Working holiday - running away from my problems?

LegacyUser

So the issue is that i'm 24 and unemployed with savings of close to 10k in the bank and I've been thinking of heading to Australia for a year (or two) on a working holiday. I'm just wondering though is it really a good idea?

See the way things are at home is not ideal. I've never lived out of my own home, my social life has stagnated to the point I only have 3 friends (2 of whom I'd only see about once every 2 months) and I've not been in a relationship since I was 21. So loneliness is a big problem for me. But i'm just wondering is it wise to run away from my problems like this? If I go off for a year or 2 fair enough I might have a great time but the same loneliness issues could hit me as soon as I come back.

Also, I'll feel as if i'm behind everyone else who's my age in life. All out building careers, getting married etc while I'll be away over the other side of the world with none of this in mind. On the one hand I feel like i'm at an ideal age to do something like this but on the other I feel like i'm running from my problems? And who's to say I won't be lonely in Australia? If anyone has some advice that would be nice.

HalloweenJack

Leaving4aBit wrote: »

Also, I'll feel as if i'm behind everyone else who's my age in life. All out building careers, getting married etc while I'll be away over the other side of the world with none of this in mind. On the one hand I feel like i'm at an ideal age to do something like this but on the other I feel like i'm running from my problems? And who's to say I won't be lonely in Australia? If anyone has some advice that would be nice.

I think this is the most important part. You have the opportunity to do it, you've nothing keeping you here, why not go for it?

Your situation back home isn't great. Sure it might not be great in Australia but it could turn out to be amazing. Also, you can always come back. You said yourself your life has stagnated here so why not try and do something about, especially when you can?

Faith

Speaking as someone who has emigrated, trust me, the easy option is staying put. Emigrating is the opposite of running away. It's saying 'I know I'm in a rut, I know things aren't likely to improve here, I'm going to take control of this situation and make it better'.

Just because you go to Australia doesn't mean you have to arse around on a beach for two years. You can go over there, get a job in your career field and carve out a real life for yourself. I'd absolutely recommend emigrating to anyone in your position. It's hard and it's scary but it's definitely worth it.

Defiler Of The Coffin

Don't think of it as running away from your problems. Why not just see it as an opportunity to meet new people and experience different cultures? A bit of distance and time away might be what you need. Don't worry about what life will be like after you get back, take it one step at a time, you're still very young!

Rubberchikken

If you see it as an opportunity to improve your social/work skills, meet new friends, see some of the world etc then it can only be a positive thing.

You're very young so have plenty of time to contemplate marriage/kids/settling down in the future, for now live a little.
Good luck with your decision

LegacyUser

It sounds like people think I should go. I'm just finding it hard to make that final decision. Being an only child I know my parents would miss me pretty badly although I suppose with technology these days it wouldn't be too difficult to keep in touch.

Mainly I feel sort of mad for thinking of doing it because I have a good chance of getting a new contract with my current employers after the contract for this one runs out in 2 weeks. I really don't like my job but hmm, the people are nice and I'd probably be doing a slightly different role.

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

HalloweenJack

Leaving4aBit wrote: »

Mainly I feel sort of mad for thinking of doing it because I have a good chance of getting a new contract with my current employers after the contract for this one runs out in 2 weeks. I really don't like my job but hmm, the people are nice and I'd probably be doing a slightly different role.

Just to clarify, in your first post you said you're unemployed but now you're saying you have a job. Which is it?

LegacyUser

HalloweenJack wrote: »

Just to clarify, in your first post you said you're unemployed but now you're saying you have a job. Which is it?

I'm practically unemployed, my current job finishes next week.

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

Feelgood

You are 24. Stop over thinking and get out and see the world.

You'll be that busy enjoying everything in Australia that you won't have time to think about being lonely and you'll make a bunch of new friends from all over the world. Life changing experience.

You can sit at home pondering the what ifs or you can bite the bullet and give it a shot. If things don't work out you can be back home in 20 hours. What is there to lose?

LegacyUser

Apologies for bringing up this slightly old thread. I keep having doubts over whether this is the right thing for me to do. I'm an only child, surely my parents will think i'm abandoning them after all the years they spent being good to me and raising me. I'm also completely clueless as to what career I actually want in my life. I'm wondering what I'll do if I get over there and am still lonely. I should probably just go and book the tickets but damn it's a hard decision.

R.D. aka MR.D

Why do you think your parents had you?

Was it to keep them entertained for the rest of their lives or to have you be a servant to them? Probably not!
I know very few parents who don't want the best for their children. I certainly don't think your parents would be happy to hear that you are holding yourself back because of them.

I think that if you've never lived out of home at your age, this will be a great experience for you. You need to push yourself. It's hard but what's the worst case scenario? Would it really be unbearable?

Ethel

I think what is key is reaseach and networking, to ensure you will feel confident and informed for your move. Choose where you're going wisely, and not because a country is the latest buzzword in emigrating. Regarding networking, you're on a great site for it. There's an Australia forum here ( which I can't link to :S), where others I'm sure will help.


You need to understand the cost of living, wage expectation, and how easy it will be to find work in your area of choice.

I've a sibling that moved to Canada and found boards to be invaluable for information, reading on experiences of others, and even meet ups were arranged for when they got there. It's a big period of adjustment, do reach out for support and educate yourself. And most importantly, take the leap and enjoy a fresh start. Lucky you!

Faith

Leaving4aBit wrote: »

Apologies for bringing up this slightly old thread. I keep having doubts over whether this is the right thing for me to do. I'm an only child, surely my parents will think i'm abandoning them after all the years they spent being good to me and raising me. I'm also completely clueless as to what career I actually want in my life. I'm wondering what I'll do if I get over there and am still lonely. I should probably just go and book the tickets but damn it's a hard decision.

It's sounding like you're just making excuses now

It's perfectly normal to be terrified! It's a huge deal, moving to a new country and starting a new chapter in your life. But firstly, your parents are NOT going to think you're abandoning them. You have to live your life for you, no one else. They'll be sad and they might not want you to go, of course, but you can't let them dictate the course of your life.

I'd say that being clueless about a career is a good thing. Emigrating gives you this amazing opportunity to apply for jobs in fields you never would have at home. If anyone asks why you've applied for a job in a field you have no experience of, you just tell that that you moved to X country to get experience in this field because it's not available to you in ireland. Immediately they'll be impressed at your dedication and drive.

If you move and you're lonely, just make friends! It's really not that hard. There's expat groups all over facebook, and websites like meetup.com make it miles easier too.

Aimeee

They might be delighted to see you heading off for an adventure.
Also can I just say the longer you leave it the older they are getting so it's easier to go now while they still fit and able (assuming they are not elderly ie need looking after).
Go; you won't regret.
Know plenty people in their 40s now with kids and mortgage who never travelled and some still regret not going when they had the chance.

loublue

I was in the same situation a few years back and got the chance to go travelling with a friend. My advice would be to go and on your own if you can. You'll meet more people if your travelling alone and you'll rarely get a spare moment to yourself as you'll meet loads of others in the same boat. My advice would be to GO you'll grow as a person and it will open your mind to new possibilities. I have friends who still want to go and have families now.

GreeBo

If you are going to do it then you need to commit to making changes.
it's just as easy to be arecluse in Australia.

Take it as afresh start, but do start making some changes otherwise there is no point.