第12 Trabajar en el extranjero – Alojamiento Relocalización con Pilo Massimino

This chapter summarizes Pilo Massimino’s advice on the practical, logistical, and mental hurdles of relocating abroad, with a specific focus on navigating the difficult housing market in Dublin and managing the financial risks of the move.

Chapter 12: The Reality of Relocation—Housing, Hidden Costs, and Hitting the Ground Running

This chapter details the practical and logistical challenges of moving abroad, with Pilo Massimino offering a stark look at the Dublin housing market and advice on managing the financial and mental stress of international relocation.

The Housing Crisis: A Harsh Introduction to Dublin

Pilo highlights that the housing search is often the biggest hurdle for newcomers to Dublin, describing it as the “most difficult thing”.

Competition and Speed: The market moves incredibly fast. You must be prepared to look at properties and make a quick decision, sometimes even before viewing the apartment.
The Price vs. Reality Shock: Pilo notes that what constitutes a “modern” or “nice” apartment in Dublin is very different from other countries, with properties that may be 100 years old. Rent is expensive, and you will often have to sacrifice location to find something you can afford.
The Shared Living Solution: He confirms that living alone in Dublin is “impossible” for most, and the cultural norm is to share an apartment (coliving or co-renting).

Financial Logistics: Don’t Rely on Relocation Packages

Pilo cautions against assuming a job’s relocation package covers everything, stressing that cash on hand is vital for the initial, stressful weeks.

The Hidden Cost of Moving: The process of getting paid by a new company takes time—often a full month. You must be financially prepared to cover the cost of a deposit (usually one month’s rent), the first month’s rent, and all living expenses until your first paycheck.
A Safety Net is Mandatory: He recommends having enough savings to live for two to three months without any income.
The Importance of Local Banking: You must have a local bank account (an Irish account) and a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to get paid and access benefits. He advises having these things ready as quickly as possible.

Mental Readiness: The First Three Months

Pilo outlines a psychological timeline for international moves, emphasizing that the initial period is a major test of resilience.

The Initial Difficulty: The first two to three months are the most difficult. Everything is new, and you are starting from zero.
Finding Your Group: To counteract isolation, you must be proactive about socializing. Finding a group of people (whether through work or expat communities) who understand the difficulty of the process is crucial for preventing a “bad experience”.
The Long-Term View: He notes that after three months, you generally start to stabilize. By the end of the first year, if you’ve secured a good job, you’ll be earning well, which makes the whole sacrifice feel worthwhile.

He concludes by reiterating the core truth of the expat life: you must prepare for the difficulty and be mentally ready to persevere through the initial hardships.