Moved abroad? Is it a let-down or amazing?

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-03-2015 4:08pm

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Zippie84 · 25-03-2015 4:10pm

Neither a let-down or amazing .

Just normal life, but a much better one at that .

Pantech · 25-03-2015 4:19pm

Patww79 wrote: »

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Are you here on a business trip or have you moved? Business trips are not exactly the best way to judge a country!

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-03-2015 4:22pm

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c_man · 25-03-2015 4:28pm

Pantech wrote: »

Moved to the US () a few years back and living in NJ, near NYC - absolutely loving it since.

I suppose this depends on your work, but how do you find the lower vacation time compared with Ireland/Europe?

I know they have no mandatory vacation time but in practice employers do give it, still I was a bit shocked talking to a guy in work over from the US. My role and his would be comparable, yet he gets less than half the number of days I get per year! I didn't say this obviously, he was telling us he was thinking of using a few days to explore Ireland while here.

murpho999 · 25-03-2015 4:29pm

Lived in Holland for 7 years, didn't really like the place.
Very cramped, no nice scenery. All the houses are the same red-bricked shell.

No colour in the place.

Also, the Dutch are a pretty dull bunch who socialise mostly in houses and by appointment, don't know how to be spontaneous at all. They also eat the bread and cheese for breakfast and lunch EVERY DAY.

They also seem to think that their country is amazing

That said, I found it difficult to settle as well when I moved back and had to readjust. Moving abroad does change you.

Also, arriving and buying a house just before the arse fell out of the market has not helped my finances but I am happy here. Just wish I hadn't bought when I did and that the weather could be a bit better.

ceadaoin. · 25-03-2015 4:33pm

Lived in London for 4 years, loved it. Then was back in dublin for a while but now I've been in the US for just over a year. I do miss family being around, especially for my daughter as she loves her granny and grandad and cousin but we get home at least once a year and they visit here too. I don't miss ireland itself that much, I think the benefits of living here (and in London) lifestyle wise are worth it.

Lucena · 25-03-2015 4:35pm

murpho999 wrote: »

Lived in Holland for 7 years, didn't really like the place.

Also, the Dutch are a pretty dull bunch who socialise mostly in houses and by appointment, don't know how to be spontaneous at all.

This is also the same in France. FML.

Pantech · 25-03-2015 4:37pm

c_man wrote: »

I suppose this depends on your work, but how do you find the lower vacation time compared with Ireland/Europe?

I know they have no mandatory vacation time but in practice employers do give it, still I was a bit shocked talking to a guy in work over from the US. My role and his would be comparable, yet he gets less than half the number of days I get per year! I didn't say this obviously, he was telling us he was thinking of using a few days to explore Ireland while here.

Luckily not an issue for us as I'm with my company a number of years, so I have 23 days. Most companies here start you off on 13 days (10 standard plus 3 floating, which are essentially the same as regular paid holidays but historically were used for any religious observance), and allow an additional 5 for each 5 years of service, so after a few years with a company you should be on fairly decent holidays per year.

cloud493 · 25-03-2015 7:49pm

Well I moved to Ireland from abroad (as far abroad as england is anyway)

Yeah its a let down.

Kivaro · 25-03-2015 8:13pm

Patww79 wrote: »

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Have you considered that right there might be the problem?

Bench Press · 25-03-2015 8:16pm

Leaving Ireland was the best thing I ever did, it would suck the life out of you, no wonder there is a serious drinking problem and the country is renowned for alcoholism

sully2010 · 25-03-2015 8:36pm

Bench Press wrote: »

Leaving Ireland was the best thing I ever did, it would suck the life out of you, no wonder there is a serious drinking problem and the country is renowned for alcoholism

And the UK is so much different?

clever user name · 25-03-2015 8:42pm

Lived in Abu Dhabi for a year, hated it.

Lived in Singapore for a year, liked it.

Lived in China for 2 years, LOVED it! Great bunch of lads!

KatW4 · 25-03-2015 8:48pm

Lived in London for 3 years and didn't like it at all. I love London as a place to visit put not to live in. Gave up my permanent teaching job to move home and do subbing work. I have absolutely no money this year but I am much happier now. Abroad definitely isn't for me.

My best friend moved over with me and is now married to a Welsh guy and will probably live there for the rest of her life.

It depends on your circumstances if you love it or hate it.

Bench Press · 25-03-2015 8:51pm

sully2010 wrote: »

And the UK is so much different?

different planet, years ahead of Ireland when it comes to career and professionalism. Generally speaking, little or no begrudgery and none of this pervading sense of negativity and depression everywhere. Culturally, there are endless things to do

cloud493 · 25-03-2015 8:53pm

sully2010 wrote: »

And the UK is so much different?

100% is yes.

sully2010 · 25-03-2015 8:56pm

Bench Press wrote: »

different planet, years ahead of Ireland when it comes to career and professionalism. Generally speaking, little or no begrudgery and none of this pervading sense of negativity and depression everywhere. Culturally, there are endless things to do

Fair enough so, they do drink as much over there though, no denying that.

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-03-2015 9:04pm

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MRnotlob606 · 25-03-2015 9:06pm

I would like to live in Croatia , but the unemployment rate is like 20 % there unfortunately and country is littered with minefields from Yugolslav war.

Cookie_Monster · 25-03-2015 9:11pm

Moved abroad three and a half years ago now to NZ. Been home 3 times to arrange wedding and get married and it's a real eye opener going back once you are used to somewhere else.

Obviously NZ has it's downsides but as a functional society and a place to live it is far superior IMO.
I don't think I could live in Ireland again having lived in a country that actually functions properly.

Bench Press · 25-03-2015 9:16pm

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

Moved abroad three and a half years ago now to NZ. Been home 3 times to arrange wedding and get married and it's a real eye opener going back once you are used to somewhere else.

Obviously NZ has it's downsides but as a functional society and a place to live it is far superior IMO.
I don't think I could live in Ireland again having lived in a country that actually functions properly.

its sad, but you can really see what a shambles of country Ireland is when you are away

crazygeryy · 25-03-2015 9:24pm

Patww79 wrote: »

I can't take to the US at all. I've been here 3 weeks and I only leave my hotel to go to work and go to Target.
The whole vibe just doesn't work for me.

Youve really given it your all haven't you. It's great the way a place can be judged by a hotel and a supermarket.jeez

I lived in Australia for a year many moons ago. Loved the weather and the people. Just toooooooooo far from Ireland for me so i came back. Definitely worth a visit though. Great country.

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-03-2015 9:33pm

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Pantech · 26-03-2015 5:16pm

Patww79 wrote: »

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Have all your trips to the US been for work? What part of the country are you going to?

Not sure I understand how it is only a good place if you are into partying (whatever you mean by that)?

Magico Gonzalez · 26-03-2015 5:35pm

Patww79 wrote: »

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America, only good for partying.

Sounds like something David Brent would say....

Tom Dunne · 26-03-2015 5:36pm

Living in the Middle East for the past few years.

5 Star lifestyle, a pint of Heineken is roughly 4.80 Euro, 11 months of sunshine.

Can't complain.

whomitconcerns · 26-03-2015 5:37pm

Lived in Romania for 2 1/2 years, loved it, and would go back!

Spunge · 26-03-2015 6:01pm

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Living in the Middle East for the past few years.

5 Star lifestyle, a pint of Heineken is roughly 4.80 Euro, 11 months of sunshine.

Can't complain.

which country ?

im kinda curious about lebanon, might visit it. I was in dubai once though, id hate to live there. Thats about it for my middle east experience.

playedalive · 27-03-2015 5:09pm

I am currently living in France at the moment. To be honest, I've learned the difference between being a tourist and living abroad. France is fine. I am happy to have eaten nice food, seen beautiful places and improved my level of French. But I don't think I could live here long term. I miss the Irish way of socialising. I'll be moving home in a month. But my time here has mostly been positive.

Tuesday_Girl · 27-03-2015 5:34pm

bodice ripper wrote: »

Living in the Netherlands for three years now, moving home tuesday. Ireland is the ****, **** what you heard.

Good luck with the move. I was in the Dam for 17 years, moved back last summer. All good

InTheTrees · 27-03-2015 5:38pm

Patww79 wrote: »

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I really dont think business trips qualify as "moving" to a country.

biddywiddy · 27-03-2015 6:01pm

Lived in Scotland for a year. Living in the US (Midwest) for almost two years now.

I like the lifestyle, the seasons (proper summer, proper (too long) winter), and my job. I'm in a small city, easy to get around, and I walk to work. I have 23 vacation days which is great and makes travel home a lot easier. The city is based around the University, so there's a nice buzz. This also means that it's hard to make and keep friends as people generally move on.

I'm probably moving to the east coast later this year for a better job, but with much fewer holidays (10 days). At the moment, I can't get a direct flight to Ireland, which is a pain, and this move will change that.

I can't see myself moving home in the short term, but the pressure from family and friends to move back is real and constant.

OldMrBrennan83 · 27-03-2015 8:40pm

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Kivaro · 27-03-2015 10:21pm

Patww79 wrote: »

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Not if you only leave your hotel to go to work and go to Target.

OldMrBrennan83 · 27-03-2015 10:23pm

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Duffy the Vampire Slayer · 27-03-2015 11:14pm

Lived in Korea for a year, loved it.

Currently living in Colombia, love it too although it's the polar opposite of Korea.

Herb Powell · 28-03-2015 1:31am

Germany was pretty sweet, could easily see myself living there again, at least for a few years. I have great time for Germans, generally speaking, usually very honest. Then again most people everywhere are sound.

Novella · 28-03-2015 2:05am

Moved to the US last year. It hasn't been a let down at all and I'd say the best decision I've ever made in my life.

The weather here (California) is amazing so that's the biggest perk for me. I love having summer pretty much year round. My husband and I rent an apartment in a gated complex with a 24 hour gym, swimming pool, sauna etc. for way less than I could rent a similarly sized apartment in Dublin without those amenities. People here are friendly and seem to want to help you.

Overall I simply love the way of life.

What do I miss about Ireland? My family. And Lucozade.

Oh, and no plans to move home.

Bench Press · 28-03-2015 7:53am

Novella wrote: »

Moved to the US last year. It hasn't been a let down at all and I'd say the best decision I've ever made in my life.

The weather here (California) is amazing so that's the biggest perk for me. I love having summer pretty much year round. My husband and I rent an apartment in a gated complex with a 24 hour gym, swimming pool, sauna etc. for way less than I could rent a similarly sized apartment in Dublin without those amenities. People here are friendly and seem to want to help you.

Overall I simply love the way of life.

What do I miss about Ireland? My family. And Lucozade.

Oh, and no plans to move home.

Sounds amazing, what a great way to live, in Ireland life revolves around alcohol, depression and bad weather

nilsonmickey · 28-03-2015 7:56am

Left 3 years ago. First year was tough but you adapt. Have met good friends now so well settled. Was home a few times and it just depresses me. Best move ever.

Irishguy16 · 28-03-2015 8:37am

Spent a bit of time in the US when I was younger, absolutely loved it, specially New Jersey, had a decent job, shared apartment, and everything that I needed. I never wanted to leave, the way of living was completely different than Ireland, and the weather was also really good in the summer. That was my happiest period abroad. I also moved to China for nearly a year, it was ok, I didn't mind most of the trip, but sometimes got frustrated, just such a different culture, food, way of thinking,etc... I always prefer living abroad than living in Ireland, and I always have more opportunites

Mongfinder General · 28-03-2015 8:44am

Bench Press wrote: »

Sounds amazing, what a great way to live, in Ireland life revolves around alcohol, depression and bad weather

some of us actually like this.

Einhard · 28-03-2015 9:18am

I've been living in Abu Dhabi for the past three years. Have had an amazing time, met great people, and broadened my horizons in any number of ways. Still, it's a small place and the landscape isn't all that diverse, so I''ll soon be packing up and heading off to Southern China for another three years. Hopefully the adventure will continue, but even if I dislike where I'm based, I'll be close enough to any number of new and exciting countries so I'm sure I'll be happy enough.

Tip of the day: if you get the chance to live abroad for a while, especially somewhere very abroad, then take it.

beks101 · 28-03-2015 12:10pm

I'd say it's neither a let-down nor amazing; it's just life at this stage. The longer I am overseas the deeper my appreciation for Ireland grows, but I know living there just wouldn't work for me. Career-wise, socially or personally.

I lived in the US for almost a year, Canada for almost 4 years and have been in the UK for about a year and a half. For me it's about 1. the people and 2. the weather, in that order. US was like a year-long adrenalin ride as I was a student and surrounded by what then seemed like such a hysterically positive, happy and extroverted people compared to what we're like at home. That and the Californian sun, the skyscrapers, the scenery, the American men - all new and exciting.

Canada was like a very sober, sanitized version of the US. I had it all on paper, the job, the lifestyle, the weather, but deep down didn't feel as though I really fit in as the people seemed so very different. Their humour, their cultural references, the way they socialize was always an adjustment and I felt staying long-term would mean compromising my personality.

Now in the UK, I feel a lot more 'at home'. People are the same, by and large. They laugh at the same things, they socialize similarly, they grew up in the same culture, they relate to others in the same way. I can pull the piss and I can swear again without the stunned silences! The weather sucks though and the city - London - is far too big, crowded and noisy. Which is probably why I won't stay forever.

I think after a certain amount of time abroad, you become nomadic in your tendencies. For me, it has definitely played into my tendency to be stubbornly self sufficient and I find it hard to factor others into my plans, I'm so used to floating at this stage.

LordSutch · 28-03-2015 12:43pm

Patww79 wrote: »

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Considering our proximity "the UK" is a very unclear term, as you might be refering to anywhere from Belfast to London, to Cornwall to Birmingham, to Edinburgh, Oxford & beyond.

I have lived in the south of England (Surrey), which is, by and large fantastic

MadYaker · 28-03-2015 1:26pm

Bench Press wrote: »

Sounds amazing, what a great way to live, in Ireland life revolves around alcohol, depression and bad weather

What part of Ireland are you from?!?

Moved abroad? Is it a let-down or amazing?

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