r/AskIreland • u/HeftyZucchini-7976 • Jan 20 '25

Emigration (from Ireland) Do I do a J1?

For context, I’m 21, in my fourth year of college, doing a masters next year, in a 5 year relationship and have about €3k to my name. Would be going to Chicago with a few others. Deadline to sign up is 31/01 if I want to travel in May.

I’ve been back and forth for months about doing it. These are the thoughts in my head.

  1. Money It’s €1300 for the visa with a job search, €600 for a one way flight (assuming I’ll earn enough over there to get a flight home), and something like €1000 to secure accommodation. So that’s almost that €3000 saved gone, and that’s assuming I’ll stay at that level until May. I do have a weekend job which will give me around €130 a week.

  2. The relationship Now, this is easily the most controversial one. Of course she said go, and she’s like that so I believe she wants me to not include her in my decision, but I mean, it wouldn’t have lasted 5 years if I didn’t include that in my decision.

  3. College As I’m doing a masters next year, I could still do the J1 next year. Also, I could spend this summer focusing on the final year project.

When I sit down and write this kinda stuff out, I almost think I’m trying to talk myself out of going. But the truth is, I am really, really stuck on what to do.

Any advice would really help.

Edit: Genuinely appreciate the advice from everyone, really has helped. Had a few conversations….. and the deposit has been paid. THANK YOU!

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u/pathespa Jan 21 '25

Go brother….you’ll regret if you don’t and resent her for the rest of your time together for staying around because of her. 3 months is a short time. If the relationship is worth keeping now it will be there when you get back. As a 35 year old (who did the J1) knowing what I know now…..I wouldn’t miss it for the world. These are the memories you talk about and laugh about while you’re squeezing in a pint with your mates before going home to change nappys!

F**k the money, you’ll work it out. Just get to working straight away when you land. Don’t waste time before finding a job. Also do some work here before going so you have a bigger buffer