Big city life, but where?

wordisbond

I am looking to leave Ireland next Spring and looking for all and any ideas and suggestions. The 2 main reasons for this are that I am currently living in rural Ireland, single (M) and in my mid 30's. I would also like to invest in an apartment in the next few years in a major city and I just don't see that happening here. Would happily rent for a while to get to know a place but probably getting to the stage where I'd like to put down roots. Really want to get back out there with dating and socialising but finding it very difficult at the moment, even with trips to Dublin and getting involved in meetups and clubs, tinder etc. It's harder to meet people at the minute, especially as I don't live in Dublin anymore.

I have a few years experience as an analyst. Left the private sector last year because of a redundancy and burnout. Landed a year long contract in the public sector soon after. With the redundancy and living back home I have been able to save a nice deposit. I also have a nice handy side hustle that pulls in a few grand a year that can be done remotely. I guess an analyst job could also be done remotely but I found it pretty stressful and of course for tax reasons I need to be here for 6 months etc.

My current job is handy and I'm saving a load but I want out soon. I've lived abroad in major and minor cities previously and I also have basic Spanish.

If I could, I would spend Apr to Sep here and winter abroad in a major city, possibly Madrid? Then spend the other 6 months here and work on contract. I don't see a lot of 6 month contracts about though and I want to keep building my deposit if I can. I suppose from the banks perspective consistent work is important for a mortgage too. There is also a certain amount of guilt and pressure there in my head about leaving an easy and reliable job where I'm saving a lot.

Anybody have a similar experience or ideas?

Thanks.