming in particular.

At the end of the day, some of my work has been over the Internet, and I could just as well do what I have been doing here in Poland over there. I would have no problem with paying taxes as from what I've seen they're far lower than out here and at least you don't have to pay Social Security when you have little or no income. Just to let you know, the Social Security payments here in Poland for self-employed individuals amount to ~230 EUR regardless of income. If you earn 0, you pay 230. If you earn 230, you pay 230. Oh, and if you issue an invoice and your customer doesn't pay, you're still required by law to pay the tax. Many companies have gone bankrupt because of the law.

I'd love to hear your opinions and suggestions and would love to make some new friends in and around the Dublin area. Oh, and if you or someone you know wants to rent a room to an amicable, clean and non-smoking 32 year old male - do let me know. I will be looking on Gumtree, but it would be nice to make some friends here.

Mrs OBumble

pmrozik wrote: »

and at least you don't have to pay Social Security when you have little or no income. Just to let you know, the Social Security payments here in Poland for self-employed individuals amount to ~230 EUR regardless of income. If you earn 0, you pay 230. If you earn 230, you pay 230.

I cannot help with the rest, but I have to correct you on this point:

The same applies here in Ireland, except that you don't have to pay if your income is less than a certain amount (I think it's €5000).

And in the last budget, they doubled the amount from roughly €250 to €500.

pmrozik

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I cannot help with the rest, but I have to correct you on this point:

The same applies here in Ireland, except that you don't have to pay if your income is less than a certain amount (I think it's €5000).

And in the last budget, they doubled the amount from roughly €250 to €500.

Thanks for your input. That is a very big difference. Imagine earning 500 EUR , which is typical here in Poland, and have the government take away almost half.

I don't want handouts, just the opportunity to earn a living and not feel like I'm being robbed all the time.

Oh, and I've found a place to stay for a while, in Galway by the way so I'll be coming your way.