*Disclaimer: This blog post isn’t a critique of Ireland’s natural beauty, the charm of its people, or its rich culture. While it delves into economic and political aspects—of which I admittedly have limited knowledge—it’s essential to note that this post reflects my personal opinions rather than established facts.*
Now, let’s delve into the historical perspective and current trends that contribute to this ongoing phenomenon.
Did you know?
Petrol/gas costs in Ireland versus New York reveal a significant difference, with Ireland equivalent to $7.84 per gallon compared to New York’s current average of $3.28.
A Glimpse into Ireland’s Past and Present Trends
Ireland’s history has seen waves of emigration, triggered by events such as the famine, propelling its people toward opportunities abroad, mainly in the USA. Today, echoes of these historical events persist as a substantial number of individuals continue to leave the country for greener pastures. Even within my family and friend circles, individuals are relocating to Australia, New York, and Canada. The question persists: Why the ongoing exodus?
Those who’ve moved abroad share common denominators: opportunities and quality of life. While Ireland boasts high-quality education systems, hosts major global companies’ EU headquarters, provides a national health service in Northern Ireland, and offers relatively affordable healthcare in the Republic, the reality doesn’t align. Major tech companies, with their EU headquarters in Ireland, do not always offer remuneration that matches expectations. A quick Google search reveals that the average annual salary for a Software Developer in Ireland is $70k, while in the USA, it’s $110k. Similar disparities exist in various industries, such as automotive technicians earning an average of $32k in Ireland compared to $50k in Australia. Furthermore, these tech giants enjoy a low corporate tax rate in Ireland, leading to diminished contributions to the local economy.
Comparing Republic and Northern Ireland
When comparing the Republic to Northern Ireland, the cost of living is substantially lower in the latter, but so are the salaries. This is partially offset by advantages like access to the UK’s National Health Service and certain utilities. This trend extends to various sectors, making the Republic the more expensive of the two. Factors such as limited opportunities, low pay versus high living costs, lack of government leadership, a stagnant economy, inflated house prices, and the perpetually gloomy weather 90% of the year contribute to the overall disillusionment of desiring to live in either country.
Personal Experience and Future Plans
Last year, my wife and I traveled to Los Angeles, California (documented in my previous blogs) for a 10-day vacation. We fell in love with the place and began seeing opportunities in the USA that we didn’t know existed until we opened our eyes. My career goal of working within an auto manufacturer seems unattainable in Ireland due to the absence of such manufacturers there. Although Ford once had a factory in Ireland, and the legendary DeLorean was assembled in its Belfast facility at the time, the landscape has since changed with manufacturing and assembly mostly gone, the irony is that Belfast was once a manufacturing giant, Titanic comes to mind. As historical events paved the way for mass emigration, their echoes still reverberate in today’s patterns of leaving the country for new opportunities.
Having been over a year since our visit, we’ve decided to pursue the possibilities of relocating in 2024. While the process of moving abroad can be lengthy and expensive, the pursuit of personal and career growth becomes all the more compelling. In seeking opportunities in the USA, we aim to not only broaden our horizons but to also contribute to a thriving community and industry that aligns with our career aspirations. While it’s disheartening to witness many in our age group making similar decisions over the years, the pursuit of a fulfilling life often transcends borders. Thus, the journey towards personal and career happiness in a new land remains a beacon of hope.
