Why or how did you decide to emigrate?

LegacyUser

I have been toying with the idea of moving back to the Netherlands for many many years. I lived there until my 15th and truly loved it. Both myself and my girlfriend are thinking of making a move, however, there are a number of pros and cons associated with the move. How do you make the final decision?

Pros
- We love the Netherlands: people, biking, architecture, food snacks, transport links, how clean it is.
- Similar cost of living if not slightly less to Ireland (Dublin) where we live.
- Our cash deposit for a house in Ireland goes a longer way in the Netherlands, our mortgage would be small or could be repaid much quicker. One of us could probably work part time and mind future kids.
- Houses in Ireland are significantly overpriced at the moment. I believe there is a similar problem emerging in Holland but it's still good value for us.
- We are both professionals (finance + architecture) with good work experience in Ireland. Our skills are reasonably transferable to the Dutch market.
- I am fluent (although rusty) in Dutch.
- We have some friends and family (uncle and aunt) already there.
- Dutch people value work life balance more than Irish.

Cons
- There is a risk career wise that we might be taking a step back as we are both well established professionally (permanent jobs) in Ireland.
- Have good salaries in Ireland with perks such as: pensions, health, life insurance.
- Having to re-establish yourself again socially and professionally.
- My girlfriend does not speak Dutch (but is willing to learn). English is widely spoken.
- We are both 35 and are hoping to start a family in 2-3 years. We won't be able to start as easily as in Ireland (maternity, paternity leave etc.).
- Close family living in Ireland and Poland. With Ryanair it's not so much of a con, however, long distance babysitting might be an issue.

In general, our life in Ireland is good. We've come to the point in our lives where we are deciding/looking to buy a house and settle down in Ireland. I suppose there is a certain "fear" in the back of my mind that the opportunity of returning to Holland is no longer an option once we settle here in Ireland.

There are many other questions and I'm curious to hear how others made the decision to pack your bags, move to Holland and not look back?

Ursus Horribilis

Have you tried asking in the Living Abroad forum here on boards? https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=213 You'll have a better chance of getting answers from people who've made that leap.

wiggle16

Agreed. Thread moved - new charter applies

Thanks Ursus. I'd no idea this forum existed.

Tell me how

ToMoveOrNot wrote:

There are many other questions and I'm curious to hear how others made the decision to pack your bags, move to Holland and not look back?

OP, sorry to not have any actual concrete advice but I am in a similar position.
Am currently debating moving to the US for a year, or somewhere in Europe or UK for longer period.

Find for every question I ask and answer myself about making the decision, I get 3 more "What ifs" that make it complicated.

What I might suggest is that you don't think about it being a permanent move wrt to house buying etc. Just say that you are trying it for 6 months to a year and that you'll then review and consider longer term.

This approach might make it less of an all or nothing gamble.

noveltea

I moved to Canada four years ago with my husband. I am in my 30s. What made it easier to move was that we both got career breaks from our jobs in Ireland and if Canada did not work out for us, we always had the job to come back too. Maybe check does your job offer that.

One of the cons as you pointed out is having to re-establish yourself with work and social life. I found I had to work at a lower level than what I was in order to get a job initially and you really do have to throw yourself out there to make friends. You really have to make local friends too as Irish will leave.

One thing I find,the longer you are away the harder it is to move home, as it's like establishing yourself at home again.

Not sure does that really answer your question but it's what I found hard initially.

Brian?

I moved to the Netherlands about 5 weeks ago. I moved because I was offered a better job. My wife gave up work to support this and be a stay at home mother, which she’s delighted with as the kids are still young.

Big pro for the Netherlands for me is the 30% ruling for income tax. I’m a skilled immigrant, working in technology. Do you qualify for that?

The cost of living seems to be about equal with Ireland for most things. Cars are more expensive, but property and beer are cheaper. I’m in Eindhoven and he city is unbelievably well organized.

NSAman

Why? Better opportunity. Openness of ideas compared with the closed thinking in Ireland. The chance to progress more quickly. The thoughts of change in life and the ability to adapt and try something new.

How? Got a job, threw caution to the wind.

Results: Better lifestyle and a complete group of new great friends. A job I love.

I am lucky and admit it. For the first year or two it was hard. Misssing everyone at home. However, coming home was less of an arduous question once you realize that nothing changes here. People do not tend to do much out of the ordinary anywhere. Yes, people get married (that is what planes are for) and have babies. The hardest time and something that really was and still is difficult is parents. When a parent dies it is damned awful. Worrying about parent(s) especially as they get older for me is the hard part. The phone helps but is no substitute for a hug or being there.

You HAVE to become part of a new community. You HAVE to make new friends and put yourself out there, not just with the local Irish people but with the community in general.

It is not to be taken lightly and is not for everyone. Becoming accustomed to new norms and a new society where things change dramatically is not easy. You will either love it or hate it.

Then there is the ‘return’ issue. To come back or not. Personally, I have already made plans to return in another 5-10 years. I still retain my friends in Ireland. I have introduced my friends here to Ireland.

My advice: if you feel it is for you try it. You only live once. You will always wonder what if.. if you don’t try it.

airportgirl83

Brian? wrote: »

I moved to the Netherlands about 5 weeks ago. I moved because I was offered a better job. My wife gave up work to support this and be a stay at home mother, which she’s delighted with as the kids are still young.

Big pro for the Netherlands for me is the 30% ruling for income tax. I’m a skilled immigrant, working in technology. Do you qualify for that?

The cost of living seems to be about equal with Ireland for most things. Cars are more expensive, but property and beer are cheaper. I’m in Eindhoven and he city is unbelievably well organized.

How do you find living in the Netherlands?

airportgirl83

NSAman wrote: »

Why? Better opportunity. Openness of ideas compared with the closed thinking in Ireland. The chance to progress more quickly. The thoughts of change in life and the ability to adapt and try something new.

How? Got a job, threw caution to the wind.

Results: Better lifestyle and a complete group of new great friends. A job I love.

I am lucky and admit it. For the first year or two it was hard. Misssing everyone at home. However, coming home was less of an arduous question once you realize that nothing changes here. People do not tend to do much out of the ordinary anywhere. Yes, people get married (that is what planes are for) and have babies. The hardest time and something that really was and still is difficult is parents. When a parent dies it is damned awful. Worrying about parent(s) especially as they get older for me is the hard part. The phone helps but is no substitute for a hug or being there.

You HAVE to become part of a new community. You HAVE to make new friends and put yourself out there, not just with the local Irish people but with the community in general.

It is not to be taken lightly and is not for everyone. Becoming accustomed to new norms and a new society where things change dramatically is not easy. You will either love it or hate it.

Then there is the ‘return’ issue. To come back or not. Personally, I have already made plans to return in another 5-10 years. I still retain my friends in Ireland. I have introduced my friends here to Ireland.

My advice: if you feel it is for you try it. You only live once. You will always wonder what if.. if you don’t try it.

Where did you move if I may ask?

Brian?

airportgirl83 wrote: »

How do you find living in the Netherlands?

Great so far. Are you thinking of moving here? I can be more specific, but I don’t regret the move at all so far.

airportgirl83

Brian? wrote: »

Great so far. Are you thinking of moving here? I can be more specific, but I don’t regret the move at all so far.

I'm the OP girlfriend. If we move, we would move to Rotterdam where my BF is originally from.

We've been to the Netherlands many times and I can actually see ourselves living there.

I think that the only thing that stops us is my job. I've been working for my employer for over 10 years, it's a great place with good salary and benefits. Even though I haven't been enjoying my work too much recently, it is hard to let go of that...security. I also know how hard it can be establishing yourself in the new country, I came to Ireland myself almost 12 years ago.

Brian?

airportgirl83 wrote: »

I'm the OP girlfriend. If we move, we would move to Rotterdam where my BF is originally from.

We've been to the Netherlands many times and I can actually see ourselves living there.

I think that the only thing that stops us is my job. I've been working for my employer for over 10 years, it's a great place with good salary and benefits. Even though I haven't been enjoying my work too much recently, it is hard to let go of that...security. I also know how hard it can be establishing yourself in the new country, I came to Ireland myself almost 12 years ago.

Ah ok. Are you searching for jobs in the Netherlands? I wouldn’t move before I got one, or at least one of you does.

I left a company with unreal benefits after 18 years. I know exactly how you feel.

airportgirl83

Brian? wrote: »

Ah ok. Are you searching for jobs in the Netherlands? I wouldn’t move before I got one, or at least one of you does.

I left a company with unreal benefits after 18 years. I know exactly how you feel.

Oh wow! Was it a difficult decision to make?

My BF is searching and it looks like he should be ok as there are many architectural firms looking for people specialising in what he does He's fluent in English and Dutch which also helps a lot.

I had a look myself and until I learn Dutch, it looks like I'll have to stick to multinational companies that speak English and recognise ACCA qualification (if I want to stick to finance jobs).

It's really a decision time for us as we found our perfect house the other day - it ticks almost all our boxes and we are still not sure if that's what we want.

My heart tells me that maybe we should wait with buying a house in Ireland (there will always be another house) and explore moving to Holland properly by contacting recruitment agencies and finding out about our options.

NSAman

airportgirl83 wrote: »

Where did you move if I may ask?

The middle of nowhere USA... and I love it! You seem much younger than I, This is my third time to move abroad in my life. I did Europe before and Africa.

Needless to say, one thing it does do if it is for you... those damned itchy feet never stop itching...

Brian?

airportgirl83 wrote: »

Oh wow! Was it a difficult decision to make?

My BF is searching and it looks like he should be ok as there are many architectural firms looking for people specialising in what he does He's fluent in English and Dutch which also helps a lot.

I had a look myself and until I learn Dutch, it looks like I'll have to stick to multinational companies that speak English and recognise ACCA qualification (if I want to stick to finance jobs).

It's really a decision time for us as we found our perfect house the other day - it ticks almost all our boxes and we are still not sure if that's what we want.

My heart tells me that maybe we should wait with buying a house in Ireland (there will always be another house) and explore moving to Holland properly by contacting recruitment agencies and finding out about our options.

That’s a tough one. Mine was s very hard decision, but I’m glad I did it.

If you do decide to move. I definitely recommend Eindhoven.

engiweirdo

Is learning Dutch an absolute must? I'm contacted about twice a week offering work in various parts of the Netherlands. Decent salaries and even often accommodation included. Fearful of it though as we have a daughter with dyspraxia who would really struggle with Dutch and couldn't afford international schools. At the same time am only hitting dead ends looking for work in Ireland and absolutely priced out of moving to Dublin/Cork.

Brian?

engiweirdo wrote: »

Is learning Dutch an absolute must? I'm contacted about twice a week offering work in various parts of the Netherlands. Decent salaries and even often accommodation included. Fearful of it though as we have a daughter with dysplasia who would really struggle with Dutch and couldn't afford international schools. At the same time am only hitting dead ends looking for work in Ireland and absolutely priced out of moving to Dublin/Cork.

There are schools that teach in English with the idea of integrating kids into Dutch schools slowly. I know people here 8-10 years who can’t speak Dutch. Everyone speaks English

airportgirl83

engiweirdo wrote: »

Is learning Dutch an absolute must? I'm contacted about twice a week offering work in various parts of the Netherlands. Decent salaries and even often accommodation included. Fearful of it though as we have a daughter with dysplasia who would really struggle with Dutch and couldn't afford international schools. At the same time am only hitting dead ends looking for work in Ireland and absolutely priced out of moving to Dublin/Cork.

Based on my experience and what my BF tells me everyone speaks very good English, however, they would often switch to Dutch as soon as they can.

I would like to learn Dutch to properly integrate, understand culture and people.

Also, some jobs require fluency in Dutch, depends on the profession I guess.

NSAman

airportgirl83 wrote: »

Bases on my experience and what my BF tells me everyone speaks very good English, however, they would often switch to Dutch as soon as they can.

I would like to learn Dutch to properly integrate, understand culture and people.

Also, some jobs require fluency in Dutch, depends on the profession I guess.

Learning the language is key to any move. I will say, if you are surrounded by a language it is much easier to learn. Not to mention the benefits later, language skills..;)

Like you I was ACCA (amongst other qualifications). You know yourself not only are you able to read and prepare accounts, that also allows you into other areas if you so wish. Best qualification I ever gained, I was an accountant in Ireland, currently i work in a multinational role of management/company development.

wexie

airportgirl83 wrote: »

I would like to learn Dutch to properly integrate, understand culture and people.

Grammatically it's not an overly complicated language, the pronunciation could be a bit hard as there are several sounds and letter combinations that don't really exist in English.

One of my friends picked up an awful lot from watching the Simpsons in Holland. There's a lot of TV that is either American or English with Dutch subtitles which helps with the learning.

The one thing I always hear though (from my wife) is that it's really hard to practice there as all Dutch people love showing off their English so as soon as they catch a whif of an accent they'll start speaking English

Brian?

wexie wrote: »

Grammatically it's not an overly complicated language, the pronunciation could be a bit hard as there are several sounds and letter combinations that don't really exist in English.

One of my friends picked up an awful lot from watching the Simpsons in Holland. There's a lot of TV that is either American or English with Dutch subtitles which helps with the learning.

The one thing I always hear though (from my wife) is that it's really hard to practice there as all Dutch people love showing off their English so as soon as they catch a whif of an accent they'll start speaking English

Yep. I had a load of stock phrases learned when I arrived. Mainly from duolingo. I butchered them so badly, everyone immediately spoke English. Now I don’t bother.

I’m owed Dutch lessons by the company though, so I’ll do those and see how I get on.

airportgirl83

NSAman wrote: »

Learning the language is key to any move. I will say, if you are surrounded by a language it is much easier to learn. Not to mention the benefits later, language skills..;)

Like you I was ACCA (amongst other qualifications). You know yourself not only are you able to read and prepare accounts, that also allows you into other areas if you so wish. Best qualification I ever gained, I was an accountant in Ireland, currently i work in a multinational role of management/company development.

Thank you for your comment. It made me realise that the reason why I decided to do ACCA was so that I can work almost anywhere in the world. Needed someone to remind me of that

airportgirl83

wexie wrote: »

Grammatically it's not an overly complicated language, the pronunciation could be a bit hard as there are several sounds and letter combinations that don't really exist in English.

One of my friends picked up an awful lot from watching the Simpsons in Holland. There's a lot of TV that is either American or English with Dutch subtitles which helps with the learning.

The one thing I always hear though (from my wife) is that it's really hard to practice there as all Dutch people love showing off their English so as soon as they catch a whif of an accent they'll start speaking English

I was told that once I master how to pronunce 'Scheveningen' we're moving! Getting there slowly :P

wexie

airportgirl83 wrote: »

I was told that once I master how to pronunce 'Scheveningen' we're moving! Getting there slowly :P

That one's easy!!

Try angstschreeuw or herfststukje

(Neither are words you're likely to need often thankfully)

irishman86

Brian? wrote: »

There are schools that teach in English with the idea of integrating kids into Dutch schools slowly. I know people here 8-10 years who can’t speak Dutch. Everyone speaks English

Its the exact same for me here in Argentina.
I asked why everyone speaks english and ive been told its surprising for someone under 35 not to

rosmoke

Moved to Dublin from Bucharest with wife 6 years ago. I had a startup there and was doing alright, was invited here by family, and gave it a shot. Now almost finished a 4 years IT degree. Good money, but detest every day spent here and can't wait to move somewhere else.

I've a friend who moved here in Jan for 84k, a month ago signed for 125k here and next Saturday he moves to Switzerland for 10.800E a month after tax, and rented an apartment with 1000e a month with a pool in the complex...

I wouldn't even move for the money at this point, I'd move for weather, easy access to other countries, better houses, better transport infrastructure, more outdoor activities.

NSAman

rosmoke wrote: »

Moved to Dublin from Bucharest with wife 6 years ago. I had a startup there and was doing alright, was invited here by family, and gave it a shot. Now almost finished a 4 years IT degree. Good money, but detest every day spent here and can't wait to move somewhere else.

I've a friend who moved here in Jan for 84k, a month ago signed for 125k here and next Saturday he moves to Switzerland for 10.800E a month after tax, and rented an apartment with 1000e a month with a pool in the complex...

I wouldn't even move for the money at this point, I'd move for weather, easy access to other countries, better houses, better transport infrastructure, more outdoor activities.

The poor sod, having to live with the Swiss...;)

Each to their own my friend. As I said before, not every country is suitable for every person. I have been in countries that I absolutely hated and been dirt poor (paywise) in countries that I loved... I ain’t all about money

airportgirl83

rosmoke wrote: »

Moved to Dublin from Bucharest with wife 6 years ago. I had a startup there and was doing alright, was invited here by family, and gave it a shot. Now almost finished a 4 years IT degree. Good money, but detest every day spent here and can't wait to move somewhere else.

I've a friend who moved here in Jan for 84k, a month ago signed for 125k here and next Saturday he moves to Switzerland for 10.800E a month after tax, and rented an apartment with 1000e a month with a pool in the complex...

I wouldn't even move for the money at this point, I'd move for weather, easy access to other countries, better houses, better transport infrastructure, more outdoor activities.

We know we might be paid less in Holland tbh as we are on very good salaries at the moment. It doesn't bother us as in return we would be getting a lifestyle that we want. It's definitely not all about money

Brian?

airportgirl83 wrote: »

We know we might be paid less in Holland tbh as we are on very good salaries at the moment. It doesn't bother us as in return we would be getting a lifestyle that we want. It's definitely not all about money

Did you check out if you qualify for the 30% rule? That makes a huge difference.

Danzy

The hoods in Fianna Fáil decided for me.

Danzy

airportgirl83 wrote: »

Oh wow! Was it a difficult decision to make?

My BF is searching and it looks like he should be ok as there are many architectural firms looking for people specialising in what he does He's fluent in English and Dutch which also helps a lot.

I had a look myself and until I learn Dutch, it looks like I'll have to stick to multinational companies that speak English and recognise ACCA qualification (if I want to stick to finance jobs).

It's really a decision time for us as we found our perfect house the other day - it ticks almost all our boxes and we are still not sure if that's what we want.

My heart tells me that maybe we should wait with buying a house in Ireland (there will always be another house) and explore moving to Holland properly by contacting recruitment agencies and finding out about our options.

If you can look at the Un and patents office, always eager for people and insane wages.

Tuesday_Girl

While the vast majority of people will speak English very well, it's well worth while learning Dutch and being able to fully integrate into society. It's not the easiest of languages but I started classes the week I arrived and I could hold a conversation within six months and was fluent within two years. It makes life much better when you can chat to your neighbours, easily make Dutch friends, go to Dutch theatre and filmes, etc. 
I lived there for 17 years and while I'm happily living back in Ireland now I loved it there and still go back regularly to see friends. I was lucky to avail of the 35% ruling for ten years, think it's 30% now for five years. Buying and renting are cheaper then Ireland, particularly outside of Amsterdam, and general cost of living is also quite comparable or in some cases cheaper.  Infrastructure, public transport and other services are excellent compared to Ireland and of course you have all of Europe on your doorstep. I'd advise anyone considering it to just do it. I moved over for a one year contract and it took me 17 years to leave..

Tuesday_Girl

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/irish-emigrants-mental-health-i-lost-my-charisma-my-social-skills-my-confidence-1.3657102

airportgirl83

Tuesday_Girl wrote: »

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/irish-emigrants-mental-health-i-lost-my-charisma-my-social-skills-my-confidence-1.3657102

Intresting read. Mathew from the article was his own problem but also his own solution if that makes sense.

It takes few years to get used to the new life for sure. It took me 4-5 years to get used to my life in Ireland. Things get better with time.

nozzferrahhtoo

ToMoveOrNot wrote: »

I have been toying with the idea of moving back to the Netherlands for many many years. I lived there until my 15th and truly loved it. Both myself and my girlfriend are thinking of making a move, however, there are a number of pros and cons associated with the move. How do you make the final decision?

Pros
- We love the Netherlands: people, biking, architecture, food snacks, transport links, how clean it is.
- Similar cost of living if not slightly less to Ireland (Dublin) where we live.
- Our cash deposit for a house in Ireland goes a longer way in the Netherlands, our mortgage would be small or could be repaid much quicker. One of us could probably work part time and mind future kids.
- Houses in Ireland are significantly overpriced at the moment. I believe there is a similar problem emerging in Holland but it's still good value for us.
- We are both professionals (finance + architecture) with good work experience in Ireland. Our skills are reasonably transferable to the Dutch market.
- I am fluent (although rusty) in Dutch.
- We have some friends and family (uncle and aunt) already there.
- Dutch people value work life balance more than Irish.

Cons
- There is a risk career wise that we might be taking a step back as we are both well established professionally (permanent jobs) in Ireland.
- Have good salaries in Ireland with perks such as: pensions, health, life insurance.
- Having to re-establish yourself again socially and professionally.
- My girlfriend does not speak Dutch (but is willing to learn). English is widely spoken.
- We are both 35 and are hoping to start a family in 2-3 years. We won't be able to start as easily as in Ireland (maternity, paternity leave etc.).
- Close family living in Ireland and Poland. With Ryanair it's not so much of a con, however, long distance babysitting might be an issue.

In general, our life in Ireland is good. We've come to the point in our lives where we are deciding/looking to buy a house and settle down in Ireland. I suppose there is a certain "fear" in the back of my mind that the opportunity of returning to Holland is no longer an option once we settle here in Ireland.

There are many other questions and I'm curious to hear how others made the decision to pack your bags, move to Holland and not look back?

I left a really good job in Dublin to move to Germany too. I similarly weighed up the pros and cons and there was enough of them in both directions for me to feel very torn. Then one day I was sitting in my really good job at about age 28ish and it hit me that I could see myself still sitting there in that really good job at 55. That made the decision for me. I did not want to wake up age 55 still in the same place thinking "Why did I never go do something else?". So I basically handed in the job notice the next day and I have been here in Germany ever since.

Most of the cons I had on my list never materialized either. And when they did they were much easier to over come than I expected. I am still not very integrated with the language here, as I live in a Bubble where German is not all that required and I have never had an aptitude for language either.

Some benefits I did not really think of at the time also materialized. My children age 8 and 4 are fully bi-lingual to mother tongue standard for their age. The older of my kids even more so as she is reading books in German in the 8-10 age range and some books in English I would put in the 12-14 reading bracket. She has just started learning English in school now officially but of course while other kids are struggling to make that new leap, she has it already under her belt so she immediately has an advantage over other kids and likely will continue to probably for 5 to 8 years.

What I did not forsee is how difficult it would be to move back to Ireland. For a few reasons I was tempted by this idea 12 to 18 months ago. I looked into it and my old boss even gave me a salary offer significantly higher than what I was on when I was childless back in Dublin. I was very close to considering it deeply until I did a price comparison and realized that rent/mortgages priced me out of even REMOTELY getting the same quality of life there at home as I have here in Germany. I could pull it together sure, but I shudder to think what area I would have to live in, or what major commute I would have to do, and what other compromises I would have to make just to reach the rental difference let alone everything else.

So I remain here and likely will continue to do so for a long time. Here in Germany Children get streamlined in schools really young. And if you do not get into the stream you want it CAN be challenging to move around. So if in about 18 months that goes awry and my daugther is not happy with what happens.... we will look at the UK and Ireland again. But if she gets what she wants, I can see us here until she is 16, 18, even 21.

One thing that would also make it emotionally very hard to move home is just how much everything WORKS here in Germany. And how well and how cheaply. I have 100s of examples of this but the most recent one that jumps to mind is that we were home and visiting Sligo in the Summer. And we went to the Bundoran water thing wtih the indoor wave machines and slides.

Firstly the price was more per PERSON than I would pay for a whole family here in Germany. There was damage to the slides so many of them were closed for the day. No discount for this. The staff were rude and short. The life guards were paranoid dictators running around screaming at kids they even thought MIGHT be about to do something wrong (my 141cm daugther was helping her little brother onto a TINY slide for kids under 135cm there for example and they ran over from three different directions screaming and blowing whistles to tell her not to get on the slide. Which she had no intention of anyway). I can not blame them 100% for this of course, its the crazy Irish insurance compo culture that has ruined it for everyone. There was bugger all food and drink facilities and were priced madly for what little there was.

While here in Germany we have an indoor city pool, which moves to outdoor in the summer. It is under 10 euro for my family of 4 to get in. You can stay 14 hours if you want. Lots of space, grass, playgrounds, table tennis, climbing frames and volleyball..... slides..... diving boards at varying heights.... a restaurant with cheap nice food, and much much more. No staff hasseling anyone. Discounts if anything is not working, sometimes even throwing the doors open and letting everyone in free.

Its a little thing, but 100s of little things like it add up to make me feel that living in a bigger European area like this is simply the best for me personally, and us as a family with kids, by far.

The lack of baby sitters we know well is indeed a sore point, as on your list, but we make do. Theres a few parents we trust enough, just not many.

Qrt

Of the people who moved to the Netherlands, did you cycle much?

I've been studying German for eight years now, but I'm always tempted to to jump ship and give the Netherlands a bash purely for the cycling infrastructure. That said some areas of Germany have phenomenal infrastructure too but not as widespread a culture.

Brian?

Qrt wrote: »

Of the people who moved to the Netherlands, did you cycle much?

I've been studying German for eight years now, but I'm always tempted to to jump ship and give the Netherlands a bash purely for the cycling infrastructure. That said some areas of Germany have phenomenal infrastructure too but not as widespread a culture.

The cycling infrastructure in Eindhoven is unreal. I doubt anywhere is better.

wexie

Brian? wrote: »

The cycling infrastructure in Eindhoven is unreal. I doubt anywhere is better.

Tilburg, it was a pilot city for making everywhere more cyclist friendly.
(although it's entirely possible it's been overtaken since, been a while since I've been in either on a bike)

(and unless I'm mistaken there are actual cycle paths between the 2, as there are between many cities)

Tuesday_Girl

Qrt wrote: »

Of the people who moved to the Netherlands, did you cycle much?

I've been studying German for eight years now, but I'm always tempted to to jump ship and give the Netherlands a bash purely for the cycling infrastructure. That said some areas of Germany have phenomenal infrastructure too but not as widespread a culture.

I cycled everywhere, never had a car over the 17 years I was there. I used public transport a bit but went to work, out for the night, to friend's places, to the shops, cinema, etc. everywhere by bike. It's the default mode of transport for most people and the cycline infrastructure is fantastic. 

First thing I had to buy when I moved back to Ireland was a car.....

Qrt

Tuesday_Girl wrote: »

I cycled everywhere, never had a car over the 17 years I was there. I used public transport a bit but went to work, out for the night, to friend's places, to the shops, cinema, etc. everywhere by bike. It's the default mode of transport for most people and the cycline infrastructure is fantastic. 

First thing I had to buy when I moved back to Ireland was a car.....

How depressing. While I do feel like Dublin will get there one day, it's a LONG way away.

Tuesday_Girl

Qrt wrote: »

Tuesday_Girl wrote: »

I cycled everywhere, never had a car over the 17 years I was there. I used public transport a bit but went to work, out for the night, to friend's places, to the shops, cinema, etc. everywhere by bike. It's the default mode of transport for most people and the cycline infrastructure is fantastic. 

First thing I had to buy when I moved back to Ireland was a car.....

How depressing. While I do feel like Dublin will get there one day, it's a LONG way away.

It is depressing, there are so many benefits to cycling over driving but not having a car in Ireland just isn't an option for me at this time (or probably not in my lifetime!).

freeze4real

I've tried getting a job in amsterdam for the past 1/2 months and its difficult. My area is in quant finance. How would you guys in Netherlands recommend getting a job?

zweton

freeze4real wrote: »

I've tried getting a job in amsterdam for the past 1/2 months and its difficult. My area is in quant finance. How would you guys in Netherlands recommend getting a job?

Presume your using linked in and indeed.nl ?

freeze4real

zweton wrote: »

Presume your using linked in and indeed.nl ?

Yea I'm using them both

Tuesday_Girl

Tuesday_Girl wrote: »

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/irish-emigrants-mental-health-i-lost-my-charisma-my-social-skills-my-confidence-1.3657102

funny, I saw that article the other day and think moving abroad (3 and half years now)had the exact opposite effect for me. I think i'm a more well rounded person now, have better social skills (not that I was not social at home by any means!) and just a lot and my confidence is far greater than back home.

Also, this could have something to do with the age I am, leaving at 27, now 30. Maybe all that was going to happen anyway.

Either way, I think moving was the best decision I ever made and have no plans to go back anytime soon. (Living in Toronto)

airportgirl83

[Deleted User] wrote: »

funny, I saw that article the other day and think moving abroad (3 and half years now)had the exact opposite effect for me. I think i'm a more well rounded person now, have better social skills (not that I was not social at home by any means!) and just a lot and my confidence is far greater than back home.

Also, this could have something to do with the age I am, leaving at 27, now 30. Maybe all that was going to happen anyway.

Either way, I think moving was the best decision I ever made and have no plans to go back anytime soon. (Living in Toronto)

What made you decide to move?

airportgirl83

airportgirl83 wrote: »

What made you decide to move?

Mainly just wanted the experience of trying to live in a different place for a while. Never imagined I would love it so much!

But I was fed up with Ireland at that time, just stale and the thought of spending the rest of my life there without at least trying something made me very depressed!

zweton

Deleted User wrote: »

funny, I saw that article the other day and think moving abroad (3 and half years now)had the exact opposite effect for me. I think i'm a more well rounded person now, have better social skills (not that I was not social at home by any means!) and just a lot and my confidence is far greater than back home.

Also, this could have something to do with the age I am, leaving at 27, now 30. Maybe all that was going to happen anyway.

Either way, I think moving was the best decision I ever made and have no plans to go back anytime soon. (Living in Toronto)

Did you get sponsored by a company?

zweton

zweton wrote: »

Did you get sponsored by a company?

Nope! I sort of just winged it. Left my job in Ireland (in tech/IT) moved over with no job or even interviews lined up, no apartment which looking back even a fe years now I am like 'what was I thinking!?' but that is sort of the beauty of it, woudln't change a thing

But we got lucky and we found a place, found a job and never looked back

Mars Bar

The full time opportunities in my sector are almost non-existent. As a mainly outside job, I felt the need for some better weather. I spent a few months in Kuwait and didn't like it but wanted to give the Middle East another chance so here I am in Abu Dhabi and I'm loving it. I wouldn't get an opportunity like this at home. I'm 29 so it's a good time to be abroad.

nervous_twitch

I too just sort of followed an impulse. I had a well-paid job at home, lots of benefits with a salary I'd never get here, but at 26 I saw too many people in the job who had fallen into the trap of a comfortable life and were still there decades longer than they'd intended. I understand how easy it can be for that to happen, particularly when you start to accumulate obligations - mortgage, partner, family, loans etc - but I was fortunate enough to have none of them, and to be fluent in a foreign language (French), so within three months I'd made an escape plan.


Like Flynner, there was no real plan. I came to France alone. No apartment. No job. I knew nobody here and I had no idea what to expect. It couldn't have gone better. I found a job, made some wonderful friends, live alone in a great apartment in the centre of the city and I have a quality of life that I simply couldn't have in Ireland. Of course, I love Ireland. It's home. But so is here. Four years later and I'm not looking back. France is not too far away which helps, naturally. Unlike the article posted above, my confidence and enjoyment of life have improved in ways I hadn't thought possible, but again that could be just my age.