Leaving Ireland to avoid Debt

[MrEarl]

Hello,

I don't agree with "walking away" from your debts - while a struggle, many people struggle with debt, at some stage in their lives.

Contact the lenders that you owe the money to, explain your current situation, and ask them for a reduction in repayments for 12 months (they will most likely want information from you, then revert with 3-6 month proposals, then a further review).

Don't be shy about asking the lenders what roles they are currently recruiting for, too, and specifically ask them to link you in with their recruitment team, in their HR Departments. You've nothing to lose by asking, and it shows that your want to resolve the current issues.

But let me park that temporarily, if I may, please...

Can I suggest you consider starting a new seperate thread, with regards to your attempts to get employment, and let's see what assistance people here might be able to offer - be it advice, or who knows, what else?

There's a very varied group of people contributing to this website, with all sorts of experience and expertise. It's all free, so take full advantage of it

 

[clinteastwood]

I would suggest that you have come to the wrong place to seek advice on how to purposefully renege on debt that you willingly took on. It's the rest of us that pay for it.

Gee, give the lad a break. He's only in his 20s.

 

[Sarah Ryan]

What is your degree in?
Do you have access to a car?

Get working, any job, it might not be related to your degree but you need income coming in fast, would you consider something solid like Dublin Bus?

Bus Eireann (not sure of your location) If you have access to a car take away deliveries are a nice cash in hand earner, not to be sniffed at helped us save for our house deposit.

While you are working then you can try and get work in the same area of your studies?

 

[PGF2016]

Gee, give the lad a break. He's only in his 20s.

At what age should this adult be treated like an adult?

Edit: In hindsight maybe you are not being serious....

 

[Scoobydoobydoo]

Did you undertake any work experience as part of your degree? Can you approach them again?
Have you approached your course provider, they should have some sort of careers service offering to assist recent graduates enter the workforce?

 

[Clamball]

At what age should this adult be treated like an adult?

Edit: In hindsight maybe you are not being serious....

I think what people are trying to say is

In general people start earning their own wages in their 20 and become financially independent.

Not everyone has the skill or ability or luck to live within their means and some at the start of their financial independence will soar and some will sink - and sink badly like the OP.

Not everyone is financially savvy and can get the hang of risk/debt/income/outgoings from the get go so allowing people a bit of grace (such as give him a break, he is only in his 20’s) is just plain kindness and being non judgemental.

So let’s focus on advising and helping rather that casting young adults to the wolves because they ended up in a mess.

 

[Tomo1998]

I would like to thank everyone for their help. With the first few comments on here I didn’t think this forum would be beneficial.

Just to answer a few of the questions above; I studied Law & Taxation, Law was what I wanted to get into but unfortunately due to not knowing anyone in the field and, having no previous experience, it would seem I’m pretty far down the pecking order.

I’m 24 and I did not follow through with purchasing the car that time as I would not have been able to afford it. I am on jobseekers at the moment, but with my rent it is not enough to survive while also paying a loan. In terms of my family, unfortunately my mother is widowed and has told me many times is in no position to help or allow me to move back in. I have reconnected with MABS and I will have another conversation. I will not be settling in Ireland in the future and have no ambitions of ever getting a mortgage here which is why I was thinking the way I was. Looking at the comments here I can see why moving abroad would not be a great move at this moment in time.

I write cover letters on every application and have tailored my CV to the types of jobs I’m applying for which is HR, IT, Admin roles. I have a lot of experience in these areas, having worked throughout all my college years. I’ve been graduated for a year and a half now also.

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions. I’m just going to keep applying, hope something falls for me soon and put the head down for the foreseeable. It’s just an incredibly frustrating situation.

 

[PGF2016]

I think what people are trying to say is

In general people start earning their own wages in their 20 and become financially independent.

Not everyone has the skill or ability or luck to live within their means and some at the start of their financial independence will soar and some will sink - and sink badly like the OP.

Not everyone is financially savvy and can get the hang of risk/debt/income/outgoings from the get go so allowing people a bit of grace (such as give him a break, he is only in his 20’s) is just plain kindness and being non judgemental.

So let’s focus on advising and helping rather that casting young adults to the wolves because they ended up in a mess.

I still think the comment regarding reneging on the debt was fair.

I would like to thank everyone for their help. With the first few comments on here I didn’t think this forum would be beneficial.

Just to answer a few of the questions above; I studied Law & Taxation, Law was what I wanted to get into but unfortunately due to not knowing anyone in the field and, having no previous experience, it would seem I’m pretty far down the pecking order.

I’m 24 and I did not follow through with purchasing the car that time as I would not have been able to afford it. I am on jobseekers at the moment, but with my rent it is not enough to survive while also paying a loan. In terms of my family, unfortunately my mother is widowed and has told me many times is in no position to help or allow me to move back in. I have reconnected with MABS and I will have another conversation. I will not be settling in Ireland in the future and have no ambitions of ever getting a mortgage here which is why I was thinking the way I was. Looking at the comments here I can see why moving abroad would not be a great move at this moment in time.

I write cover letters on every application and have tailored my CV to the types of jobs I’m applying for which is HR, IT, Admin roles. I have a lot of experience in these areas, having worked throughout all my college years. I’ve been graduated for a year and a half now also.

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions. I’m just going to keep applying, hope something falls for me soon and put the head down for the foreseeable. It’s just an incredibly frustrating situation.

Get a hospitality role. Go to local hotels. Not what you want but they might offer other opportunities further down the road. Even if you're working behind a bar you could offer to help with IT issues and ask if you can assist with admin roles for an hour or two a week.

A job like this will hopefully help your mental health, your wealth and will show potential employers that you're willing to work. I don't see a downside.

At the same time keep applying for roles that you see a career path in.

Good luck.

 

[Allthatglitters]

I would like to thank everyone for their help. With the first few comments on here I didn’t think this forum would be beneficial.

Just to answer a few of the questions above; I studied Law & Taxation, Law was what I wanted to get into but unfortunately due to not knowing anyone in the field and, having no previous experience, it would seem I’m pretty far down the pecking order.

I’m 24 and I did not follow through with purchasing the car that time as I would not have been able to afford it. I am on jobseekers at the moment, but with my rent it is not enough to survive while also paying a loan. In terms of my family, unfortunately my mother is widowed and has told me many times is in no position to help or allow me to move back in. I have reconnected with MABS and I will have another conversation. I will not be settling in Ireland in the future and have no ambitions of ever getting a mortgage here which is why I was thinking the way I was. Looking at the comments here I can see why moving abroad would not be a great move at this moment in time.

I write cover letters on every application and have tailored my CV to the types of jobs I’m applying for which is HR, IT, Admin roles. I have a lot of experience in these areas, having worked throughout all my college years. I’ve been graduated for a year and a half now also.

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions. I’m just going to keep applying, hope something falls for me soon and put the head down for the foreseeable. It’s just an incredibly frustrating situation.

I sympathise with your situation, and understand the feeling of hopelessness with having debt hanging over you, while not being able to get a head start.

Firstly I'd like to say that your level of debt is not huge, even if it seems so to you at this time. My personal experience is that perseverance, diligence and a few lucky breaks over the years can absolutely transform your situation. Also to take whatever role comes your way, regardless of pay levels - earning anything is better than not earning at all. It's hard to have hope when you're bogged down & consumed by debt levels, worry & unsure of next steps.

Are you aware of Springboard courses? They are free to jobseekers & give very valuable qualifications, if you wanted to specialise or pivot career-wise. You have experience in various areas, perhaps gaining more qualifications & experience in 1 area, whilst still applying for roles, could help.

 

[Premos]

I will not be settling in Ireland in the future and have no ambitions of ever getting a mortgage here which is why I was thinking the way I was.

As you are only 24, that might well change.
You said you graduated a year and a half ago, did you get any work experience since then?
I would also consider jobs at any level. linked or not to your studies. When I started my career, my education was not necessarily immediately relevant.

 

[T McGibney]

Just to answer a few of the questions above; I studied Law & Taxation, Law was what I wanted to get into but unfortunately due to not knowing anyone in the field and, having no previous experience, it would seem I’m pretty far down the pecking order.

...

I write cover letters on every application and have tailored my CV to the types of jobs I’m applying for which is HR, IT, Admin roles. I have a lot of experience in these areas, having worked throughout all my college years. I’ve been graduated for a year and a half now also.

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions. I’m just going to keep applying, hope something falls for me soon and put the head down for the foreseeable.

Have you considered working in accountancy practice? Your qualifications seem ideal for that area, and there is plenty of opportunity in the sector both for starting roles and for medium-term progression.

I'd recommend you apply for specific advertised vacancies rather than speculatively sending CVs.

 

[24601]

Just to answer a few of the questions above; I studied Law & Taxation, Law was what I wanted to get into but unfortunately due to not knowing anyone in the field and, having no previous experience, it would seem I’m pretty far down the pecking order.

The days of having to know people in law are gone unless you want to become a barrister. With a law and taxation degree you should be able to get a corporate law job. Have you completed your FE1s?

 

[Tomo1998]

I sympathise with your situation, and understand the feeling of hopelessness with having debt hanging over you, while not being able to get a head start.

Firstly I'd like to say that your level of debt is not huge, even if it seems so to you at this time. My personal experience is that perseverance, diligence and a few lucky breaks over the years can absolutely transform your situation. Also to take whatever role comes your way, regardless of pay levels - earning anything is better than not earning at all. It's hard to have hope when you're bogged down & consumed by debt levels, worry & unsure of next steps.

Are you aware of Springboard courses? They are free to jobseekers & give very valuable qualifications, if you wanted to specialise or pivot career-wise. You have experience in various areas, perhaps gaining more qualifications & experience in 1 area, whilst still applying for roles, could help.

I did have a look at the springboard courses in November but it seems I missed the application date for most of them. I also did not think I’d be on jobseekers for as long as I have. There were a few courses I had an interest in however. I’ve also thought about doing my masters but again unfortunately I’m not in a position financially to do that. Regarding my debt, I don’t think it is a situation I can never come back from, I’m not stupid as some of the above posts would suggest. I manage my finances as best I can, my debt has come from impatience and frustration on my part, not a complete lack of understanding of finances, albeit maybe a bit of stupidity. It just means I’ll be chasing myself for the next few years which is disheartening.

As you are only 24, that might well change.
You said you graduated a year and a half ago, did you get any work experience since then?
I would also consider jobs at any level. linked or not to your studies. When I started my career, my education was not necessarily immediately relevant.

The year we were meant to go on work experience was the year Covid began which is another piece of bad luck I’ve had thrown my way. That is also a factor that’s holding me back I believe. I’ve applied for entry roles in many places as stated above but as a manager in Aldi hinted, ‘we have no way of knowing if you’ll just be here for a month or two and then leave’ which I assured him is not the case. I’d assume the managers of Holland and Barrett, Tesco and Dunnes all felt the same when they rejected my applications.

 

[Protocol]

@Tomo1998

your Degree seems good.

I can't understand how 250 applications hasn't made much progress.

Have you tried the graduate programmes in the large accounting and law firms?


I think maybe the career development issue is a separate issue to the debt problem.

 

[Silversurfer]

I would like to thank everyone for their help. With the first few comments on here I didn’t think this forum would be beneficial.

Just to answer a few of the questions above; I studied Law & Taxation, Law was what I wanted to get into but unfortunately due to not knowing anyone in the field and, having no previous experience, it would seem I’m pretty far down the pecking order.

I’m 24 and I did not follow through with purchasing the car that time as I would not have been able to afford it. I am on jobseekers at the moment, but with my rent it is not enough to survive while also paying a loan. In terms of my family, unfortunately my mother is widowed and has told me many times is in no position to help or allow me to move back in. I have reconnected with MABS and I will have another conversation. I will not be settling in Ireland in the future and have no ambitions of ever getting a mortgage here which is why I was thinking the way I was. Looking at the comments here I can see why moving abroad would not be a great move at this moment in time.

I write cover letters on every application and have tailored my CV to the types of jobs I’m applying for which is HR, IT, Admin roles. I have a lot of experience in these areas, having worked throughout all my college years. I’ve been graduated for a year and a half now also.

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions. I’m just going to keep applying, hope something falls for me soon and put the head down for the foreseeable. It’s just an incredibly frustrating situation.

Congratulations on getting such a difficult degree. You have put in a lot of hard work and I can understand your disappointment in not getting offers of employment.
This is a very specialised area and my experience is that a lot of companies buy in this expertise.
Have you applied for a public service job? A clerical officer position would give you the opportunity to progress and perhaps transfer to revenue where you could use your qualifications. Another area could be where payrolls are outsourced to. An additional computer payroll qualification would be beneficial. Are you eligible for Springboard? Giving grinds to students who are starting their studies or are taking modules in another degree can be lucrative. Accountancy, business, law and any combination of these would have students who need to pass exams just once. You would be well qualified to help. Other sources of income for you to live on would be pet sitting and dog walking, house cleaning, bar work, McDonalds any of these will give you money to live on.
Running away from debts may seem attractive but it will come back to haunt you. Contact the companies who you owe money to and work out a payment plan or payment freeze. Your priorities until you have an income is a roof over your head, heating/electricity and food.

 

[Tomo1998]

The days of having to know people in law are gone unless you want to become a barrister. With a law and taxation degree you should be able to get a corporate law job. Have you completed your FE1s?

FE1s require me going to Dublin and spending more money. They are on my agenda in the future. Also I know people who have been taken on by firms before even graduating and I have not which would contradict that point.

Have you considered working in accountancy practice? Your qualifications seem ideal for that area, and there is plenty of opportunity in the sector both for starting roles and for medium-term progression.

I'd recommend you apply for specific advertised vacancies rather than speculatively sending CVs.

In terms of accountancy, I am competent but not great with numbers. Although we did touch on some light accounting modules I just always had the mindset that I would struggle in an accounting or tax environment.

@Tomo1998

your Degree seems good.

I can't understand how 250 applications hasn't made much progress.

Have you tried the graduate programmes in the large accounting and law firms?


I think maybe the career development issue is a separate issue to the debt problem.

I would agree. I believe them to be correlative. Once a good job with a long term progression plan is sorted for myself the debt will be bearable. I’ve managed this far paying it with minimum wage often times, I’ve always found a way to pay it.

I’ve applied for internships mainly in Dublin as that seems to be where the bulk of legal roles are at the moment. Some of them are for late 2024 and as a result I haven’t heard anything back yet but the ones for the summer which I’ve applied for I have had quite a few no’s.

 

[Premos]

The year we were meant to go on work experience was the year Covid began which is another piece of bad luck I’ve had thrown my way.

What have you done in the past 18 months?

Once a good job with a long term progression plan is sorted for myself the debt will be bearable

When you start a career, you won't always be able to just find a job with a long-term progression plan. But at 24, you have an option in the long term.

 

[Tomo1998]

What have you done in the past 18 months?

When you start a career, you won't always be able to just find a job with a long-term progression plan. But at 24, you have an option in the long term.

I had worked with Vodafone until I got a 9 month contract in a manufacturing role. Once my contract was up I made the decision, a wrong one in hindsight, to try and spend all my time trying to secure a role I saw myself doing long term. This has led me to where I am. The last 3 months I’ve just been applying and trying to get something going for myself. I had also been sourcing and applying for roles previous to my contract ending so I did not leave myself out in the cold.

 

[24601]

@Tomo

FE1s require me going to Dublin and spending more money. They are on my agenda in the future. Also I know people who have been taken on by firms before even graduating and I have not which would contradict that point.

You'd have to go to Dublin to sit 8 exams. It'd cost a total of €840 and whatever the price of public transport to Dublin is. You're doing nothing at the moment so if you were motivated enough you could sit 2 or 3 of them in March and possibly finish them by the next sitting. It would make a huge difference to a potential employer, you could go straight into the PPC. It's actually a massive red flag to law firms that you're unemployed 18 months and have none of them done. Also those people that were taken on before graduating were likely high-performing academically. Did you do well in your degree? Law is very competitive so if you got poor results (2.2 or below) you'd need to compensate for that with extra graft to get a training contract (e.g. gaining relevant experience through an internship and/or sitting the FE1s).

 

[Concrete]

@Tomo1998 My tuppence worth...
I imagine you're really frustrated - it's no fun applying for jobs and being turned down, and the debt must be a strain.
You're doing the right thing looking for advice about your two issues of unemployment and debt.
You'll figure this out but you need to keep fighting.
Put the 250 applications and past mistakes behind you, and redouble your efforts in getting a job, and then a career.
I suggest you park the idea of relocating for now (you can always move to a location you prefer later, but as others have said, it solves nothing for you in the short term). Once you're up and running in a job, and with a career plan in place, everything will become more manageable and you'll have all kinds of options.

As @MrEarl said above, maybe better to start a new thread for assistance with tactics to apply for jobs, etc.

I agree with @Silversurfer - with your qualifications, I think you should consider the public service. I believe there's huge variety there, and with current rates of employment, I imagine a lot of people are being drawn to the private rather than public sector, which might help a little. Take a look at https://publicjobs.ie/en/

Lastly, (and not ideal I know) but in the very short time, if you can't find anything else, would you consider looking for even a few hours of voluntary work in your area if you haven't yet? It'll look way better when you get to interview stage for any job, and will give you an edge over another candidate who's not working/volunteering; it will probably also increase your confidence in your abilities, which will also come across well in an interview; it might do some good in your are (which will make you feel more positive).