The path to professional stability for many immigrants involves navigating unexpected early challenges. For Diego Silva, a 33-year-old engineer now based in Waterford, Ireland, that initial period included a brief and disheartening stint as a rickshaw driver in Dublin, collecting patrons from pubs late into the night. His story, recently shared with the Irish Times, illustrates the often-difficult realities faced by newcomers to Ireland seeking to establish themselves.
Silva’s journey began in September 2017, at the end of a backpacking trip through Europe. Inspired by family already settled in County Kildare – a theatre director and a drummer – he chose to make Ireland his home. This decision, he explains, was driven by a desire for adventure and a connection to the lifestyle of his cousin and her husband.
However, the initial reality of life in Dublin proved starkly different from the adventurous image he held. After arriving, Silva took on the role of a rickshaw driver, a job he quickly found unsustainable. “The experience was really hard. I couldn’t really cope with the work, with the job,” he stated. The work involved transporting often-intoxicated individuals between pubs, a task he found unfulfilling. Compounding the difficulty was the Irish weather, a significant contrast to the climate of his hometown, Montes Claros in Brazil.
The rickshaw job wasn’t solely about the nature of the work; it was also about financial necessity. Silva was simultaneously enrolled in an English language course, a crucial step in integrating into Irish society. “Learning a new language for me was something big as well. I was really excited at the time,” he said, highlighting the importance of language acquisition for his long-term prospects. Balancing work and study required a constant effort to generate income.
His early living situation reflected the financial constraints. After a month in a hostel, Silva moved into a shared apartment with five others in north inner Dublin. While acknowledging the area wasn’t ideal, he valued the affordability and the camaraderie with his flatmates, with whom he remains friends today.
Silva’s employment history in Dublin was varied, encompassing roles as a waiter, baker, and retail assistant. These positions provided a stepping stone towards greater stability and allowed him to become more comfortable in the Irish capital. He observed the strong pub culture as a defining characteristic of Dublin social life, noting a level of social engagement he found unique.
“The pub culture was really strong, especially in Dublin, so we got to meet many people. I think people go a little crazy here. I used to think that’s why they close the pubs at a certain point,” Silva remarked, offering a lighthearted observation on Irish social customs.
He also highlighted the helpfulness of the Irish people, drawing a parallel to his own culture in Brazil. “I think I was lucky to have people help me all along the way. This is kind of similar… I think it’s something I would relate to my culture in Brazil,” he explained.
After two years in Dublin, Silva pursued further education, returning to Brazil briefly in 2019 to formulate a plan. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans, delaying his return to Ireland until February 2022. He initially took on a night porter position in Shannon while continuing his English language studies, a demanding routine he described as “crazy” but ultimately effective.
His persistence paid off when he was accepted into a year-long data analytics course at the University of Limerick (UL) in December 2022. This necessitated a shift away from night work, leading to a position as an operator in an electrical panel company. By November 2023, Silva had secured an engineering role in Waterford, where he currently resides and has been employed for nearly two years.
Silva reflects on his experiences in Dublin, Shannon, and Waterford as representing distinct phases of his life. He particularly values the close relationships he formed in Shannon, describing it as the most enjoyable period of his time in Ireland. “I think that was the nicest place I lived. People were really close to me. I was really friends with them,” he said.
Looking ahead, Silva intends to remain in Ireland for at least another three years. While content with his current situation, he retains a desire to experience life in another European country, potentially in the Nordic region. His journey underscores the resilience and adaptability required for successful immigration, and the potential for building a fulfilling life despite initial setbacks.
Silva’s story is part of a larger conversation about the experiences of newcomers to Ireland. The Irish Times is actively seeking to hear from others who have recently moved to the country, inviting contributions via email (newtotheparish@irishtimes.com) or Twitter (@newtotheparish).
