Nick Myler is a 22-year-old Australian from the Gold Coast, Queensland, who in February 2017 decided to undertake the big move of over 9,000 miles from his hometown to London. Since then, Nick has moved through many locations and jobs, progressing from a swimming instructor to currently a manager of two swim schools for Virgin Active. He may have initially thought that relocating to England was a bad idea, swapping the 25o Australian heat for heavy February snow, but what are the real reasons why Australians such as Nick might want to move to a town in London?
‘Originally, I applied for a job in England as I wanted to get more experience internationally teaching children to swim' Nick explained when reflecting the reasons for his move, ‘London has very high job prospects and progression rates compared to other cities around the world’. With thousands of Australians moving to England every year, for many it’s a dream come true to settle in a seemingly familiar yet unknown country.
After being here for a year and a half, Nick is now comfortably settled in England. He told us about the job advantages involved in living in London compared to other cities:
‘London is very beneficial for building up life skills - you can use it as a base from which to explore Europe – it is a global transport hub. Additionally, it’s a really cosmopolitan city, great for your social well-being and building social networks. It’s also got a great public transport system so it’s easy to get around’.
However, it hasn’t all been positives for Nick:
‘The number one challenge would have to be the money. In London the cost of living is phenomonally high - and with employment, you must have good work experience and positive work ethic, as there is lots of competition from many knowledgeable applicants’. Of course, living in London is a very different experience to Australia, Nick explained how he missed his hometown a lot of the time. Not only family, but living on the Gold Coast means a strongly beach-associated lifestyle, ‘surfing every day is very limited in London!’
In the future, Nick hopes to get a sponsorship and stay at Virgin Active until he finishes his degree, and overall, he has thoroughly enjoyed his living experience in the UK.
‘The opportunities allow young people of the work force to strive and experience working with other cultures.’
He would recommend it as something all young people should try, whether it is going travelling, joining something like VSO, or taking up a work placement overseas, it broadens horizons, challenges you on many levels and ultimately enriches your life experience.
