The Truth about living abroad: What no one tells you

Over the past couple of decades, an increasing number of people have chosen a different path—packing up their lives to travel the world or live abroad. These days, it’s not unusual for someone you know to casually mention they’re heading to London for a year or planning to backpack around the globe. Sometimes it’s a rite of passage; other times it becomes a whole new way of life. Either way, it’s incredible to see so many people stepping out of the norm and into something adventurous.

Planning your trip?
•••
Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify

I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this here and here.

---

But while the Instagram photos and travel stories are full of beaches, rooftop bars and scenic hikes, there’s a side to living overseas that people don’t always talk about. It’s not all Aperol spritzes and spontaneous getaways. Sometimes, it’s sleeping on the floor of a flat you found last-minute, running low on cash, and wondering what the hell you just got yourself into.

For me, moving overseas changed everything. It gave me a deeper understanding of myself, how I operate under pressure, and what I really want from life. But it also tested me in ways I never expected. I reckon if you’re prepared for the challenges, they don’t hit quite as hard—and that makes all the difference.

When I moved from Brisbane to London, it was late September—so I left winter behind… and landed in more winter. That decision made the adjustment harder than it needed to be. I love the outdoors, the beach, and being in the sun. And instead, I was locked indoors, freezing, and trying to adjust to grey skies and 4:30 pm sunsets. If I had my time again, I’d chase back-to-back summers and skip the endless cold altogether.

Before you move anywhere, do your homework on the climate. And I don’t mean a quick scroll on Google. Really look into what it’s like to live in that environment day to day. Snow sounds romantic until it overstays its welcome for three straight months. Likewise, tropical heat can be beautiful or brutal depending on how you handle it. If I ever relocate again for a longer stint, it’s going to be somewhere warm with great Wi-Fi and palm trees.

Even though London is an English-speaking city, I wasn’t expecting the cultural difference to hit as hard as it did. The crowds overwhelmed me. The Tube gave me a bit of anxiety at times. And walking around certain areas at night, I felt uneasy in a way I never really had back home. I had to sharpen up fast—learn to trust my instincts, be more street-smart, and stay hyper-aware. It was a crash course in confidence, and I came out better for it.

One thing I wasn’t ready for was how homesick I’d get. I’m not usually the nostalgic type, and I don’t cling to home comforts… but for some reason, I found myself missing everything—my routine, my freedom, even my car. Back in Brisbane, I’d had a good job, a decent income, and a pretty comfortable lifestyle. In London? I was share-housing in a tiny flat, on a tight budget, catching trains everywhere, and earning a fraction of what I used to.

There were days I felt like I’d gone backwards in life—back to those awkward, early 20s years where every dollar counted and you were just trying to get by. It rattled me. But over time, I realised it wasn’t regression—it was redirection. The goals had shifted. The lifestyle had changed. I had to adapt my mindset to match it.

To get through it, I leaned into structure. I wrote our goals down, stuck them to the wall, and reminded myself daily why I was there. Whether it was future travel plans, creative work, or personal growth, keeping the bigger picture in front of me helped me stay focused during the harder days.

Another game-changer? Finding the right people. Toward the end of my time in London, I met a couple of absolute legends who became close mates. If I’d met them earlier, I reckon my whole experience there would’ve felt different. It’s amazing how just one or two solid connections can completely change how you feel about a place.

Now, let’s talk about work—because that was rough. Before I left, I figured it’d be relatively easy to find a job. I’d heard the same thing most Aussies hear: “You guys are hard workers, you’ll be fine.” What no one tells you is that if you arrive close to Christmas, businesses are winding down. Nobody’s hiring. So for a while, I was sitting around in our tiny flat with nothing but time and dwindling savings.

Eventually, I picked up temp work—basic admin jobs, bits and pieces that kept us afloat—but it burned through our budget fast. It was nearly three months before full-time work came through. And when it did, it wasn’t the cushy, laid-back gig I’d hoped for. It was one of the most demanding roles I’ve ever had. I was working harder than ever, earning less than ever, and wondering if it was all worth it.

If I could go back, I’d be far more strategic about the kind of work I took on. I didn’t move overseas to climb the corporate ladder—I went for the experience. If that’s your reason too, find something simple and stress-free that funds the lifestyle you actually want. Prioritise freedom over job titles.

Despite all that, one of the most unexpected gifts of that year was how much it deepened my relationships. Without family, long-time mates, or familiar comforts, I had to rely on myself—and, when I was with a partner, on them. It brought us closer in ways that only challenge and change can. You see each other at your best and worst. You support each other when it counts. That kind of connection is forged, not found.

If you’re thinking about moving overseas—do it. But don’t go in wearing rose-tinted glasses. It’ll be messy. It’ll test you. You’ll feel lost some days. And you’ll miss things you didn’t expect to. But it’ll also shape you in ways nothing else can. It’ll open your eyes, crack your comfort zone wide open, and give you memories you’ll carry forever.

And remember—home’s not going anywhere. It’ll still be there when you’re ready to come back. So take the leap, stay curious, and soak up every bit of the experience while you’ve got it. You only get one shot at this life—make it count.

---

---