Hello, I thought this might be a good place to post this question. Are there any of you (particularly Americans) who have obtained professional work in Ireland and lived there for a while? Could you tell me how difficult it was to obtain work permits and a skilled job? Any stories or information will be hugely appreciated.
I’ve been entertaining the idea of moving there for a few years. My husband really wants to do this too. He’s a computer programmer/web developer. I want to go back to school. My dream school is the University College Cork. I visited the campus over 4 years ago and strongly felt that I’d be back there to study Irish history, music, etc (I already have a Bachelors degree in Accounting & Business Admin). I’m 34 years old, but very young at heart. We don’t have kids so an adventure like this would be very possible.
Of course my passion for the Irish flute is also driving me towards Ireland. I live for the Music and it just seems that life is too short to not pursue your dreams, right? So I need to try my best to get over there.
Hey Joyce. You know I want to try this move as well. If you and S. could manage it, could always have one person enroll in a graduate program at UCC. I was particularly interested in the traditional music and Irish-language programs.
From what I understand, with my limited (!!!) experience, finding an Irish-sponsored job is very difficult and trying to simply obtain a work permit is nigh impossible. But when you do find that sponsored job . . . You’re in! If you enroll and start schooling there, that’s your chance for networking! Perhaps there are some folks here that have some good thoughts to share on the subject.
I have not personally attempted to get a job there, but what I have been told by others who have tried is that the openings are more in trades and services, e.g. mechanics, plumbers, etc. I am told the Irish just aren’t interested in this kind of work. That’s why there are so many people from other countires who can find work there. I am told that Ireland already has a well trained and educated workforce in the computer/information industry, so there mightn’t be as many openings there.
Hi Joyce. I can’t remeber if I got back to you earlier in the summer or not. No races in VT for me this summer. I’m just racing MTB now. 3rd place at my last race!
I have a good friend who’s a nurse and found out it’s very tough to get jobs in the medical field for various reasons. She even visited a hospital out there and contacted the Irish nursing boards. But I don’t think she has completely given up. It’s always worth a try.
Thanks for the links, Peter. I did find these myself plus a whole bunch more. It’s amazing all the information you can find on the internet. I even found stories about Americans moving to Ireland. Very interesting and informative.
I was hoping to hear about any members here at C&F who did take the plunge. I guess it’s not done too often. It is a huge endeavor and maybe a bit crazy. But I do love a challenge
