Expat Community > Ireland

sukeysue
Joined 2004
Posts: 1

Should I? or Shouldn't I?

19 years ago

I currently live in a very small and rural Midwestern U.S. community. I am contemplating moving to Ireland with my husband and 4 year old son. I have been corresponding with a recruitment firm and I don't think I will have a problem getting a job. I am a speech therapist which are apparently considered to be in need. Anyway...my husband has agreed to quit his job and accompany me on this adventure. (He has never left the country before.) I have so many questions that I can't seem to find an answer to...So if anyone has any suggestions or advice, please let me know. Here they are:
1. Which of the major cities is the cheapest/best to live in for a young familiy who aren't accustomed to metropolian living?
2. Which one of them would be comparable as far as crime, good public schools, etc. to the Midwest?
3. What are the odds that my husband could find a job either legitimately or under the table. If not could we possibly live on my proposed $64K salary?
4. Is a car necessary or is public transportation sufficeint everywhere?
5. Does anyone know of the working conditions of speech therapist there? Why is there such a shortage? Is it too underpaid or too high of a caseload?
6. What age does kindergarten/Irish equivalent start?
7. My husband has very simple entertainment needs i.e. watching American sports, is there much access to NFL and NBA games on television?
8. Should we sell our current house or try to rent it?
I visited Ireland in 1995 and I loved it even though I was sick the entire time. Do I have an overidealized image of Ireland courtesy of the tourist board commercials? Is it worth it? I know that my husband and I have to make these decisions but I would appreciate any input at all. Thanks and sorry this is such a long post.
Sincerely,
Susan Beers

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