I am so fed up with my life that I am on the verge of quitting my job and leaving this country.

I’m in my mid-20s and have a good job but I’m living at home because renting somewhere doesn’t make any sense given how expensive accommodation is.

I have a boyfriend, who I care very much for but he’s perfectly happy living at home with his mammy and helping his father on the farm in the evenings and at weekends. He doesn’t understand my frustration at all, which is driving a wedge between us as I can’t get on board with his coasting along attitude. I feel my life is passing me by and I’ve felt like this for a good while.

My job doesn’t fill me with joy every day but the company I work for is a multinational and I think if I asked, I could get a transfer to their office in Canada. I’m ready for a change but I don’t want to hurt my boyfriend. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t come with me even if I did ask – but to be honest, I don’t think I want him to.

Should I go with my gut and get out of Ireland to see a bit of the world or am I just getting caught up in the notion that the grass is greener elsewhere?

- Waterford reader

Dear reader,

Reading your letter made me feel sad for you as you seem to be stuck in a bit of a rut right now.

You are still very young and there are a lot of opportunities ahead that you don’t yet know about, but having considered the overall tone of your letter I think a change of scene might be the healthiest option for you right now.

You seem desperate to shake your life up, while at the same time acknowledging that a change may reveal how good you have it here

You say you’re not sure you want your boyfriend to come with you, which suggests that this relationship may have run its course, regardless of where you’re living.

To relocate to the other side of the world is a big move, and not one that will solve all your problems. The option of a job with your current employer is a huge bonus, but you will still have to look into visa requirements to make sure you qualify to live and work in Canada.

You seem desperate to shake your life up, while at the same time acknowledging that a change may reveal how good you have it here. With this healthy, balanced perspective, I think you should head off on an adventure and see where it takes you. There is nothing stopping you returning home if the move isn’t what you imagined it to be. On the other hand, you may unlock a whole new chapter that fills you with a sense that you’re living your life to the full.

Be careful how you explain your decision to your nearest and dearest. You don’t have to burn bridges as you go, so if you do decide that your relationship has come to an end, be gentle in explaining your feelings to your boyfriend.

Likewise, go easy on your parents who may fear you are permanently emigrating when you tell them you are moving to another country. They will want the best for you, but they will also want you to know that whatever happens you will always have a home to come back to.

Do you have a problem you would like to share? If so, write in confidence to: Dear Miriam, Agony Aunt, Irish Country Living, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12, or email miriam@farmersjournal.ie