Why Are So Many People Leaving the UK for New Opportunities?

I left the UK eight years ago and (almost) never looked back. Along the way, I’ve met plenty of Brits doing the same — some living their best lives, others realizing that moving abroad isn’t always the dream they imagined.

But what’s fueling people to pack their bags? Is it the dream of living la dolce vita, or are Brits being pushed out by relentless living costs, long hours, and dwindling opportunities? Let’s dive into why so many are saying cheerio to the UK.

This article will cover:

• Why Brits are deciding to emigrate from the UK. 
• The realities of the British job market. 
• Whether moving abroad is worth it. 

How Many Brits Are Leaving the UK Every Year?

It might feel like everyone you know is heading for sunnier shores, but the numbers tell a more balanced story. In the year ending June 2024, around 479,000 people left the UK, but only 79,000 were British citizens. That’s a drop from previous years — 98,000 Brits left in late 2023, and if you go back to early 2020, it was as high as 157,000. 

For over twenty years, at least 100,000 more people moved to the UK than left annually. People have always been coming and going — it’s just more noticeable now with rising living costs, the Brexit aftermath, and career frustrations. 

As for where Brits are heading, it’s no surprise that France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand top the list. Whether it’s the Mediterranean lifestyle, better job opportunities, or just escaping the perpetual rain, these countries offer something many find hard to resist.

So, are people leaving? Yes. But is it a full-scale British evacuation? Not quite.

Why Are So Many Leaving the UK?

We all know the first thing that pops into our heads: the weather. I’ll admit, it’s one of the main reasons for packing my bags. But there’s a lot more going on here. Many Brits are chasing bigger career opportunities, a healthier work-life balance, and bigger paychecks. 

Let’s break down some of the key factors driving people to leave.

Limited growth and career opportunities

The UK job market isn’t exactly thriving right now. Between November 2024 and January 2025, job vacancies dropped by 9,000, continuing a 31-month streak of declining opportunities. Vacancies are still higher than pre-pandemic levels, but that’s setting the bar pretty low.

Recruiters are feeling it too. In January 2025, demand for permanent staff fell at the fastest rate since August 2020, with hiring slowing for five straight months. Economic uncertainty and rising employment costs are making companies hesitant to hire, leaving workers stuck in the same roles.

That said, it’s no surprise that 26% of dissatisfied employees say lack of career progression is a major frustration. So, where are the best places for advancing in your career? 

According to Expat Insider 2024, here are the top five cities for career prospects: 

1. Riyadh: At least 80% of expats highly rate the local economy. 
2. New York City: Ranked 2nd for Career Prospects. 
3. Dubai: Four in five said relocating here had improved their career prospects.
4. Abu Dhabi: Ranked 2nd for Salary & Job Security. 
5. Sydney: Came 3rd for their local job market and work satisfaction.

If you’re hitting a ceiling in the UK, it’s easy to see why places like Dubai, NYC, and Abu Dhabi are so appealing. Just don’t gloss over the challenges, such as getting a visa or the super high living expenses (looking at you, New York). 

Spain is also a popular choice for British expats, Sure, the wages aren’t as generous, but the cost of living isn’t sky-high (and the weather isn’t half-bad either). 

I spoke to Pippa Bindin, who moved to Spain for work in 2020. Here’s what she said:

I was applying for jobs every day and getting nothing — it was especially difficult because I didn’t live in a major UK city. I was thinking about moving to Australia since they have great job opportunities and the money pays well. But my cousin suggested coming to Spain and getting a job as an English teacher. I decided to move and got a job immediately. The wages weren’t great, but the cost of living and rental prices were so cheap that I had more money to live off. I’ve now started my own business in Spain, which was very easy to set up — I have a great quality of life now. 

Looking for jobs abroad? Learn how to tailor your resume for different countries: 

• How to Make an Indian Resume
• What a Canadian Resume Format Looks Like
• How to Make a US Resume (Format, Writing, and Best Examples)

Job satisfaction struggles 

Another reason I said goodbye to the UK? The mundane cycle of commuting to work at 7 am, eating lunch at my desk, going home for dinner, and repeat. While it’s different for everyone, it’s certainly trickier to get out and about in the classic British weather. 

But the problems go beyond work-life balance and office lunches. According to the What Workers Want Survey, poor leadership, and toxic work environments are among the biggest reasons UK employees quit. 

Many feel overworked, underappreciated, and simply exhausted. In fact, 30% said their well-being has suffered over the past year, with the worst-hit industries being transport, IT, sales, and retail. Workers mention “long hours,” “high pressure,” and “lack of recognition” as their biggest complaints.

Meanwhile, cities like Copenhagen are setting the gold standard for work-life balance. Over 85% of expats rate their work-life balance positively, thanks to a shorter workweek and healthier workplace expectations. 

Tired of the Monday morning dread? Here are the top cities chosen by expats for Work Culture & Satisfaction: 

1. Copenhagen: Employees spend an average of just 39.6 hours a week at their job. 
2. Brussels: Over seven in ten expats say they’re satisfied with their job.
3. Sydney: 73% of expats are happy with their career opportunities. 
4. The Hague: Ranked 7th in the overall Working Abroad Index.
5. Ras Al Khaimah: Over three in five said the move improved their career prospects.

Had enough of your job? You’re not alone: I Hate My Job: What to Do and When to Quit?

Low wages and high expenses 

The UK’s cost of living crisis has been making headlines since 2021, and while inflation has slowed, that doesn’t mean prices are dropping — just that they’re rising at a slower pace. Housing, energy, and basic groceries continue to take up a larger share of people’s incomes, and wages haven’t kept up.

• In London (a city known for high salaries) 46% of expats say their disposable income isn’t enough to live comfortably — compared to just 30% globally. 
• 70% of expats in London rate the cost of living negatively, and 39% are unhappy with their financial situation, making it one of the worst-ranked cities for personal finance.

And it’s not just the capital. The UK ranks 27th globally for purchasing power — you get more bang for your buck in places like the US, UAE, Australia, Germany, and France. With better salaries and a lower cost of living in many of these destinations, it’s no wonder Brits are making the move.

But it’s not all bad news. Regular pay grew by 5.9% between October and December 2024. However, that doesn’t mean people feel wealthier, especially when inflation has already eaten up years of wages.

Bigger paychecks abroad

Let’s be honest, the UK isn’t the worst place to earn a salary, but it’s far from the best. UK workers are fed up, especially with public sector pay, with 45% saying their salary doesn’t match their responsibilities.

When comparing average gross annual wages, the UK ranks 23rd globally. Sure, you can move to London for a bigger paycheck, but be prepared to pay £900 a month for a hallway turned ‘living space’ (true story). 

Eager to increase your salary? Check out these popular expat countries that rank higher than the UK for average gross annual wage: 

• United States: A top choice for professionals in tech, finance, and healthcare, with cities like New York, San Francisco, and Austin offering high salaries and global career opportunities.
• Ireland: Attractive for its proximity to the UK, strong economy, and high wages in sectors like finance and pharmaceuticals.
• Australia: Popular with Brits looking for higher wages, better work-life balance, and plenty of sunshine.
• Germany: Known for its strong job market and slightly lower living costs compared to UK cities like London.
• New Zealand: Offers competitive wages, a high quality of life, and a relaxed work culture.

Tax-free salaries in Dubai and Abu Dhabi also make the UAE a tempting option, particularly for finance, law, and engineering professionals.

Want to earn more in the States? Take a look: Highest Paying Jobs in the US

Entrepreneurial roadblocks

Not everyone can get a fast pass from Lord Alan Sugar. For those with big business dreams, the UK isn’t always the easiest place to get started. While it ranks 8th globally for ease of doing business, it still falls behind countries like New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the US. 

Here are some of the reasons British entrepreneurs are making the move: 

• Regulations and red tape: Once a business is up and running, UK entrepreneurs face a maze of regulations, such as employment laws and consumer rights. While these rules help protect people, they can make running a business more complex and pricey. 
• Access to funding: Securing investment can be tough, particularly for startups outside of major hubs like London or Manchester. Meanwhile, countries like Portugal have been rising as startup-friendly destinations, attracting entrepreneurs with tax breaks, accelerators, and innovation hubs.
• High taxes: The UK’s corporate tax rate has increased to 25% over the last five years, while places like the UAE’s free zones offer 0% corporate tax, no capital gains tax, and no personal income tax. 

Younger generations on the move

As a young millennial, it feels like everyone I know has lived abroad at some point. The same can’t be said for the older generations. Why? It could be the rise of digital nomads, travel being more accessible, or those tempting TikToks of sunsets and sangria. 

And no, it’s not just social media hype. According to the British Council, 72% of 18–30-year-olds say they’d consider moving to another country — whether for work, travel, or just a better quality of life.

Grace Morrison left the UK at 23, and spoke about her reasons for leaving:

I didn’t move away to earn more money, because I probably would’ve got a better salary in the UK. But I still see living abroad as a better alternative, especially after Brexit. There are more opportunities in the European market and I wanted to remain part of the EU. I also find the international work culture more interesting, I enjoy being around different languages and cultures.

A few key stats from the British Expat Report also highlight these attitudes:

• 38% of 25 to 34-year-olds are actively thinking about leaving the UK in the next five years, with 11% ready to move right now. 
• 36% of 18 to 24-year-olds are considering moving abroad, and 10% are thinking of an immediate move. 

So, what’s driving them to leave?

• A better quality of life: Nearly half (45%) of Brits thinking about moving say they just want a better lifestyle.
• The cost of living: 39% say financial struggles as a key reason for considering a move.
• The weather: No surprise, 37% want to escape the gray skies and endless drizzle. 

One country with plenty of British arrivals is Australia, largely thanks to new visa rules. The Working Holiday Visa is now open to Brits up to age 35 (previously 30), letting them live and work in Australia for three years.

British applicants also don’t need to complete 88 days of agricultural work to extend their stay. For young professionals looking for higher wages, better weather, and a laid-back lifestyle, Australia is an enticing option (unless you have a fear of drop bears). 

What’s the Reality of the UK Job Market?

Let’s start with the good news: wages have been going up. According to the Office for National Statistics, there was an increase in pay across all income levels between April 2023 and April 2024, with lower-paid jobs seeing strong growth. Median weekly earnings for full-time employees hit £728 in April 2024, a 2.9% rise after adjusting for inflation.

Sounds promising. But while wages are rising, the cost of living is still high. Inflation may have slowed, but it hasn’t reversed. Many workers feel their paychecks aren’t stretching as far as they used to, especially in pricey areas like London.

So, what’s the reality? The UK job market isn’t collapsing, but it’s far from booming. If you’re in a high-demand industry or willing to be flexible, opportunities are certainly there. But for many, the combination of rising costs, tax burdens, and economic uncertainty could be the tipping point for life abroad.

Is Life Better Outside the UK?

I moved from the UK to sunny Spain in 2017 — and yes, it was the best decision I ever made. I’ve met amazing people, opened my mind, and greatly improved my lifestyle (my Spanish is sadly still a work in progress). So while I don’t regret moving, it’s not been smooth sailing. 

A major positive is the work-life balance — I’m no longer confined to my desk with a soggy salad over lunch. I can now enjoy my lunch breaks at the many terrazas for coffee and tapas in the sun. I’ve also landed some great jobs, and I don’t need to pay sky-high living costs for the privilege. 

But living abroad isn’t all Insta-worthy sunsets. Language barriers and cultural differences mean things often move slower, from basic conversations to simple errands. And of course, you get the occasional homesickness, whether it’s friends and family, the British sense of humor, or just a good old-fashioned fry-up. 

Would life abroad be “better” for everyone? Absolutely not. Moving isn’t a magic solution, and every country has its problems. But the world is full of opportunities, and for those willing to take the leap, life abroad can be an exciting, transformative experience.

FAQ

What is the main reason for emigration from the UK?

There isn’t just one reason, but the biggest driver is the search for a better quality of life. Many Brits move abroad for higher salaries, lower living costs, a better work-life balance, and simply a different way of living. Countries like Australia, Spain, and the UAE offer strong job markets, warmer climates, and lower taxes. The rising cost of living and general bad weather in the UK all make emigration more appealing.

Why do Brits return to their country?

Despite the appeal of life abroad, many Brits eventually return home for family, healthcare, and cultural familiarity. Being away from loved ones can be tough, especially for those with aging parents or children. Some also return for career opportunities or because life overseas didn’t meet their expectations. 

How do people leaving the UK affect the country’s economy?

Emigration can be a double-edged sword for the UK economy. On hand, it reduces pressure on housing and public services. On the other, losing skilled workers, especially in healthcare, tech, and finance, creates labor shortages. When high earners and entrepreneurs leave, tax revenues decline, which can impact public spending. 

A growing number of younger professionals seeking better opportunities abroad could also mean fewer taxpayers supporting an aging population. However, emigration has always been balanced by immigration, with the UK historically attracting skilled workers to fill gaps. 

Why are millionaires leaving the UK?

A growing number of millionaires are leaving the UK due to high taxes and economic uncertainty. The UK’s tax burden, especially for high earners, has increased significantly in recent years. Beyond taxes, political instability and concerns over long-term economic growth have made the UK less appealing for the ultra-wealthy looking to protect their assets.