Last week I returned home to Ireland for the first time since moving to New York. Although the last seven months have been the quickest of my life, and I have been loving every minute, I was ready for a recharge and an Irish fry.  It was my first time seeing my parents, my home friends and the love of my life, my pup Mylo since the move.

ShePrevails Ireland

I took a big risk moving to New York but I returned home knowing I had made the right decision. I won’t lie, I could have done with a few extra days but all in all I was happy to be just visiting. New York is where I am meant to be right now and my trip home helped reconfirm that.

While home I made sure to avail of my delightfully cheaper country. I had everything from my hair done to seeing my dentist and doctor. I decided to get a full checkup with blood tests and a smear test which is free to me since turning 25.  The quickest and most painless procedure I’ve experienced. Go do it!

Anyway…………..

Here are a few photos from my visit:

She Prevails beach

She Prevails dog

 

My future in New York

So, now that I’m back in New York what’s next? The initial visa I went over on was the J1 Graduate visa which I could get within one year of graduating college. This visa lasts for 12 months so when I planned my move to New York I saw it as a one-year thing. I always knew I would probably like to stay longer but that’s not simple and the options and chances decrease by the year (not to mention the whole Trump situation).

New York has many ways in which it can surprise you. Often you feel like your life is a constant lottery and luck may or may not fall upon you. I didn’t have a job lined up moving over so I started from scratch and that was far from easy. In the end, my persistence paid off when I was offered just the type of job I was looking for, in a company that is open to sponsorship and would happy to help me stay beyond my one year. In other words, the jackpot!

So right now, I am in the processes of obtaining a new visa that will allow me to stay another two years. Nothing is set in stone as it is a long process and by no means easy, but for now it looks like my New York adventure is far from nearly over. I will still need to return to Ireland to obtain the new visa which should also coincide with Christmas so that’s when I will likely to be home next. Christmas feels like a long way away as I write this post on my flight from Dublin to JFK. But if the last seven months are anything to go by, the time will fly in!

Side note: While writing this post I’m also watching The Founder. It’s all about how Mc Donald’s came to be so huge and the main guy behind its success. A really interesting movie about ambition and persistence!

ShePrevails Ireland

I’ve learned a lot about visa options over the last while after a lot of searching. It’s hard to find information and I would love to do a whole blog post on visas but I’m also hesitant to provide too much about my situation in case in comes back to bite me. (Technically, you cannot apply for a second visa while on the J1). So, if you have any questions feel free to email me and I’ll be happy to go deeper into things.

Sophie x

14 Comments

  • Posted June 30, 2017 10:21 am
    by Kait

    First off, your doggie looks so cute! You are so brave to make this change. I am a New Yorker & I swear that this experience will be SO worth it. I am a big lover of NY State. So many things to do and so many opportunities. Let me know if you have any questions!! Good luck xx

  • Posted June 30, 2017 12:56 pm
    by Kate Simpson

    My husband and I are discussing living overseas sometime in the next few years and I know 0 about visas. It seems like such a stressful and annoying process!

  • Posted June 30, 2017 9:22 am
    by Annaliese

    Sometimes a trip home can give you so much perspective!! Glad it was a good visit!

    xoxo A
    http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

  • Posted June 30, 2017 1:18 pm
    by Michelle @ And Then We Tried

    Forgot how much I love the beaches in Ireland! Wishing you luck with your Visa!

    http://www.andthenwetried.com

  • Posted June 30, 2017 4:18 pm
    by Lily

    Glad you had a great time visiting home and I hope things with your visa go well!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

  • Posted June 30, 2017 8:38 pm
    by Ying-NavigatingAdulthood

    It’s so great that you made the leap of faith you moved to New York! It’s SUCH a fun place- best of luck with all the visa stuff!

    xo, Ying | Navigatingadulthood.com

  • Posted July 1, 2017 1:30 pm
    by Alix Maza

    So cool! Good luck with everything.

  • Posted July 1, 2017 8:44 am
    by Rachel R Ritlop

    Good luck with your visa! I know what a pain that process can be like. I’d love to see a post, but respect your privacy as well!

  • Posted July 1, 2017 11:15 pm
    by Anna

    It’s awesome that you were able to go back and visit your family! Best of luck with all the visa stuff!

  • Posted July 1, 2017 11:07 pm
    by Melissa

    That is amazing! The visa process is exhauting. But for sure you are lucky that company is willing to sponsor you! that’s hard to find.

    xx, Melissa
    https://elephantontheroad.com

  • Posted July 3, 2017 3:20 pm
    by Michelle Paige

    That must have been so hard starting from scratch in New York! I can’t even imagine but what an awesome city to live in and it really sounds like you’ve made your way. I’m so happy for you! Side note, my dogs name is Myla! So close lol

  • Posted July 4, 2017 1:12 am
    by Sydney

    Ahh I would love to visit both new york and Ireland one day!!

  • Posted July 4, 2017 9:42 am
    by Kait

    So adventurous, good luck on all your future endeavors! Also, adorable dog!

  • Posted July 6, 2017 8:27 am
    by elly leavitt

    ahhh welcome (belated) to nyc!!! I moved here almost a year ago now and I so agree with what you said about the lottery situation. x

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