Woman who quit UK for Australia returns after finding four ‘problems’ abroad
Jess and Greg explored many areas of Australia and loved their time there (Image: NC)
A woman has shared why she opted to leave her life in Australia and return to the UK. A popular destination for British expats, Australia draws thousands annually with its temperate climate, beaches, bustling cities, robust healthcare system and employment prospects. So it may come as a surprise that Jessica McMaster, from Manchester, decided to relocate back after two and a half years in Melbourne.
The 30-year-old had initially fallen for Australia during a gap year trip with friends, before meeting her partner Greg on the same journey. While she loved her time exploring many parts of the country and has no regrets, she found herself yearning for home.
She points to a combination of factors behind her decision, including missing loved ones, visa and work restrictions, the cost of living and, perhaps unexpectedly, the weather.
Read more: British Airways reduces price of flights, hotels and car hire in sale
Read more: Families love ‘blue lagoon’ UK beach ‘great for swimming and relaxing’
Jessica with her dog Monty (Image: NC)
No place like home
The merchandise consultant from Salford said being so distant from family and friends in the UK proved amongst the most difficult aspects of living abroad. She explained: “I missed my family and friends too much. I missed my nephew being born, friends celebrating big birthdays and getting engaged. I only got back once while I was in Australia, it was too far away and too expensive to just jump on a flight.”
Since returning to Manchester, she has been compensating for lost time with loved ones, as well as her dog, Monty. “As much as I enjoyed Australia and have no regrets, being back home has made me realise that family is everything and this is where I feel more settled,” she revealed.
Despite choosing to return home, Jessica still recommends Australia to anyone contemplating a move abroad, but emphasises the importance of conducting thorough research and being prepared for the possibility of homesickness.
She explained: “I travelled to lots of different parts of Australia and experienced things I’d only ever dreamed of, but it just never felt like home. I think unless you leave your hometown, it’s hard to fully appreciate it.”
Jessica loved her time in Australia (Image: NC)
Work restrictions
While there are plenty of job opportunities in Australia, access frequently depends on visa status and work rights. Jessica said her working holiday visa made it difficult to feel settled, explaining: “Most of my time was spent in Melbourne, but it was hard to feel stable because there were so many restrictions.
“If you’re planning to live there long-term, it’s worth speaking to employers beforehand and being more prepared. I found a job I enjoyed, but because it wasn’t considered a ‘skilled occupation’, sponsorship wasn’t an option.”
In order to extend her stay, she was required to complete three months of specified regional work, a condition imposed on many working holiday visa holders applying for a second year, which she said only added to her sense of uncertainty.
“My employer took me back afterwards, but I always knew in the back of my mind that Australia wasn’t going to be forever,” she added.
“I knew people who struggled to find work because of that, and it was the same with housing – I ended up living in three different places while I was in Melbourne.”
Jessica found herself yearning for home life while in Australia (Image: NC)
The weather
Australia is widely renowned for its sunshine, yet Jessica noted that the reality, particularly in Melbourne, can be quite different. She continued: “Sometimes it would rain for days and be really cold and dark.
“Summer lasted about six months, which was amazing, long, bright days, great cafés, runs by the beach, but people think it’s always 30-degree heat.”
She added: “Melbourne can have four seasons in one day. In winter it was cold and rainy, so at times it felt like being back in Manchester, but without your family and friends.”
Despite contemplating a move elsewhere in Australia, the prospect of securing a new job and home made it an exceptionally tough choice.
The couple are enjoying life back in the UK (Image: NC)
The cost of living
Jessica also discovered the cost of living was considerably higher than anticipated. “People always say England is expensive, but I’d say it’s on par with Australia, if not more expensive in some areas like rent and groceries,” she said.
“There were only two main supermarkets, Woolworths and Coles, so prices felt high. A crate of Diet Coke was around $40 (about £21), and alcohol was really expensive.”
She further noted that rent represented another substantial outgoing. “We paid around $2,800 a month (about £1,485) for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city, not including bills, which is considered cheap compared to friends living in Sydney.”
