Like many Australians, I packed up my belongings to move to London in search of a change of scenery and new adventures. However, there’s one thing that Brits simply can’t seem to grasp
At the end of 2018, I decided to leave my life in Perth, Western Australia and move to London. I had planned to do this for as long as I could remember, hoping to further my career and meet new people.
I wouldn’t say I disliked my life in Australia; I actually loved it! However, I believe that true success comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. Building a new life in the UK felt like a wonderful opportunity to grow both personally and professionally because change often grows from taking risks.
Making the choice was not simple; in fact, I ended my long-term relationship to relocate to London. Initially, it felt like a dreadful decision, but in retrospect, I realise it greatly enhanced my experience. This change compelled me to meet new people rather than spend countless hours on the phone, longing for the next time we’d be together.
Since I first arrived in England, I was greeted by locals asking me the same question repeatedly, whether at the pub or just stepping outside. Although the question itself was straightforward, my response has continued to evolve with the more I experience throughout my time here.
“Why would you leave Australia for this?” is a question I cannot avoid, regardless of where I am. Whenever a Brit detects my Aussie accent, they ask it again.
Although my answer, at its core, hasn’t changed much over the years, what amazes me is that the longer I remain, the less I desire to return to Australia. It sounds wild, I know!
I can’t speak on behalf of all Australians who have chosen to reside here, but I believe many will agree that the career experience the UK can offer you if you work hard is unmatched, propelling your career exponentially. Though I understand career opportunities aren’t always the reason many flock to London, but I myself have felt incredibly lucky for all the jobs and promotions I’ve achieved during my time here.
Let’s also not forget about the ability to take a train to Paris in just over two hours, which allows us to explore Europe so much more easily and cheaply. Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime type trip for many Aussies. The flights are long and costly, and when paired with the jetlag and the fact that if you’re going off that way, you probably need to go for at least two weeks to even make it worthwhile. Then there’s the issue of trying to take time off work – it’s a lot to organise and consider, often putting a damper on the experience as a whole.
Since moving to London, I’ve been able to explore and immerse myself in various new cultures. For example, I once left the office on a Friday, took a quick trip to Paris, and returned on a 6AM flight on Monday, heading directly back to work.
A spontaneous weekend trip like this just isn’t feasible in Australia. Even a quick interstate trip from my hometown of Perth, Western Australia, involves a five-hour flight to Sydney and a three-hour time difference, making brief visits impractical without a stay of at least five days.
But with all this said, there really is no denying that living in London is tricky. From growing up, having the beach on your doorstep, and squeezing in a quick swim before work. This is in contrast to London, where sometimes I don’t have enough time to eat breakfast before embarking on my morning commute that is often delayed. While in the peak of winter, I leave and return to my house every day in the dark. This is undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow.
However, the connections and friendships I’ve formed here over the years are genuinely unmatched compared to those back home. Since my arrival, I’ve encountered numerous like-minded individuals eager to explore the world and advance their careers. While I had some of that at home, I often felt confined in a small city like Perth.
Back home, conversations were small. While it’s easy to argue you’re a creature of your environment, when you have been brought up in the most isolated city in the world, you really are limited by what external influences you encounter. There’s no denying that moving abroad is a privilege in itself, and that’s why I’ve tried to make the most of every opportunity that has come my way since.
Recently, there has also been a growing number of Brits who have decided to move to Australia, and sometimes I like to poke fun and say but WHY? I understand why. Australia does have a lot to offer, the effortless lifestyle really is so desirable. Going to the beach before work or meeting your friends for coffee or breakfast before 9AM is always feasible. Additionally, there’s the weather, which needs no further comment. And truthfully, I always encourage Brits to go to Australia because nothing beats a change of scene.
It really is true that the grass is always greener. And while I sometimes long for a swim at the beach, I settle for a walk in Hyde Park, and I’m okay with that compromise.