I was asked by Orla Donaghar, an interview tutor, to provide information about what it is like for Irish graduates to leave Ireland and work abroad. This is the report that was published in The Sun newspaper.
THE boom may be back but Irish professionals are still moving abroad to find better job opportunities.
According to career consultation and interview coach Orla Donagher, young professionals are lured abroad by attractive packages. Ms Donagher, from Interview Tutor, said: « Some small to medium companies (in Ireland) can only offer basic salary packages.
« On the other side of the coin some people abroad looking to come home are shocked to discover it’s not so easy. »
Here people discuss their decisions to work at home and abroad.
SEANAN O Coistin left Ireland in June 2012 when the economy was still in dire straits. Seanan first travelled to Luxembourg, where he worked in the European Commission.
Then it was on to Germany, where he taught an Irish Cultural Studies course at the University of Trier. Returning to Ireland in 2015, he worked for a time in Galway before embarking on a course at the Innovation Academy in Trinity College.
However, when he saw a competition for Irish translators at the European Parliament he applied, and was successful, moving back to Luxembourg in 2016.
The 37-year-old has been there since, and like any job he says it has its positives and negatives.
He said: « There are pluses and minuses, the pay is very good, you have 24 or 25 different languages, you’re meeting people from different places.
« But we have very long days and I’m sitting down all day, which is very unhealthy. You can be sitting in front of a computer from about 8.30am until 6pm so it’s not the best. »
While based at the European Parliament, Stephen [NOT MY NAME] actually lives across the border in Germany.
The cost of living in Luxembourg is very expensive, so many people opt to travel over from Germany where costs are lower.
He explained: « I have an hour-long commute each way because I live in Germany and it’s cheaper, so I’m back and forth every day. »
Seanan, who is originally from Co Kildare, said he would like to return to Ireland at some stage.
But there are several factors to consider first. He said: « I’d like to save up money for a while, there is no point going to Ireland with little or no money — particularly the way prices have gone.
« I have a German girlfriend and she is still studying so she can’t go anywhere with me until she has finished her studies.
« I’d like to come back to Ireland but when and where and for what reason is unsure yet. »