Jump Back
Making the move from Ireland to Sydney was one of the easiest decisions to make as a newly qualified accountant. The decision to move back home 9 years later after establishing a lovely life in a thriving city, with a fantastic network of friends, (not to mention the endless sunshine) was a bit more difficult.
Here, I share some of my tips on navigating the transition back to Ireland:
What drove the decision to move home?
The “Will we stay, or will we go?” conversation was something that came up in the Irish community in Sydney on a regular basis. No one wanted to be the first to leave and no one wanted to be the last one standing. It was always in the back of my mind over the 9 years I spent there, but one day it was like a light bulb moment – a sudden pull to move home. Having had two of my children in Sydney, my husband and I ultimately wanted them to grow up in Ireland, close to family.
What tips would you give someone unsure about staying versus going home?
Trust your gut. Think about your long-term goals and where you ultimately want to put down roots. For us, the high price of housing in Sydney was a major factor in our decision. Settling longer-term in Sydney would have meant moving to the suburbs, away from the close-knit network we had built up, which made Ireland all the more appealing. Making the decision was the hardest part, but once we did, things naturally fell into place.
Were there any things you did before leaving Australia that helped with the transition?
Having a lead-in time of around 6 months from making the decision to leave the country definitely helped. It gave me time to tick off a bucket list of things I wanted to do before leaving Australia. It also gave me time to plan the logistics of moving like handing in my notice at work, selling furniture, shipping items home, closing bank accounts, etc.
Were there any things you did before leaving Australia that helped you get set up in Cork before you were on the ground?
Having a house in Ireland before leaving Sydney really helped, as it gave us a base to come back to. Researching the housing market and deciding where we wanted to live was also helpful. We started the job search in advance, and my husband was able to secure a position through remote interviews from Sydney. This was actually when I first heard of Barden (shameless plug!). We got some recommendations from friends who said we should connect with Barden as they “did things a bit differently to the other recruiters”. And here I am 8 years later…
Did you find it hard to settle once you got back?
I honestly didn’t. I had two young kids and another baby on the way, so I had no time to think about the life I had left in Sydney. However, I have friends who struggled to settle in Ireland, and it took some of them a year or so for it to really feel like home. It’s important to acknowledge that it might not be plain sailing from the start. Give it time and focus on the reasons that brought you back here.
Top tips for making it work back home?
- If possible, aim to return before summer. There’s no better time in Ireland than the long summer days (even if we don’t get Sydney’s weather!). Summer in Ireland is packed with festivals, concerts, and GAA championships.
- Recreate as much of your previous life as you can, whether that’s moving to a city, living near the sea, joining clubs, or staying close to friends. It truly helps.
- Prioritise finding a job and a home; these are two major factors in helping you settle. Try to get them sorted from the beginning.
- Book weekends away to rediscover the beauty of Ireland and explore Europe, which will be on your doorstep.
Would you ever go back?
I honestly have never looked back since leaving Sydney, even though by far, some of the best times of my life were spent there. But there really is no place like home. I am an Australian citizen though, so it’s nice to have the option for the future.
Moving back to Ireland? Looking for market insights and genuine advice about your next steps in your career? Drop us a line today at hello@barden.ie and we will take it from there. Simple.