You Should Leave The UK
Why You Should Move to Canada or Australia
Times are tough everywhere, I understand that. While reading this please understand this is my opinion on why you should leave the UK as I will be doing in early 2025. This article is aimed at people at specific points in their lives, it’s obviously not for everyone based on a large range of variables that dictate individual’s lives. Let me just lay down some of the main reasons why I plan on leaving, hopefully for good and why you should consider it too.
You Only Live Once.
Remember YOLO? While the term may send people now in a toe-curling cringe taking them back to their teenage years in the early 2010s, the statement has some pretty good foundations. You do only live once… so why not take risks, enjoy yourself, take yourself out of your comfort zone, explore new places, meet new people, and take that opportunity that may change your life for the better?
My personal philosophy is this. Whenever an opportunity arises in my life I stop and think to myself. I picture myself close to the end of my life, on my deathbed if you will and say “Would I regret not doing or taking that opportunity that came up?”. Now don’t get me wrong, you will never live your life without regrets, I have many, some that were in my control and some that were out of my control but these naturally take less of a toll.
If the answer is yes then I take the opportunity. The last thing I want is to be on my deathbed in x amount of years and say to myself “God, I wish I did X or took the risk on Y”. People will naturally come up with many excuses as to why they cannot take risks and some of them will be absolutely valid. You may be a single mother/father, you may be a carer looking after a sick or ill family member, you may be in a relationship with someone whom you love but do not wish to leave etc. As mentioned in the opening paragraph, this article is for specific people who can and want to leave.
Just think of all the new people you will meet, the memories you will make surrounded by a different culture and new experiences. Doesn’t that sound more interesting than working your 9-5 in the UK just working to live in a country that you have experienced for the last 20-30 years of your life that just seems to be going downhill? I know I think it does.
Where to go?
Now, this bit, naturally, will be very specific to you as an individual. Unfortunately, due to Brexit, if you are only a UK passport holder, getting into Europe is no longer as easy as it used to be. It’s not impossible, but you can’t just move like you used to. If you are an EU passport holder, then Europe is your oyster, so that door is wide open to you.
I’m going to focus on if you aren’t an EU passport holder. I’ll cut to the chase and say if you are under 35 years old, then the first two countries that are immediately apparent are Canada and Australia. Both countries allow you to easily obtain a two-year working visa, with the possibility of extending it to a third year if you are a UK passport holder.
Canada is my personal choice. The visa application process is easy and the immigration website will guide you through the process. Australia I would imagine is similar in its ease. With the age limit on visas to these countries, you must ask yourself this. “Will I regret not attempting this before turn 35 and the opportunity passes me” If your answer is yes then well done, you’ve made your decision.
Things holding you back
Here I will address some common scenarios that most people will face when contemplating the move based on my own experience.
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What If I Hate It?
- No doubt you will get homesick and miss family members, everyone does. However this is something that will eventually fade, like missing an ex, you’ll eventually become so engrossed with your new life in another country that you most likely couldn’t ever imagine moving back. If push comes to shove and you for whatever reason do hate it then what have you lost? It’s not like you cannot return to the UK… Just say I tried and I’m glad I did and return to the UK where your family will support you. At least you tried it! That’s worth its weight in gold. Just remember, what’s the worst that could happen? You die? Well you wouldn’t care at that point, would you! (and also that’s not going to happen!)
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My Family Don’t Want Me To Go
- Your family cares about you a lot, naturally. They don’t want to see you hurt and they fear they won’t see you as much or ever again. Naturally, they won’t be able to see you as much but we live in a time where anyone and everyone is just a Facetime call away. Obviously the “never again” part is not true, you’ll want to come back to see your family, most likely at Christmas time and perhaps in between.
- A lot of the time people are sceptical of the choices you make mainly because they wouldn’t do it themselves. You have to remember this is your life and your choices, take advice from people, sure, but don’t let their opinions dictate you. This is your life, not theirs. Think of all the people throughout history who have packed up their lives and moved to a different country and found success and happiness. I’m willing to bet quite a few readers have dual nationality… that didn’t happen with your parents just staying in one spot their whole lives did it?
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What If I can’t Find a Job? or a Place to Live?
- Whether you are a recent graduate with a desirable degree, have work experience in a skilled job or not it doesn’t matter. You will be able to find work. The best course of action for this is to sign up with a work experience company like Jenza (formally Bunac) who will assist you in finding jobs and accommodation for the whole time you are out there! They guarantee you a job in Canada in which some provide accommodation. While you’re doing this you can look for more permanent jobs in your field of expertise which will also help you apply for permanent residency if you so wish to go down that route.
Conclusion
It may be a scary thing to do or even decide but as I have outlined in this post and in the video above, what is the worst that could happen? Just think of the best things that could come of it, do not focus on what could go wrong as this is what keeps people in their comfort zones. Take a risk, you never know, it may be the best decision you’ll ever make in your life.
If you have any questions feel free to drop me a comment on this thread or use my contact form.
Good luck out there! Life is a wild ride and can be an incredible journey if you make it one!
