Life is too short

FFVII · 15-06-2020 08:37PM

jrosen wrote: »

You should absolutely go, experience living in another country. Its a wonderful opportunity for personal growth. You will also see that the grass is not always greener.

Go for this really.

Your lists are bollox.

olestoepoke · 15-06-2020 08:40PM

Ohio9 wrote: »

Strongly considering emigrating. I'm 23 years old. I cannot see a positive future here being punished for everything due to stupidity of the government.

Things that I lose compared to older generations:

1. More tax
2. Unaffordable housing: cannot afford a house in Dublin therefore I must move out and commute but here is the deal. You get punished for travelling to work with carbon taxes, inefficient public transport... which are going to quadruple very soon.
3. Diminishing returns: get absolutely demolished with taxation after certain point. So much so that it is not worth earning more for the effort required.

I believe there are far more reasonable solutions rather than punishing regular person who just wants to go to work and doesn't have another option.

I have 2 friends who have moved to California working for big internationals.

1. They make 3 times as me. Even with high taxation of California (Still much lower compared to Ireland)
2. No bull**** taxes punishing the average Joe, at least not crippling.
3. Medical insurance sponsored by the company
4. Not punished for travelling to work.
5. Cheaper housing in other states (Texas) this is where my company is headquartered.
6. Cheap cars and fuel and all other expenses cheaper with significantly higher salaries. I do not need to pay €3000 to insure a car.

I emigrated when I was around your age and spent almost 16 years living in New York. Looking back it was the best decision I've ever made. Go for it, do it now whilst you can before children show up. If it's Dell you work for then its Austin Texas.I was there for a week a few years back and met a good few Irish people working and living there. Austin is a great town.

the-island-man · 15-06-2020 08:46PM

CBear1993 wrote: »

Australia , Canada and New Zealand prob the exceptions to that, great opportunities there

True and there's also exceptions if you're lucky to be born into wealth in a poor country but the general point I was making was that you have a greater chance of being born into a life with a far lower quality of life than what the average person would experience in Ireland. Has to make you feel lucky in life.

FFVII · 15-06-2020 09:11PM

olestoepoke wrote: »

I emigrated when I was around your age and spent almost 16 years living in New York. Looking back it was the best decision I've ever made.

why?

olestoepoke · 15-06-2020 09:27PM

FFVII wrote: »

why?

I didn't emigrate for financial reasons. I had a good job here in Ireland that paid well. I went for the sense of adventure, I was young and single and that period in my life was exciting. I worked as a carpenter, played GAA in the Bronx and enjoyed my weekends in Manhattan. The summers were fantastic, everything was new and exciting. After a few years that wore off and I travelled all around the US . Went to a Mardi Gras in New Orleans, nightclubbing in Miami, seen the Grand Canyon, stag party's in Las Vegas, trips to Austin Texas and Nashville Tennesse, seen the giant redwoods and Napa valley of northern california. Camping in Yosemite valley. I could go on. All these great memories whilst making twice the money I'd have been making in Ireland and half the cost of living. Thats why.

matchthis · 15-06-2020 09:29PM

If only 23 and no ties here, why not try it for a year and see how you get on. Ireland will still be here

bpmurray · 15-06-2020 09:34PM

Wow - such inaccuracies. Let's address each of your points.

Lost compared to older generations (I'm actually one of those, so ...):

1. More tax
Tax in Ireland now is *MUCH* lower than it used to be. What exactly are you claiming here?
2. Unaffordable housing: cannot afford a house in Dublin therefore I must move out and commute but here is the deal. You get punished for travelling to work with carbon taxes, inefficient public transport... which are going to quadruple very soon.
Housing has always been unaffordable. Granted, prices have gone up steeply the past decade, but so have incomes. It took me a long time before I managed to get a mortgage, despite earning what was then a nice salary. That's why I live in the boonies - I could never afford something in Dublin.
3. Diminishing returns: get absolutely demolished with taxation after certain point. So much so that it is not worth earning more for the effort required.
Bollacks! If you are in that situation, get an accountant. Then see how much your diminishing returns are - you'll be shocked.

And then the fantasies about California. I have loads of friends and ex-colleagues who are living & working in CA and, from them:
1. They make 3 times as me. Even with high taxation of California (Still much lower compared to Ireland)
Yes, but actually only the top few earn that much. The ordinary folk don't. I have friends who work in Google, Facebook, Stripe, etc. and their salaries are pretty good. However, they can barely make ends meet with their large 6-figure salaries because of the insane cost of housing. If you think Dublin is expensive, prices in SF would make your eyes water.
2. No bull**** taxes punishing the average Joe, at least not crippling.
Actually, depending on which state you live in, your taxes could easily be higher than in Ireland. And for that you get pretty much nothing: People complain about roads here, but many major highways in the US are riddled with potholes; Healthcare is terrifyingly expensive; Education is paid from town taxes, so unless you live in a wealthy suburb, schools are crap; and there's plenty more. No taxes in Ireland are crippling.
3. Medical insurance sponsored by the company
Did you know that you're employed "at will" in the USA? That means that literally from one minute to the next you can suddenly become unemployed, i.e. you lose your medical insurance. And if you happen to have developed some illness while you were covered, good luck with finding another insurance company to cover you when you get another job. And don't forget: even though your health insurance is covered, it's not covered 100% - apart from co-pays (the amount you pay to the doctor, about the same as you pay here), you'll typically have to pay another $1000 per month to top up your insurance.
4. Not punished for travelling to work.
No, nor are you here. However, the traffic there is pretty heavy, and Americans often travel 50 miles or more to work, so don't forget to factor in your commute time. And, of course, public transport is pretty much non-existent in many cities - your friends in CA may have BART but that's the exception.
5. Cheaper housing in other states (Texas) this is where my company is headquartered.
Sure, and housing in N.Dakota is even cheaper. I'm not very familiar with TX but I believe that housing costs in "nice" areas isn't particularly cheap. And towns with good education systems are more expensive still. Of course, if you live in TX, you'll be surrounded by Trump supporters who are armed - not the most attractive option.
6. Cheap cars and fuel and all other expenses cheaper with significantly higher salaries. I do not need to pay €3000 to insure a car.
The only state I ever had to insure a care was MA and it was twice what I paid in Ireland - you need loads of add-ons. So I doubt that you'll find rock-bottom rates in the US. Cars used to be cheap but they aren't any more. Second hand cars are cheaper than Ireland but not hugely. Fuel is much cheaper. And that's probably the only point you've made that's completely correct.

Trigger Happy · 15-06-2020 09:37PM

Ohio9 wrote: »

All of usa is a dump according to many paddys who have never been there.

Yup, I can testify...ohio is a dump.

CBear1993 · 15-06-2020 09:42PM

bpmurray wrote: »

Wow - such inaccuracies. Let's address each of your points.

Lost compared to older generations (I'm actually one of those, so ...):

1. More tax
Tax in Ireland now is *MUCH* lower than it used to be. What exactly are you claiming here?
2. Unaffordable housing: cannot afford a house in Dublin therefore I must move out and commute but here is the deal. You get punished for travelling to work with carbon taxes, inefficient public transport... which are going to quadruple very soon.
Housing has always been unaffordable. Granted, prices have gone up steeply the past decade, but so have incomes. It took me a long time before I managed to get a mortgage, despite earning what was then a nice salary. That's why I live in the boonies - I could never afford something in Dublin.
3. Diminishing returns: get absolutely demolished with taxation after certain point. So much so that it is not worth earning more for the effort required.
Bollacks! If you are in that situation, get an accountant. Then see how much your diminishing returns are - you'll be shocked.

And then the fantasies about California. I have loads of friends and ex-colleagues who are living & working in CA and, from them:
1. They make 3 times as me. Even with high taxation of California (Still much lower compared to Ireland)
Yes, but actually only the top few earn that much. The ordinary folk don't. I have friends who work in Google, Facebook, Stripe, etc. and their salaries are pretty good. However, they can barely make ends meet with their large 6-figure salaries because of the insane cost of housing. If you think Dublin is expensive, prices in SF would make your eyes water.
2. No bull**** taxes punishing the average Joe, at least not crippling.
Actually, depending on which state you live in, your taxes could easily be higher than in Ireland. And for that you get pretty much nothing: People complain about roads here, but many major highways in the US are riddled with potholes; Healthcare is terrifyingly expensive; Education is paid from town taxes, so unless you live in a wealthy suburb, schools are crap; and there's plenty more. No taxes in Ireland are crippling.
3. Medical insurance sponsored by the company
Did you know that you're employed "at will" in the USA? That means that literally from one minute to the next you can suddenly become unemployed, i.e. you lose your medical insurance. And if you happen to have developed some illness while you were covered, good luck with finding another insurance company to cover you when you get another job. And don't forget: even though your health insurance is covered, it's not covered 100% - apart from co-pays (the amount you pay to the doctor, about the same as you pay here), you'll typically have to pay another $1000 per month to top up your insurance.
4. Not punished for travelling to work.
No, nor are you here. However, the traffic there is pretty heavy, and Americans often travel 50 miles or more to work, so don't forget to factor in your commute time. And, of course, public transport is pretty much non-existent in many cities - your friends in CA may have BART but that's the exception.
5. Cheaper housing in other states (Texas) this is where my company is headquartered.
Sure, and housing in N.Dakota is even cheaper. I'm not very familiar with TX but I believe that housing costs in "nice" areas isn't particularly cheap. And towns with good education systems are more expensive still. Of course, if you live in TX, you'll be surrounded by Trump supporters who are armed - not the most attractive option.
6. Cheap cars and fuel and all other expenses cheaper with significantly higher salaries. I do not need to pay €3000 to insure a car.
The only state I ever had to insure a care was MA and it was twice what I paid in Ireland - you need loads of add-ons. So I doubt that you'll find rock-bottom rates in the US. Cars used to be cheap but they aren't any more. Second hand cars are cheaper than Ireland but not hugely. Fuel is much cheaper. And that's probably the only point you've made that's completely correct.

If you’re trying to someway advocate young people to stay in Ireland that’s a losing battle. I would advise anyone under 30 to definitely get out of here while they can and at least try it. Nothing to be gained sitting here except a future of “what if’s”

HBC08 · 15-06-2020 09:53PM

Ohio9 wrote: »

Strongly considering emigrating. I'm 23 years old. I cannot see a positive future here being punished for everything due to stupidity of the government.

Things that I lose compared to older generations:

1. More tax
2. Unaffordable housing: cannot afford a house in Dublin therefore I must move out and commute but here is the deal. You get punished for travelling to work with carbon taxes, inefficient public transport... which are going to quadruple very soon.
3. Diminishing returns: get absolutely demolished with taxation after certain point. So much so that it is not worth earning more for the effort required.

I believe there are far more reasonable solutions rather than punishing regular person who just wants to go to work and doesn't have another option.

I have 2 friends who have moved to California working for big internationals.

1. They make 3 times as me. Even with high taxation of California (Still much lower compared to Ireland)
2. No bull**** taxes punishing the average Joe, at least not crippling.
3. Medical insurance sponsored by the company
4. Not punished for travelling to work.
5. Cheaper housing in other states (Texas) this is where my company is headquartered.
6. Cheap cars and fuel and all other expenses cheaper with significantly higher salaries. I do not need to pay €3000 to insure a car.

As somebody who left Ireland for the other side of the world at 23 let me give you some advice....just do it,you're young enough that you can come home and start with a clean slate if it doesn't work out.
Also let me make an observation,moany,negative coonts here also tend to be moany coonts who dont go far in life when they're away.

irishguitarlad · 15-06-2020 10:07PM

I'd be looking at Continental Europe Op.

beauf · 15-06-2020 10:07PM

2011 wrote: »

Stop taking about it and just do it!

https://youtu.be/10DQeSk1LaY

Couldn't say it better...

FFVII · 15-06-2020 10:15PM

beauf wrote: »

https://youtu.be/10DQeSk1LaY

Couldn't say it better...

This is better

Figel Narage · 15-06-2020 10:17PM

irishguitarlad wrote: »

I'd be looking at Continental Europe Op.

Yeah me too. America has never been appealing to me. All the places where you'd want to live, ie. New York, Chicago, LA/San Fran, all seem expensive. Could even apply that to anywhere majority of Irish people move to, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney, Melbourne, all nice places but expensive. If, I personally were to move, it would be somewhere warm where I can continue my career in preferably Europe which, unfortunately, Europe doesn't offer bar one or two places due to language barriers. But for OP's situation, I'd be all for Europe, got everything you want if it's just a year or two excursion

Greyfox · 15-06-2020 11:28PM

Salvatore Refined Scatterbrain wrote: »

It's the longest thing you'll ever do..

True but every old person will tell you that the years have past way too fast. Everyone should try to travel when their young but great places like America, Canada or Dubai also have their disadvantages.

Potential-Monke · 15-06-2020 11:31PM

As someone who, at 37, is now too old to get a working visa for a lot of countries, I have massive regret for not fecking off. I was considering Canada or Japan, but i'm too old for both now (35 is the cut off). Not sure about other countries, but not fecking off is up there with some of the worst decisions of my life so far. Do it OP, get out, experience life, and you can always come back.

pgj2015 · 15-06-2020 11:55PM

Potential-Monke wrote: »

As someone who, at 37, is now too old to get a working visa for a lot of countries, I have massive regret for not fecking off. I was considering Canada or Japan, but i'm too old for both now (35 is the cut off). Not sure about other countries, but not fecking off is up there with some of the worst decisions of my life so far. Do it OP, get out, experience life, and you can always come back.

could you not just go now on holiday? stay a month or so if you have friends in canada, australia etc. what big difference would it be if you lived in canada for a year or if you stayed there on holiday for a month? The grass is always greener.

i never worked abroad and dont regret it at all, but i have friends in the U.S., canada, australia, im just going to go visit my friends and stay with them for a while in the next couple of years.

Potential-Monke · 16-06-2020 12:32AM

pgj2015 wrote: »

could you not just go now on holiday? stay a month or so if you have friends in canada, australia etc. what big difference would it be if you lived in canada for a year or if you stayed there on holiday for a month? The grass is always greener.

i never worked abroad and dont regret it at all, but i have friends in the U.S., canada, australia, im just going to go visit my friends and stay with them for a while in the next couple of years.

Visiting is one thing. I can visit any country I want at any time. Working and living there is a different experience. I do intend to visit a friend in Canada at some stage. And I will definitely be in Japan for a holiday (preferably 6 weeks, expensive!!). But it won't be the same as living there, it will still have that 'Oh shiney' vibe unless you've lived and worked there imo.

Queasy Tadpole · 16-06-2020 12:34AM

You sound like a 23 year old child who has not had life slap them in the face yet.

Don't worry, it will.

pgj2015 · 16-06-2020 12:34AM

Potential-Monke wrote: »

Visiting is one thing. I can visit any country I want at any time. Working and living there is a different experience. I do intend to visit a friend in Canada at some stage. And I will definitely be in Japan for a holiday (preferably 6 weeks, expensive!!). But it won't be the same as living there, it will still have that 'Oh shiney' vibe unless you've lived and worked there imo.

For me a lot of the time being there if working is wasted working and travelling to work, the boring bits. if you go on holiday all the time is yours to do what you want with.

dartboardio · 16-06-2020 12:39AM

Jesus. All the smartarses on here! Must be jealous they're not 23 and can't up and leave anymore :V

Go for it. Ireland is a bit of a shxthole when you look at all those things you mentioned.

Yeah, we have no war or attacks or hurricanes or any of that stuff.

But we get absolutely ripped off and very little value for money. Health care is shambles, the education system is great but that's about it.

Go for it. You've nothing to lose.

Have family members who grew up and studied in ireland but emigrated to California, and the quality of life along with value for money is 100x better.

Plus you're not losing half your yearly salary in tax for nothing.

pgj2015 · 16-06-2020 12:40AM

Queasy Tadpole wrote: »

You sound like a 23 year old child who has not had life slap them in the face yet.

Don't worry, it will.

what? why would it? how is it going to slap them in the face?

Airyfairy12 · 16-06-2020 12:42AM

Do it! This country is set up to help people who are already financially well off and people who want to do nothing, there is no incentive here to do well. You can go to college, get a really good education, work your backside off for years and end up in a low paying job if your lucky, likely you'll get no job and get nowhere, live hand to mouth and live with your parents well into adulthood unless your parents can afford to and are willing to financially help you get a house and a car. Or, you can drop out of school, sign on the dole, go on the housing list and be set up for life.
Leave the country asap, what are you waiting for?

pgj2015 · 16-06-2020 12:42AM

dartboardio wrote: »

Jesus. All the smartarses on here! Must be jealous they're not 23 and can't up and leave anymore :V

Go for it. Ireland is a bit of a shxthole when you look at all those things you mentioned.

Yeah, we have no war or attacks or hurricanes or any of that stuff.

But we get absolutely ripped off and very little value for money. Health care is shambles, the education system is great but that's about it.

Go for it. You've nothing to lose.

Have family members who grew up and studied in ireland but emigrated to California, and the quality of life along with value for money is 100x better.

Plus you're not losing half your yearly salary in tax for nothing.

Have you not seen what is happening in Seattle?

Potential-Monke · 16-06-2020 12:43AM

pgj2015 wrote: »

For me a lot of the time being there if working is wasted working and travelling to work, the boring bits. if you go on holiday all the time is yours to do what you want with.

True, but it doesn't give you a proper experience of living there, which is what the OP is on about. Every country you visit is great if you're just doing the things you want to do and passing through. I thought my 10 days in Orlando was fantastic as it was filled with theme parks. Bring me to the same place but I can only go shopping instead of theme parks and I would hate it. Neither gives me the experience of living there, imo.

dartboardio wrote: »

Jesus. All the smartarses on here! Must be jealous they're not 23 and can't up and leave anymore :V

100%. God damn youth, getting all the fun things. *shakes fist at air*

pgj2015 · 16-06-2020 12:48AM

Potential-Monke wrote: »

True, but it doesn't give you a proper experience of living there, which is what the OP is on about. Every country you visit is great if you're just doing the things you want to do and passing through. I thought my 10 days in Orlando was fantastic as it was filled with theme parks. Bring me to the same place but I can only go shopping instead of theme parks and I would hate it. Neither gives me the experience of living there, imo.

Im probably just a home bird, that is why a holiday is enough for me. have never been slightly tempted to move country to work. surely there are some countries you could go and work at 37?

wally1990 · 16-06-2020 01:04AM

Us Irish, full of begrudging people

I'm '' only '' 29 and bloody regret I didn't do it

I say go for it!!

Your only 23, it will be a great experience

And most importantly best of luck and enjoy it!!

Hego Damask · 16-06-2020 01:28AM

So OP what are you going to do ?

OP?

OP???

OOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP?

ChikiChiki · 16-06-2020 01:41AM

Go travel, get some perspective and you will realise that all things considered Ireland is fairly good.

Potential-Monke · 16-06-2020 01:54AM

pgj2015 wrote: »

Im probably just a home bird, that is why a holiday is enough for me. have never been slightly tempted to move country to work. surely there are some countries you could go and work at 37?

Teaching English is the only one really, but i'm not a fan of kids and it's hard to get the adult only courses, or so I've heard. Some countries do allow older working Visas, but most of those are UAE or other countries I have no interest in. Doesn't matter right now anyway, I'm in a situation I "can't" leave right now (ie: living with and looking after the parents).

Life is too short

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