Travel blogger Conor Joss took to TikTok to reveal his reasons for leaving his homeland and moving to Barcelona, even proudly stating that “the grass is greener” over there
Social media platforms are buzzing with tales of expats who’ve chosen Spain as their slice of paradise – and one Brit’s candid take on swapping life in the UK for sunnier climes has caught the attention of many.
Conor Joss, the man behind the TikTok account Conor in Barcelona, regularly updates his 1,200 followers with videos about what life in Spain is really like.
And in a clip that has gone viral, sitting at upwards of 232,000 views, Conor spoke about his top 10 motivations for ditching the UK, claiming that “the grass is greener” in Spain.
Topping Conor’s list was the stark contrast in weather. He explained: “Waking up to permanently cloudy skies and negative mindsets was affecting me. I needed sunshine and serotonin as soon as possible.”
But it’s not just gloomy skies he fled from. He also turned his back on the grind of Britain’s work-hard-play-harder routine, which he summed up as: “It seemed like every weekend revolved around drinking, complaining about the UK, and doing it all over again the next week. No, thanks!”
The cost of living came third on his list, where he explained: “£1,000 rent in the UK… or £700 in Barcelona near the beach?”
Conor’s fourth reason for relocating to Spain was his desire for a healthier lifestyle, which he said has drastically altered his daily routine. “No more Greggs for breakfast. I walk everywhere, eat healthier and my body runs on dopamine, not caffeine,” he proudly stated.
His fifth motivation was to improve his work-life balance. “Slow mornings, real work-life balance and a life that doesn’t revolve around escaping reality,” he pointed out, asserting that life in Barcelona is far more balanced.
The move to sunnier climes also seemed to have boosted Conor’s mood and personal development, as he used reasons six and seven to emphasise the positive changes and his lack of regret about leaving the UK.
“Just because I was born in the UK, it doesn’t mean I have to live there,” he asserted. “Life’s too short to be cold, miserable and stuck in the same routine. In Spain, folk finish work and go outside to meet friends and live. In the UK, they finish work, collapse on their couch/bed and doomscroll.”
Conor concluded his top 10 reasons by stating: “The UK thrives on being knackered for no reason. Here, I get more done while feeling 10x happier. Every day is a holiday.”
His post garnered numerous comments applauding his decision to move abroad. One supporter shared: “I moved to Spain in 2009 and started my own business in 2015. No way I’m going back to UK. By the way – if you work remotely you may want to move to Andalucía, £700 will get you own place on the beach.”
Another individual chimed in: “My life elevated since leaving the UK. In Copenhagen right now and thinking to do Barcelona within the next two years.”
