Newry’s Lost Generation, with Charlene Carey
Name: Charlene Carey.
Age: 25.
Education/experience: I’m a qualified hairdresser.
What part of Newry & Mourne are you originally from? I’m originally from Bessbrook, but moved to Luganare when I was 15 .
When did you leave Newry? I left Newry in mid June last year (2011).
Why did you leave Newry? Ive always wanted to travel so when the opportunity came along I took advantage of it! I left my job in the Costume Corner Newry (where I loved working) to come out here.
Who did you go with? I came out to Australia with Kelly White, Aidan Curtis and John McCann.
What are you doing now in Australia? Are you working? I’m in full time work and I’ve been offered sponsorship and I live in Coogee beside the beach, I love it here. I’m very lucky because I’ve got brilliant housemates, even though they couldn’t understand anything I said to them for the first 3 months, they only knew I was speaking to them cause I was looking at them but it could be worse; they still can’t understand John McCann.
Are you enjoying life away from Newry? I’m loving life away from Newry, everything’s so easy out here and there’s always something different to do, go to or see. I’m trying to convince my whole family to move!
What do you miss most about Newry? I miss my family, my friends, my work and my wee car, but that’s about it.
When will you return to Newry or if you don’t know, then would you like to eventually return here? I have to come home in May for a visit, but since I’m getting sponsored i’ll be here for at least four more years. I’m applying for my permanent residency when I’ve been here two years, then I can come and go as I please. I don’t know yet if I’ll settle here or in Ireland.
Career ambition: My perfect job would entail doing very little and getting paid a lot! But in reality, I really like what I do (hairdressing), it’s because of my profession that I’m getting sponsored.
What would you say to anybody still living in Newry who can’t find work? Well when I was at home I was never stuck for work, but I can only speak from my own experience. To be honest there’s really nothing at home, don’t sit about wishing you were somewhere else, do something about it!
Anything else you would like to add? Only for my mum and dad (Paula and Brendan O’Hare) I wouldn’t have had this opportunity, I’m so grateful to them. Anyone who has the chance to travel, take it because you wont regret it.
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