I think I can confidently say we all know at least one person in our friendship groups that has recently moved abroad. Whether it’s ditching the UK entirely for places like Australia or following the main trend leaving small cities for the big smoke of London, young people are on the move, and not just for fun.
A lot of it comes down to frustrations with how life is in the UK right now. High rents, struggling public services, and feeling burned out are pushing people to look for something better. It’s time to break down how young people are feeling.
If you’re from a smaller town or city, you’ve probably seen it happen: people leave after school or Uni and don’t come back. Why? Because the opportunities just aren’t there. It’s more than just the classic line in “This Country” when Kerry says to Kurtan “Why would you want to leave the village when we’ve got a pub and a shop?”
Bigger cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham have way more to offer when it comes to jobs, especially in industries like tech, finance, or creative work. Small towns often can’t compete, and as more people leave, the local economy shrinks, making things even harder for those who stay. It’s a cycle that’s tough to break.
But there is becoming a new reality of moving to London that’s dragging people away. For a lot of people, London feels like the place to go if you want to make it. It’s got the big jobs, the culture, the nightlife. But once you’re there, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
The rent will drain your wallet. London rent is ridiculous. Whether you’re sharing a flat or renting a studio, it often feels like you’re working just to pay the landlord. And buying? Forget about it, not happening, unless you’ve got a membership to the bank of mum and dad.
Secondly the public transport stress. Sure, the Tube gets you almost everywhere, but good luck finding a seat, or breathing space. Overcrowded trains, delays, and rising fares make commuting a daily headache. Last week I caught the District Line in and a person had fainted because they couldn’t take their jacket off because it was too crowded.
Next, the healthcare isn’t as great as people say. Need to see a doctor? You might be waiting a while. London’s healthcare system is so overstretched that even basic GP appointments can feel impossible to get.
Lastly, and arguably one of the most influencing factor, the burn out. The grind is real, as those influencers would say. London’s fast pace and long working hours can be exhausting. Combine that with pollution and the cost of living, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout.
So why are more people leaving the UK altogether? For some, even London doesn’t feel worth it. Instead of jumping from small towns to big cities, more and more people are hopping on a plane and leaving the UK completely.
Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are some of the top picks, and it’s easy to see why. Think about it. Beaches, sunshine, and a slower pace of life. That’s Australia in a nutshell, an absolute dream! Even in busy cities like Sydney, people seem to find a better balance between work and enjoying life.
Yes, while housing isn’t cheap everywhere, it’s often way more affordable than in the UK. Plus, there’s more space, no squeezing into tiny flats like in London. In addition, public services actually work. In places like Australia, healthcare and public transport systems feel way more reliable. You don’t have to stress about endless waiting lists or packed trains every day. A lot of young people are realising they’re tired of the hustle culture in the UK. Living somewhere that values downtime and mental health is a huge draw.
But you’re right to question, what’s the big deal, let them go? When young people leave, whether it’s for London or another country, it impacts everyone. Small towns lose their energy and growth potential, and cities like London face the strain of having more people than they can handle. And when people leave the UK entirely, the country loses talent and ideas that could’ve shaped the future.
If we want to change this, the UK needs to step up. That means investing in smaller towns so people don’t feel like they have to move, fixing the housing crisis, and sorting out public services like healthcare and transport. It’s also about making life here feel worth it, so that you can actually enjoy your time without constantly worrying about money or burnout.
Right now, it’s easy to see why people are looking elsewhere. The UK has a lot to offer, but until it tackles the big issues, the grass will keep looking greener on the other side.
