Is emigrating worth it anymore?

Ray Palmer

Whatever you do don't come back to Ireland and think your experience trumps everything in Ireland. Different just means that most times not better. Having worked with some people who think because they saw something work in one environment doesn't mean it work in another. Worst was a guy who worked in the USA and would keep saying it worked where he was before. Strange a plan involving unpaid over time and firing people who don't do it wouldn't work in a country with decent labour laws. Several times we had to explain labour laws to him and he just went on about how backwards Ireland was. Eventually he had to be told not to question HR policies in public and go talk HR and discuss it with them. He couldn't do it and was "let go", he worked in the USA for 2 years and had about 4 years total work experience but thought he knew better than everyone else.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056456#Comment_119056456

...you d be surprised of the amount of people that think fcuking over workers always works!

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056322#Comment_119056322

Berlin has rent controls though - landlords can;t put the rent up more than 15% in a three year period. There is a shortage of supply, though.

Hamachi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056409#Comment_119056409

OP, I doubt you will have an awful time in Germany. I lived there for a decade and mostly enjoyed it. I too had a degree in German, but had worked there during university holidays and was reasonably competent in the language before moving. Nevertheless, I would say that I was three years in the country full time, before I considered myself truly fluent. Language acquisition takes time, so don’t be too hard on yourself.

Socially, Germans are a mixed bag. In general, they are hard to get to know, but when you do connect, they can be terrific friends. You may find that your friends are primarily other foreigners. There are two way to make German friends. 1. Get a German boyfriend / girlfriend 2. Join a Verein. These are basically clubs for sports and hobbies that will allow you to meet local people. Again, building friendships can take time in Germany.

I’d say give it a go. You have nothing to lose. However, I would be a little wary of those people who make you feel inadequate for not traveling. Do it because you want to, not because some people insist that it’s a must-do. If your instinct is to remain in Ireland, that’s a wholly legitimate choice too.

fishersham

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056584#Comment_119056584

To be honest, the main thing holding me back is the lack of "the craic". Of the Germans I've met in college, it's been mixed bag. I'd worry about not making friends over there. I take myself a bit more seriously than most people I know here but I still like the craic. I'm very sarcastic like most Irish people. Love a good slagging too. I imagine it's easier to make friends in Oz or Canada because of the shared sense of humour. But if I met nice people over there I'd be sure to tone down that part of me haha.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056640#Comment_119056640

go traveling for yourself, you ll find craic everywhere...

Hamachi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056640#Comment_119056640

I also spent a year in Australia. To be honest, I infinitely preferred Germans to Australians. Germans, although quite serious and methodical, are usually genuine and respectful people. Australians tend to hold themselves in very high esteem and some can be quite tactless and borderline obnoxious.

It will take time to make friends in Germany, but give it a chance and it will happen for you. You will need to make the effort though. If you live in a larger city, there will likely be a few other Irish floating around. I always had a handful of Irish friends too for the mad nights out and to maintain that connection with home.

Ray Palmer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056510#Comment_119056510

Not anymore they were deemed illegal by the courts. That increase allowed is larger than the caps in in Ireland. You also have provide your own kitchen, appliances and furniture. You can't rent a place out like that in Ireland so costs are higher for landlords along with tax, insurance etc.. You can apparently evict people there who don't pay rent too which takes over 2 years here. Bring in German regulations here on rentals and rent would drop.

NSAman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056456#Comment_119056456

Agree totally. Take the best parts of every experience and apply them to the current laws where you are. American working “norms” are draconian. Irish and European working “norms” can translate very well to the American work situation. I have implemented them in my own business.

No one knows everything, but experience of different social norms, through interaction and learning, brings understanding. That is why travel broadens the mind. Somethings will improve your life and others if you have a chance to experience them. Ireland has many good things to offer, but it also has some bad things. No country has everything, no country is utopia.

getoutadodge

Regardless of where u go you will gravitate to other immigrants. That's the golden rule. Ask the immigrants here how many Irish they know well and count as intimate friends. Very very few. Don't be bamboozled into emigrating especially by those who have no experience of it. Half of my adult life was overseas all over the place in very different jobs . Gypsy life is not appealing and grates after a few years. And don't come back with "stories". Nobodies interested and deep down resent it. Skip over to Germany this summer for three months ...so as to scratch the itch but then its decision time.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056695#Comment_119056695

No, it was only the 5-year rent freeze that was repealed. You can rent out with kitchen, but it's trickier.

ancapailldorcha

I'd say so, if only for cultural and developmental reasons. Lots of countries have cost of living problems so moving from Dublin to London is unlikely to improve your fiscal lot unless there's a hefty increase in income. Staying is fine as well. Depends on you but getting out was the smartest choice I ever made.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056757#Comment_119056757

Everyone's experience is different and valid, but that hasn't been my experience at all. Sure, initially I went to Irish bars, but soon tired of that empty counterproductive cr@p and made lots of good friends, not one of them being an immigrant.

OP, wherever you go, avoid Irish bars like the plague.

Ray Palmer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119056838#Comment_119056838

that is still 150% allowable rent increases allowed in Dublin each year. You do have to repaint when you leave. Germany only has the rent structure it has due to huge investment given to them after WWII and the fact so many people died and property could be seized by the state. They then didn't sell the property to the tenants unlike what we did with our social housing. Like going on about the Underground in London as something we should have and ignoring the amount of time money and lives lost creating it by a country that had an empire and profitted from that. Liverpool was funded by slave sales.

Saw a guy going on about how he could afford a lovely place in Dubai and great salary. The properties there were built with modern slavery and you are 2nd class citizen in the country but it is better than Ireland according to him. I personally couldn't do it. One thing to say a shoe you bought maybe made in a sweat shop but knowing your home was built by pure exploitation is another thing totally.

fishersham

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119057024#Comment_119057024

If I can't find someone to go along with me my plan was to go to an Irish pub because odds are I'd meet other Irish people and would be more likely to make friends haha.

Then again, a bit pointless living abroad only to befriend people from Mayo and Cork like

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119057250#Comment_119057250

I mention it because people complain about unfair rent increses in Ireland and the OP might find the info useful, not becuase I want to get into a Berlin v Ireland debate.

The posts in the accomodation fourm would lead me to believe that the Dubin does not have a cap 3.3% per annum (2/3rds of Berlin's) but then I haven't been checking it myself, so could very well be wrong.

Ray Palmer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119057329#Comment_119057329

it's 2%. Fair point to make but people also believe the referendum in Berlin changed things on rent.

NSAman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119057327#Comment_119057327

It gives you a little back up and comfort. However, if you get stuck in the rut of only meeting Irish people or immigrants, you won't fully immerse yourself in the society.

I learned a LONG time ago, that socialising with only Irish people can give you bad habits, bad information and alienate yourself from living properly in a country. Yes, it is nice to do it SOMETIMES. Locals know the score, locals have the information required and know how to get things done. It also makes it easier to get introduced to local people.....

random_guy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119057798#Comment_119057798

The immigrant population is often sometimes a bit transient.

The people you were drinking with 2 weeks ago might no longer be in the country as Erasmus has ended, they have a new contract etc.

I went to a well known Irish pub in a good sized city last year to watch the Mayo lose again and, with the exception of the staff, was the only Irish person sitting there.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119057941#Comment_119057941

That's normal for Irish bars in non-native English speaking countries!

The trick is to find international communites - English will be spoken, but you get a better mix of backgrounds.

its_steve116

Dublin is the best city in the world, I'd never leave it.

Gael23

On this subject, how do you reconcile getting a better life for yourself in Australia as against leaving behind your family nd networks you spent your life building?

Particularly these people you know won’t make the journey

BurgerFace

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058245656/is-emigrating-worth-it-anymore

People pay what the seller is selling. if nobody pays that the seller has to drop his price. nobody wants it then he is finishe d.

simple capitalism. if you are being gouged, dont buy. the price will quickly drop.