A few years ago, I had the opportunity to write what I hope is a fun, interesting, and fairly informative book on living in Ireland. The book, A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland, has done rather well, I'm proud to say.
The Revision is now available! So to all of you who desire to live, work, or visit here, I hope that this book (now well over 80,000 words) might prove of interest. It's available by clicking this link: https://www.amazon.com/author/tomrichards
By the way: any feedback very much appreciated!
And a Quick Summary of what you'll find in the Book:
Major Topics
In A Survivor’s Guide to Living in Ireland, author Tom Richards outlines the real facts about moving to and living in this country including:
The Cost of Living HereIreland’s ever-changing housing industry: where and what to buy. When Richards moved there, he bought a house for just over $15,000. While housing costs had increased substantially during the Celtic Tiger years, they are now falling fast and are less expensive now than they have been in years. Perhaps you too can own a thatched cottage within earshot of a babbling brook. Richards shows you how.
Work PermitsThat elusive work permit: how to get one. Did you know that you will have to get your hands on a work permit to be allowed to work? Richards lets you in on the secrets of obtaining one for yourself.
Getting a JobMaking a living in Ireland: unless you have a rich Uncle, you probably have to work for a living. Celtic Tiger Ireland added an entrepreneurial spirit to this country, and small businesses drive Ireland’s economy. Richards gives an on the ground analyse of and the opportunities that are available in its modern, fast-paced economy, even in current market conditions.
A Health System to Die For
The virtually free Medical System: Ireland has socialised medicine, one that won’t strip away your retirement nest egg if you happen to get sick. Richards gives you some examples of its incredible entitlements.
The High Quality of EducationA School and University system to die for: the author’s three children have all grown up with the benefit of a system with which Richards has fallen in love. His glowing but realistic account illustrates how your offspring can also benefit from what he considers to be one of the best school systems anywhere.
The Wonders of Living in Ireland and the
Reality of Being an Immigrant
Reality of Being an Immigrant
Few expats write of the sometimes-difficult transition faced by immigrants. But Richards does. As he says, “…move here and the odds are that you’ll never go back. I say this because it’s something to think about before you choose the path of immigration, and it’s an issue that I find is rarely discussed. ‘Immigrating is hard work. It can be an emotional roller coaster out of which few emerge unscathed.
But something magical happens when a person moves here. Despite all of the difficulties of immigrating to this country, Ireland seems to root itself into the very fabric of your being. And once the roots have become established it’s very difficult to shake yourself loose.”
Due to ever-increasing demand for this E-Book, A Survivor’s Guide to Living in Ireland has been substantially revised and expanded. This 2009 edition is now bigger, more entertaining, and more valuable than ever before. With well over 200 pages of humour and insights, this book also includes important and up-to-date Internet references to help with further research, as well as Richards’ personal (and funny!) Dictionary of Irish Slang and Phrases to help you to talk like the Irish do.
Loaded with facts, anecdotes, and lessons learned by a fellow American from Chicago – a regular guy just like you – A Survivor’s Guide to Living in Ireland is necessary reading for those who are thinking of either visiting this country for a prolonged stay, or those determined enough to move here permanently.The picture that Tom Richards provides in this book is much clearer and experiential than those written only from a perspective of rose-colored poetry.
A Survivor’s Guide to Living in Ireland provides factual information written in a style that travel writer Bill Bryson would appreciate, and illustrates what a move to Ireland requires…and captivates the reader by explaining exactly what living in Ireland is really like.
Tom Richards' wouldn't leave Ireland on a bet. Written without any punches pulled, this is the book to read if you've ever thought about moving to that marvellous country.
A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland 2014 Kindle Edition Available Now
Want to learn more about living in Ireland? Are you thinking of traveling to Ireland or moving to Ireland? If so, you might consider the purchase of the 2014 Kindle ebook edition of A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland. Now 80,000+ words long, and having sold over 10,000 copies in its various editions, it could make the perfect gift for those interested in this wonderful country. Simply click on any of the links above to purchase this new Kindle version. You can also download various free aps to read this Kindle version on any PC or Mac.
where can I get a hardcopy of the new book?
ReplyDeleteI am hesitant.. should I quite my graduate job & take risk.. or take vacation & just attempt applying for jobs for the month I'll spend in dublin?
ReplyDeleteWondering if I should get a kindle version of your book & whether the work permit section will actually help me!?
Morning Ahmed... Hmmmm...that's a thorny decision. My gutt reaction is to take the second option: come over on holidays and check things out. Who knows? a) you might not like the place at all. In which case you'll want to go home (I've seen this happen all the time and it's no big deal) or b) you could pick up a job or c) you'll be able to do some on-the-ground research; make some contacts, see how your skills will apply hear; talk to some employment agencies; maybe talk to an Irish University about continuing grad work in Ireland?
ReplyDeleteWhen I moved here I took a big leap of faith: but I was forced to. We were living in California. My Irish wife desperately wanted to come home. I had lost my job in the Reagan recession of 1982. So I had few choices. You do! Which is wonderful. My only advice: take things slowly with no drastic action. Consider carefully what you want. The life of an immigrant can be difficult - but also very exciting. So before you make any leap, really think about your future and where you want to go. I wish you well. Tom