I just got back today from a trip home for Christmas. While visiting with friends and family, I realized just how much I have changed and grown since I moved to Dublin. When visiting with friends, they all talked about work a lot. Since I used to work with many of them, it was nice to catch up with them about what was going on at my former employer, which also made me feel better about my decision to leave.
I also saw the friend that I was going to go work for had I not moved to Ireland. She works about 70 hours a week and has little time for anything else. She realizes that this is too much but can't seem to work less or say no to people. Had I not moved, that would have been me as well. That was me (ok, more like 50-60 hours a week) before I moved. Now I have balance in life. I don't think that I could go back to the workaholic ways. More importantly, I don't want to go back to being a workaholic. I am a far more balanced person and have a better quality of life here. People are always surprised that my quality of life is better in Dublin but we are focussed on making the most out of life.
The other thing that struck me while home is that I am between worlds. I don't really fit in at home anymore because I have changed. I also don't really fit into Irish society yet. My word choices have changed and of course people at home found it amusing to hear me talk now. I really don't know how to explain the feeling of being between cultures. I tried to explain it to a couple people but wasn't really successful. The best I can say is that I have started to adopt some Irish attitudes but haven't fully acculturated yet.
While home, a lot of people asked if we were moving back when my work authorization is up in May 2007. It was difficult to tell people that we don't plan to move back. We don't really have any plans. We are just going with the flow. If we get homesick, we'll move back. Otherwise, we'll keep enjoying our Irish experiences. Actually, this is another massive change in me. I used to plan everything. I used to have a definite plan for my career. Now, I still have the goal but if I don't get there, I believe in what I am doing. I believe in my work more than I did at home. At home, I was helping people. Here I feel like I am making more of a difference and that is why I went into the field.
Happy New Year all and thank you loyal (and new) readers!
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1 comment:
Great entry. It’s so interesting to read your reflections of being home, and of living in Ireland.
I hope you both stay on in Ireland, as I'm really enjoying and appreciating all your thoughts and advice on living in your new country.
Having lived in different cultures as a young adult, I understand what you mean by saying you are between cultures. It’s wonderful that you have each other to experience everything together. And, it is also so encouraging to learn of all you are gaining from your new home – especially the new found balance in life, your friend is working such very long hours.
Hoping you have a wonderful New Year’s celebrations.
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