55% of young Brits considering quitting their jobs

As the ‘Great Resignation’ continues to gain momentum, new data reveals that the trend is expanding in the UK with more than half (55[1]%) of employed 18–30-year-olds stating they are considering quitting their job, with nearly a third (31%[2]) planning to do so in the next year.

A study by research company, Censuswide, of over 2,000 employed adults aged 18-30 reveals almost 1 in 5 (18%[3]) of those who are considering quitting their job in the next 12 months are planning to quit their job so they can travel and/or work abroad, with 18–24-year-olds more likely than 25-30-year-olds (23% cf. 15%). These young adults have stated a fresh perspective is key to how they want to live their lives in 2022, with over four in ten (42%) seeking better work/life balance.

The research was commissioned by Tourism Australia to understand the post-pandemic mindsets of young working Brits, and to encourage uptake of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa.

The visa allows Brits aged between 18-30 the opportunity to continue their career momentum whilst enjoying an extended stay Down Under for a period of up to three years. With Australia’s borders having reopened in February, short-term work opportunities in sectors such as hospitality and tourism – typically favoured by young Brits – are readily available once again and are perfect for the overwhelming number of young UK workers (70%) who agree they would not be able to support their travel financially over an extended period of time.

When questioned, more than half (57%) of respondents agree they would consider travelling to Australia as a working holidaymaker.

Earlier in the year, the Australian government announced changes to the Working Holiday Maker programme to encourage working travellers to head Down Under this year and fill the international labour void left by the pandemic.

The update to the visa now allows working holidaymakers to work for the same employer or organisation for more than the previous cap of six months until 31st December 2022.

Commenting on the findings, Sally Cope, Regional General Manager for Tourism Australia in the UK & Northern Europe said, “Our study reveals that young Brits are not only seeking a better work/life balance, they’re seeking new and extended adventures that mean they can explore the world for longer periods at a time. Working while travelling in Australia not only means living in some of the most breathtaking destinations on earth, it’s also a chance to add new skills to your CV.”

Cope continued, “There are thousands of employment positions up for grabs in some of our most iconic sites; from tropical destinations, such as the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns where you can swap your boardroom best for boardshorts, to the Red Centre, where you can learn more about our incredible Aboriginal heritage, to our famous cities. There are so many exciting opportunities available to young Brits, and we can’t wait to show them what it means to work and play, the Aussie way.”

Since the Australian Government announced in November 2021 that Working Holiday Makers could return to Australia, the number of visas young Brits have received has reached 79% of those given out in the same period prior to the covid pandemic*. Globally, the UK has had the highest number of visas given out of any country.

Continually named one of the world’s best places to live, Working Holiday Makers to Australia will experience around 2,800 annual hours of sunshine while exploring beautiful beaches, delicious food, copious amounts of wineries and unique wildlife at every turn.