Emigrating for the wrong reasons?

LegacyUser

I've got a bit of a problem on my hands at the minute in that I'm thinking of moving abroad but i'm not sure if it's for the right reasons. I recently graduated from college and thus far haven't been able to find a job here, but being honest this is not the main reason I want to leave. Mainly I would like to leave because I just don't like my situation in Ireland anymore. By this I mean the town I live in, the small amount of friends I have (3) & pretty much just a sense of being fed up & depressed a lot because of the amount of years I've wasted not making more friends and being more sociable. I don't see that changing in Ireland.

I've been thinking of moving to the UK for a couple of years, or even Asia to teach English but is this not just running away from my issues? I'll always consider myself Irish and don't think I would never leave permanently, mainly because of my family. They've always been very supportive when I've had anxiety issues and periods of depression. I grew up in a working class background and my parents have always had f*ck all money so I'd kinda feel guilty in a way if I just upped and left after all the years they've been good to me.

I'm not sure what sorta advice i'm looking for but there's just so many contrasting thoughts in my head. A fresh start sounds great in a new country, but I don't wanna not give something back to my parents (I'd planned on helping them out financially if I got a job over here). I'm also an only child and I know that it would hurt my parents extra badly in that sense if they only seen me once or twice a year. Any insight from people who've moved abroad or have thought about it is appreciated.

wallycharlo

I would say go for it, if it goes pear shaped in any way you can always return home again. That was my own attitude when I chose to leave, and I've never looked back.

Even if you just end spending a relatively short time away from home you may well be suprised on the change of perspective which it will bring. I can only see it as being a good thing to be honest.

boomchicawawa

There's a few things going on here, you're in a rut for one and you think a change of scene will sort this out. That might not happen, if you've just be unfortunate with friends, opportunities, etc then a change of scene may improve your situation. But if you have been holding yourself back, visions of a new life and success are only a pipe dream if you don't change. Perhaps going away will force you to reach out to others and take you out of your comfort zone, but it will really be up to you. Don't stay here out of loyalty to your parents, yes they will miss you, but if you're miserable here and maybe happy abroad, I'm sure they would want you to be happy. Life is for living, enough people die with too much regret. Go, but go with a positive attitude and maybe have a plan to return some day. Good luck !

Santa Cruz

Why not try and get a position in the UK? It's a short journey home, it would be easy for your parents to visit. I'm sure your parents don't wan't to see you waste an education. With a few years experience you would be in a better position to apply for anything that might come up here. I have no doubt that your parents would love to see you progressing. Just make sure that you keep up the communication, maybe show them how to Skype etc.

strandroad

I think that what you're thinking of doing is not emigration as such, but rather "travelling + work". That's a great thing to do in one's life... but you'll still be able to come back with new perspectives and experiences. If you go to UK or Europe you're just a Ryanair flight away from your parents.