Isn’t it usually the opposite?
Are you really sure about ending everything in the USA?
Moving to Ireland is going to be a major change in the lifestyle, would you be okay with that?
Are you taking a pay cut to move?
Why the move?
Are the series of questions I came across, when I was moving to Ireland! They were all legit and I tried making sense with my reasons to people. What shocked me the most was when they followed me all the way to Ireland. I wasn’t quite aware of the similarity between Ireland and India, in terms of people wanting to move out of the Country, thinking that America is the place to be, the place where dreams come true or the place to mint money! At that point I felt like I needed to give my two cents on this.
If you have read my previous blog, you know by now how I’ve always followed my heart, my passion and continue to do so. After I started my blog and explored America, I had made a personal goal of moving to a different country in 2019 to continue my venture and hence the move was a no brainer! This was one of the reasons and a motivation to make the move.
Other reason being, some soul searching, which opened my eyes to many other elements that eased the decision. I practically grew in the USA, I discovered myself in this country. Most importantly it taught me the difference between living and existing, leading me to believe that conventional route was not for me and I wanted to do something about it.
To all of you who are in a dilemma and looking to move to the USA, I would like to address those facts which could probably be helpful in making a decision!
Isn’t it usually opposite? Yes! I myself moved to the USA to pursue my masters as at that stage of my life I had no bigger ambition then getting out of India, being independent and this was my only way out. After staying in the states for 6 years, experiencing the lifestyle and finding myself, I chose passion over possession. Exploring Europe was my next goal. I have the luxury to think only about myself which not many people do! However, as long as you have your priorities and goals set, nothing should stop you from going for it.
Ending everything in the USA? sure? You won’t be able to come back! That is actually not true. I still have friends like family who I am in touch with and plan on visiting them sometime soon. Knowing that I have families in three different countries makes me the happiest and the luckiest person! Now I have all my favorite restaurants, places, food and shopping to look forward to when I go back to the States. I don’t know what the future holds but I do believe in destiny, hard work and making things happen!
Moving to Ireland is going to be a major change in the lifestyle, would you be okay with that? It really depends from person to person. I had already noticed the difference when I moved to Seattle from Texas. In Texas, I was accustomed to a spacious apartment for only $1500 (2BHK). After moving to Seattle, the rent shot by $500 for a 1BHK tiny apartment. Where as I pay 615 Euros for a 2BHK shared accommodation in Dublin which is about 10 minutes away from my work.
I had to sell my car after moving to Seattle, as it felt like a liability in a city where public transport was convenient and paying $200 for a parking felt unnecessary after being spoilt with free parking back in Texas! Plus Seattle is an expensive city and so is Dublin. I also don’t see myself buying an apartment/house which is expensive in both the Countries. To answer your question, lifestyle stayed the same for me in Dublin.
Are you taking a pay cut to move? Yes! I did take a pay cut to move. Although I took a pay cut, many other things fell in place like, tickets and time to fly to India got cheaper and shorter. Flying within Europe got cheaper and convenient. Every weekend in a different country, why not? Flying to USA got cheaper and less of a hassle. All the major embassies are at 10 minutes walking distance from where I live in Dublin and hence getting a visa just got better. Insurance, Mobile bill, is taken care of by the company. Public Transportation in Ireland is unbelievably good and one of the most scenic rides ever! Plus, Ireland is more beautiful <3
Social life and work life balance! Frankly speaking this is a very individualistic approach. The balance is good in the USA as well. While Dublin is more laid back which is exactly what I needed, I know that some people like the fast paced lifestyle which is what you’ll get in the States. Not to forget, USA is more competitive in terms of self-growth. Everyone looks out for themselves and Dublin is exactly opposite of it. Although the salaries are not comparable to USA, people seem more happy, productive, passionate and self-aware, which was refreshing.
Visa issues in the USA! This was another reason why I never felt like I was living a life in the USA. It almost felt like I was in someone else’s house. Which only works to a certain extent unless someone makes you feel at home! Until then you are always going to be uncomfortable. Now imagine, you start paying rent in that house and you still don’t feel at home!
Recently, many H1- b visa’s were either getting rejected or renewals were going through RFE! In this scenario, many people after having lost all the chances of being picked in lottery started opting for another course in a university (2nd masters) to stay legally in the USA or get a Canadian PR. If you think about it, why spend more money to stay in the country which doesn’t even guarantee a residency soon enough?
Having addressed the actuality, as much of fond memories and love I have for Texas and Seattle, the atmosphere felt far from amiable. Especially if you are working for Amazon in Seattle, try mentioning it to the locals and see where the conversation takes you. Although Seattle’s mind-blowing beauty was helpful in powering through that one and a half year, life felt pretty robotic with no real connections with people which has a lot to do with the lack of culture. Coming from a Country (India) which is enormously strong and rich in customs and traditions, I always felt restless with myself due to lack of reality around me. The “small talk” culture was just not for me!
In my opinion if you are chasing something you will keep chasing it and never find contentment. I guess being content is not a human nature which is good, it keeps us going. At what cost though? Why not invest in something promising, like happiness & self-awareness? If you think more money will make you happy, USA is the place to be! There’s ample of wealth, resources, freedom to keep you happy. However, I would like to quote Dalai Lama on this –
“Man.
Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money.
Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.
And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present;
the result being that he does not live in the present or the future;
he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”
That being said, we brave, we take risks, nothing can substitute experience!
Let me know if you have any questions if you are planning on the big move and I would be happy to help!
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