🌍 Living Abroad: From Struggles to Strength — My Journey in Ireland

Moving to a new country sounds exciting. And it is — but no one really talks enough about how hard it can be.

When I first came to Ireland, I was hopeful, curious, and honestly, a little nervous. I knew I was stepping into a completely different world — new people, new weather, new rules, new expectations. But I didn't expect just how much it would test me, challenge me, and slowly shape me into a stronger version of myself.

❄️ Weather, Food, and the Everyday Challenges

The first few weeks were the hardest. The cold, grey days hit me harder than I expected. I was used to warmth — not just in the weather, but in the people, the food, and the culture back home. Suddenly, I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces, cold wind, and quiet streets. The smallest things — like finding spices I was used to or cooking a proper meal — became a struggle.

I’ll be honest: I can’t cook very well. And being away from home, I really felt it. Food became less about taste and more about survival. But slowly, I started figuring things out — learning to make simple dishes, budgeting groceries, and appreciating the value of every meal I could pull together.

💼 The Job Struggle: Rejections, Silence, and Finally, Hope

One of the most stressful parts was finding a part-time job. Every rejection hit hard. Sometimes it wasn’t even a rejection — just silence. I walked into places, dropped off CVs, sent applications, faced people who didn’t bother to make eye contact. Some were rude. Some just didn’t care.

But I kept going.

Eventually, I got my first part-time job. And I’ll never forget that moment. It wasn’t just about earning money — it was about gaining back a little confidence. It was proof that if I kept trying, something would work out.

🧠 Loneliness, Mental Battles, and the Power of Support

What they don’t tell you is that loneliness can sneak up even in a crowd. There were days I felt completely disconnected. No personal support nearby. No one to talk to after a long day. And some of the people I met were… well, not the kindest. I faced insults. I faced cold shoulders. I faced rejection in ways I hadn’t experienced before.

But through it all, I held on to one thing: the teachings and values my parents gave me.

They taught me to stay grounded. To be patient. To never stop trying. And in those quiet, difficult moments, those lessons echoed in my mind. I remembered my dad’s quiet strength, my mom’s way of turning problems into learning. And I realized I had inherited more from them than I knew.

❤️ Relationships That Grew Stronger

If there’s a silver lining to this journey, it’s the way it brought me closer to the people who matter.

My bond with my parents became deeper. Living far away made me appreciate every message, every call, every word of advice. I now understand them more than I ever did.

And my relationship with my girlfriend became one of the biggest sources of strength in my life. She’s been with me through the ups and downs — encouraging me when I was low, cheering for me when I succeeded, and just being there. This experience strengthened our bond in a way nothing else could.

💭 Looking Ahead

I still face challenges every day — cooking, studying, working, managing everything on my own. But I’m learning. I’m growing. And I’m preparing every single day to build the career I came here for.

I don’t know what the future holds. But I do know this:

Whatever comes next, I’ll face it with everything I’ve learned — from my journey, my struggles, and most importantly, from my parents and my partner.

🙏 Thank You

To my mom, my dad, and my girlfriend — Thank you for being my rock. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving me the strength to keep going.

This journey would have been impossible without you.