I have been toying with the idea of moving back to the Netherlands (Rotterdam area) for many many years. I lived there until my 15th and truly loved it. Both myself and my girlfriend are thinking of making a move, however, there are a number of pros and cons associated with the move. How do you make the final decision?
Pros
-We love the Netherlands: people, biking, architecture, food snacks, transport links, how clean it is.
-Similar cost of living if not slightly less to Ireland (Dublin) where we live.
-Our cash deposit for a house in Ireland goes a longer way in the Netherlands, our mortgage would be small or could be repaid much quicker. One of us could probably work part time and mind future kids.
-Houses in Ireland are significantly overpriced at the moment. I believe there is a similar problem emerging in Holland but it's still good value for us.
-We are both professionals (finance + architecture) with good work experience in Ireland. Our skills are reasonably transferable to the Dutch market.
-I am fluent (although rusty) in Dutch.
-We have some friends and family (uncle and aunt) already there.
-Dutch people value work life balance more than Irish.
Cons
-There is a risk career wise that we might be taking a step back as we are both well established professionally (permanent jobs) in Ireland.
-Have good salaries in Ireland with perks such as: pensions, health, life insurance.
-Having to re-establish yourself again socially and professionally.
-My girlfriend does not speak Dutch (but is willing to learn).
-We are both 35 and are hoping to start a family in 2-3 years. We won't be able to start as easily as in Ireland (maternity, paternity leave etc.).
-Close family living in Ireland and Poland. With Ryanair it's not so much of a con, however, long distance babysitting might be an issue.
In general, our life in Ireland is good. We've come to the point in our lives where we are deciding/looking to buy a house and settle down in Ireland. I suppose there is a certain "fear" in the back of my mind that the opportunity of returning to Holland is no longer an option once we settle here in Ireland.
There are many other questions and I'm curious to hear how others made the decision to pack your bags, move to Holland and not look back?