These are the words of one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs Mr. Virgin Atlantic himself, Richard Branson. I’ve used the mantra myself three times this week, and am taking actions and getting some surprising and successful results. If you want to make a change in your life then you have to take action, and that is always the scary part! Life is full of ups and downs no matter who you are, what you do, or where you live.

Life can also pass you by, and before you know it, you are in the same old job, same old place, the same old, same old. If this is what you want for your life, great. You have arrived in that lucky rare place of being content with your lot. However, if you dream of having the experience of working and living in a different country, then you have to take a leap of faith and do as Mr. Branson suggests. “Screw It, Just Do It’.

I like his turn of phrase, especially in the context of our business, which is the international re-location and placement of HGV/Auto Mechanics and other skilled personnel in this industry. Unlike my story, our candidates have good jobs with great benefits to move to, and are guided through the whole re-location process by our team.

In the case of my own re-location(s), there have been many, it was the first ‘big move overseas’ that I still recall clearly to this day. I had the opportunity, and had been encouraged by my family to move to the US during some very difficult economic times in Ireland. This was about two years after graduating from college. I had what was considered to be, a ‘good’ job, at the time. The minute that I handed in my notice, the company that I worked for offered, to double my salary and give me a company car. Not bad for a 23 year old. However, I graciously declined and said that I was off to try my luck in America.

The night before I left, I went out for some drinks with my friends. I was all set to go the following morning. I had my visa, passport, flight tickets and bags packed. My room in the apartment was let out for the following day. Friends came back to the flat to say their last goodbyes. They started saying ‘why are you going’, ‘Why do you have to go? ‘ Why don’t you stay, we will miss you?’ etc. etc. I stood there at the 24^th hour, and seriously contemplated not going. It was so tempting to just stay, and carry on with what I knew. Instead, I decided to go. Instinctively I knew I had a lot to gain, and nothing to lose? I could always come back if things didn’t work out.

So, the next morning I got on the flight, terrified,to be traveling so far alone, but I did it. The movie on the flight was ‘The Secret Of My Success’ starring a young Michael J. Fox. I thought to myself “This was a good omen”, as I sat back and started to relax, not knowing what lay ahead. Of course, there were problems. When I arrived my visa had a glitch, my bags disappeared for three days, (they eventually showed up), at times, I had to live on a few sofa’s, find many jobs, get ripped off in jobs, and all the highs and lows of life and love in between.

Before I knew it, I settled in to a new exciting life, that lasted twelve years. During that time, I built up wonderful friendships, both at work and outside of work. People that I still remain in touch with, to this day some 20 years later. I travelled and had many wonderful experiences, and even mundane and challenging ones, like being locked inside a warehouse for twelve hours a day in 103 degrees whilst working on a film project, or walking the dog, taking out the garbage, paying bills and all the other day to day stuff that needs to get done.

Looking back though, I can honestly say that it is one of ‘the’ greatest privileges in life to be able to have the experience of living and working abroad. Taking the good with the bad, the good times win out, hands down. To do it, you just have to be, a little brave, do your research, get prepared, and in the words of the great Mr. Branson, just say to yourself ‘Ah, screw it, just do it’!

If you are an experienced qualified mechanic with an inclination to move abroad just get in touch at: jobs@globalforceresource.com

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