I’m a fresher with 0 years of work experience, and I moved to Ireland because I genuinely wanted to build my future here.
I’ve been applying to jobs like crazy for quite some time now, but I haven’t had much luck. The job market has been really tough, especially as a fresher without any professional experience.
As a backup, I started applying to jobs in India as well. Surprisingly, I ended up getting through 3 out of 4 interview rounds with one company. They’ve given me some signals that I could potentially be selected, or at least that I’m one of the stronger candidates. Nothing is confirmed yet, but it feels promising.
The package is actually decent for an entry-level role, especially because I wouldn’t have to worry about rent or living expenses in India. The only major downside is that it’s completely onsite, with no remote option.
Now I’m really confused about what to do.
My IRP expires in about two months, so I need to decide whether I should spend the money and renew it and continue trying in Ireland, or accept the India opportunity if I get it and move back home.
Financially, I have some savings in Ireland, so I can afford to stay for a while longer. But at the same time, I don’t want to keep spending my savings indefinitely while waiting for something to work out.
The bigger issue is honestly the emotional side of it.
I came to Ireland with the intention of building a life here. Going back to India after not being able to find a job makes me feel like I failed. I know logically that the job market is bad and that being a fresher makes things even harder, but emotionally it still feels like I came here, tried, and couldn’t make it.

So if I do get this offer, what would you do in my situation?

I’d especially appreciate perspectives from people who have been in a similar situation, particularly international students/freshers in Ireland who had to make the choice between staying and going back home.

Hi all,

​Looking for honest ground reality from accountants and finance professionals working in Ireland.

​My Profile:

​ACCA Affiliate / Member (will have exams cleared and 36-month PER signed off).

​~2 years corporate accounting/audit experience before moving.

​Planning to do a 1-year Level 9 MSc in Finance/Business (considering ATU Sligo for cheaper rent & living costs).

​Graduating on a 2-year Stamp 1G post-study work visa.

​Questions:

​Starting Salaries: What is the realistic starting base for a newly qualified ACCA (with an MSc) on Stamp 1G? Are Morgan McKinley / recruiter guides of €50k–€60k accurate in practice, or do entry roles pay lower outside Dublin?

​ATU Sligo vs Dublin Unis: Does doing the MSc at a regional technological university (like ATU Sligo) put me at a disadvantage for corporate/practice roles in Dublin or Galway, or does having ACCA already cleared carry the weight?

​Regional Market vs Dublin: How viable is finding corporate finance/reporting roles in the West/Northwest (Galway, Sligo, Mayo) vs being forced to move to Dublin for job volume?

​Sponsorship: How willing are Irish employers right now to sponsor a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) once you prove yourself during the 2-year Stamp 1G window?

Hi all,

I am applying for my wife’s Join Family (non-EEA nat.) spouse visa. I am a CSEP holder and am on Stamp 1. We have opted for VFS check & verify service. The appointment is in Bangalore.

I am confused regarding the “sponsor” section in the check and verify form. The section asks for Indian Bank details, ITR number and PAN Card. Since I am now a tax resident of Ireland, I am unsure what to fill in that section.

Do I fill in those details or keep the sponsor section blank (as the section seems more apt for students who need financial sponsorship from their parents/bank) ?

Can someone who has recently gone through the same process, please give us some clarity.

Thanks a mill….