Amazon Employee Shares Life-Changing Move to Dublin

In a bold career move, Suras Nayak, a 27-year-old software development engineer at Amazon, has shared how relocating from Bengaluru to Dublin has dramatically enhanced his quality of life, even amidst the high cost of living in Ireland. Nayak's journey began in March 2025 when he secured an internal transfer within Amazon, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.

Upon moving to Ireland, Nayak's annual compensation soared to approximately 122,428 euros (around Rs 1.3 crore), nearly double his previous salary of Rs 68 lakh while working in India. "When I was growing up, I always had this idea somewhere behind my head that I always wanted to move abroad, but I was a little bit influenced by the Western media. I watch a lot of Hollywood movies... so I was always influenced and liked the idea of moving to a different country, living there, experiencing how things are like there," he told CNBC Make It.

Nayak's educational background includes a six-month internship during his final year at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, after which he joined Amazon full-time in 2020. His impressive journey at Amazon allowed him to explore international opportunities after surpassing two years in the company. While considering positions in the UK, Germany, and Ireland, Nayak ultimately chose Dublin for its burgeoning technology ecosystem and the presence of major tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft.

Upon learning about his transfer, Nayak couldn't contain his excitement and immediately shared the news with his parents, who were elated, particularly his father, who has consistently supported his career aspirations. "I was so happy when I came to know that I got this opportunity. I immediately went to my parents and I told them and it was such a nice moment. They were all so happy for me, especially my dad, because my dad always supports me in all of this stuff," Nayak recalled.

Despite the attractive salary, Nayak quickly discovered that living expenses in Dublin are considerably high. He currently shares a three-bedroom house with two other Amazon employees, with his share of the rent amounting to about 1,450 euros per month. The total rent for their home is approximately 4,000 euros. Nayak also mentioned that his monthly budget, which includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and occasional travel, can reach nearly $3,000.

"When I was in India, I did not think about budgeting a lot because I always used to spend less there," he explained. However, the reality of budgeting in a new country has prompted him to be more mindful of his expenses. Nayak noted that while the higher salary is a significant advantage, the cost of living has required some adjustments.

One of the most notable differences Nayak experienced after moving to Ireland is the improved work-life balance. He remarked that working hours are more structured in Ireland, allowing employees to log off on time instead of staying late at the office. This shift has enabled him to engage in hobbies, explore the country, and maintain a healthier lifestyle. "My quality of life has improved. Now that I am in Ireland, I have gotten used to certain ways of life that I am really enjoying, which I would not have been able to get if I were back in India," Nayak stated.

Moreover, Nayak highlighted the quality of public services and infrastructure in Ireland, which he finds to be superior compared to his experiences in India. He enjoys reliable public transport, well-maintained streets, and easy access to healthcare and recreational spaces, all contributing to what he describes as a more comfortable lifestyle.

Despite the positives, adapting to a new country has not been without its challenges. Nayak had to adjust to Ireland's colder climate and initially faced difficulties in building a social circle. However, he found success by attending events through social networking apps like Meetup, which helped him connect with people from various backgrounds.

In addition to his career and social life, Nayak has taken advantage of the geographical proximity to other European destinations. He has utilized weekends and holidays to travel, a luxury he feels would have been more challenging had he remained in India. With many attractive travel options just a short flight away, Nayak has embraced the opportunity to explore new cultures and experiences across Europe.

Looking ahead, Nayak has no plans to return to India anytime soon. He stated, "I don’t plan to move back to India for at least another 10 to 15 years." This long-term commitment to his new life in Ireland underscores the positive impact this relocation has had on him both personally and professionally.

As Nayak reflects on his journey, he emphasizes that relocating abroad has been one of the most rewarding decisions of his career. He encourages others who dream of living abroad to pursue their aspirations, despite the challenges that may arise. "The move has opened up a world of opportunities, and I am excited about what the future holds," he concluded.