Business analyst Thomas O’Brien left Ireland and Cork over three years ago after being made redundant. He shipped off to Australia, like so many Irish emigrants before and after him, to try and set-up again. And set-up the Shanakiel man did. 

Name:Thomas O’Brien

Age:29

Occupation: Business Analyst

Where in Cork you are from?

Shanakiel Road

How long has it been since you emigrated from Ireland?

3 ½ years

Why did you decide to leave Cork?

I left Cork as my job was made redundant unfortunately. I tried to get another one for the next 6 months, but to no avail. I then decided enough was enough and headed off.

What made you emigrate to the place you live in at the moment?

I chose Australia as I had heard good things about the place. My father had also lived here for 7 years when he was younger. Obviously the fact that they speak English as well was a major advantage and I suppose most importantly – I heard there was lots of work available.

 What’s your favourite thing about your new home?

The weather is very good here and the people are very friendly which makes life that little bit easier. There is also a very good work/life balance over here. Alot of that has to do with the evenings being fine so people try to make the most of them.

 What do you miss most about Cork?

I miss my family the most but I also miss Irish food massively. Luckily enough I have managed to find a great Irish website called Justlikehome.ie that sends out all my favourite Irish food’s such as Barry’s, Taytos, Ballymaloe relish, Cadburys etc. It’s great as my family often send me stuff over now that I have told them about the site. Having the Irish food at least makes me feel like I am at home. It is the small things that count.

 What do you miss least about Cork?

The cold, wet winters and the lack of a summer!

How did family and friends react when you emigrated?

Initially they were not too keen but once they saw that Ireland was in a deep recession and I was not going to get a job, they gave it their blessing.

Do you plan to return to live in Ireland anytime in the future?

Yes, I hope to return to Ireland in the near future. While it is great over here it will never be home and you really are a long way from family and friends.

Would you like to raise your family abroad?

No, I don’t think so. It would be alot more difficult without the support of your family to help out when needed.

Does social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Skype make it easier to move abroad?

Yes massively. I use Skype all the time with my family. Facebook is obviously very useful for seeing what is going on with other people across the world as well. A lot of my friends are now spread across the globe so Facebook is the only tool to keep in touch really.

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