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Have you had enough of Holland, perhaps been there for two years or so at least? I would encourage you to try a different country just to try something new, nothing against the wonderful Netherlands.
With Irish grandparents, I’m partial to Ireland and Irish culture, but I agree with some of the other posters re: infrastructure outside of the big cities.
There’s also a big difference between city people and country folk in Ireland. In rural communities, people walking along the road still wave at every car passing by. Be sure not to be rude - wave back. You will find some similarities between those quaint, lovely places and the deep south.
In Dublin and some of the other big cities, however, expect to find plenty of ultra-competitive people, including Irish citizens and plenty of international workers too. The Irish educational system has gotten very good over the last few decades. Don’t bring stereotypes of “gosh and begorah” with you, and don’t tell Irish people you are just as Irish if you have one great great grandparent from the potato famine. Many Irish people, especially ones under 55 or so are wuick to point out “plastic paddys” - Americans walking around with newly purchased shillelaghs telling Irish people that they’re Irish, even though they can’t name the Taoiseach or tell you what a Taoiseach is. Don’t bring up religion or the North either, not unless you really get to know someone hah.
And on the subject of stereotypes, yeah the Dutch are pretty direct. If you are wearing an ugly shirt, a Dutch person will let you know. I like that honesty. Some Irish people love to argue and drink but there are plenty of stoic types, and a lot more teetotalers than you’d expect.
I wish I were young like you and had the opportunity to work in as many different countries as possible, so give a place like Ireland a shot.
I do have very strong Irish ancestry (75% Irish, and 25% Scottish), though I certainly do not pitch myself as being Irish since I was not born there. I do feel like I relate to my ancestry quite a bit, with the exception of the drinking. I am not much of a drinker myself (no judgment on those who enjoy a few pints, I just prefer to eat my calories ).
Your reference to the rural residents waving on the road is wonderful ... that is an example of something that I miss from the US. The Dutch seem a bit more hurried in contrast. When I first moved here, I annoyed quite a few by interrupting the rush in doorways, by waiting and holding the door for people, and then apologising. Haha!
I have decided that I will accept the job, since I really have nothing to lose. Finding a company in Ireland willing to sponsor my work visa has been difficult, so I'm not sure this opportunity would come around again. On the other hand, I think I could find a job here again in the future more easily.
I do have very strong Irish ancestry (75% Irish, and 25% Scottish), though I certainly do not pitch myself as being Irish since I was not born there. I do feel like I relate to my ancestry quite a bit, with the exception of the drinking. I am not much of a drinker myself (no judgment on those who enjoy a few pints, I just prefer to eat my calories ).
Your reference to the rural residents waving on the road is wonderful ... that is an example of something that I miss from the US. The Dutch seem a bit more hurried in contrast. When I first moved here, I annoyed quite a few by interrupting the rush in doorways, by waiting and holding the door for people, and then apologising. Haha!
I have decided that I will accept the job, since I really have nothing to lose. Finding a company in Ireland willing to sponsor my work visa has been difficult, so I'm not sure this opportunity would come around again. On the other hand, I think I could find a job here again in the future more easily.
Thank you again!
Good luck! Give us a report on Ireland, after you're settled into a new home and new routine. We love updates!
Yes do return and give an update. I agree in taking any opportunities that present themselves, that will allow a window into the world we live. (even if a moderate fan, at best with living in Ireland)
OP, IMO if Ireland would be better for your career, take that option. If you don't like the country, the people, and the farther-north location (shorter days in winter), you can seek another job in the Netherlands, after you have this job-growth experience to put on your resume. There's nothing saying the move to Ireland has to be permanent, right? I say--go for it, scope out the society, enjoy your job growth, and re-evaluate after a year.
My world map shows the 2 countries at nearly the same latitude. Cork is the same latitude as southern Netherlands. Dublin is just a few miles further north than Amsterdam.
Thank you for the great input!
I do have very strong Irish ancestry (75% Irish, and 25% Scottish), though I certainly do not pitch myself as being Irish since I was not born there. I do feel like I relate to my ancestry quite a bit, with the exception of the drinking. I am not much of a drinker myself (no judgment on those who enjoy a few pints, I just prefer to eat my calories ).
Your reference to the rural residents waving on the road is wonderful ... that is an example of something that I miss from the US. The Dutch seem a bit more hurried in contrast. When I first moved here, I annoyed quite a few by interrupting the rush in doorways, by waiting and holding the door for people, and then apologising. Haha!
I have decided that I will accept the job, since I really have nothing to lose. Finding a company in Ireland willing to sponsor my work visa has been difficult, so I'm not sure this opportunity would come around again. On the other hand, I think I could find a job here again in the future more easily.
Thank you again!
Without being a drinker, your social opportunities will be limited. It's not impossible, but you will find it much harder to build relationships with local Irish people. Having drinks is the main and for many only way of socializing.
I don't know for whom you will work but if it's a company that's hosting its European operations in Ireland then you will likely be surrounded by many foreign workers from continental Europe. Those people can be cliquish and stick primarily to people from their own nationality, but if you don't drink a lot they are still your likely social circle as those cultures tend to revolve less around getting drunk.
Without being a drinker, your social opportunities will be limited. It's not impossible, but you will find it much harder to build relationships with local Irish people. Having drinks is the main and for many only way of socializing.
I don't know for whom you will work but if it's a company that's hosting its European operations in Ireland then you will likely be surrounded by many foreign workers from continental Europe. Those people can be cliquish and stick primarily to people from their own nationality, but if you don't drink a lot they are still your likely social circle as those cultures tend to revolve less around getting drunk.
A very adequate analysis of likely scenario. Sport, could be an alternative to an extent, in socialising, but they still tend to go to the pub.
When left Dublin, to live several months in a village on the West Coast, the church was still reasonably popular. It was mass on Sundays, followed by over flowing pubs. But I expect, this has moved on a bit with the diminishing of church influence. Now it's probably a case of skipping mass, heading straight for the pub ...
I appreciate all the warnings about the drinking social norms. I am concerned, but am hoping I can meet people through other avenues, especially being in my early 40s now.
I do play sports, and I also ride horses and used to volunteer at an animal sanctuary. So I'm hoping to make nice connections those ways if possible. I've moved several times in my career, and sports and horses seem to help me find friends. I'm also always up for learning a new hobby.
I'm certainly not opposed to going to the pub with people, and I'm always willing to be the designated driver. I don't make an issue about it; I try very hard not to be a judgmental or fun-killing non-drinker.
My world map shows the 2 countries at nearly the same latitude. Cork is the same latitude as southern Netherlands. Dublin is just a few miles further north than Amsterdam.
I see. It depends on what part of Ireland, but you're right.
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We love updates!
I see. It depends on what part of Ireland, but you're right.
