Expatriates find they have a better work-life balance in Australia compared to their home countries, according to a study by foreign exchange fintech World First.
And the survey of 2000 shows 64% of expats reported they earn more money in Australia and 72% said they had the same or less work hours despite Australian’s reputation for working longer days.
The survey recorded the likes and dislikes of expats about Australia:
Likes
- 30% gave the country a 10/10
- The best rating features are beaches and nature (9/10), weather (8/10), safety (8/10), working conditions (8/10) and food and culinary scene (8/10).
- 63% earn more money here.
- 72% say they work the same or less hours.
- Slang: The use of profanity in everyday language was the greatest shock. However, expats learn quickly that this does not hold a negative connotation.
Dislikes
- 67% missed friends and family.
- 65% say Australia was a more expensive country to live in.
- Property prices (4/10), rental prices (4/10), the cost of living (5/10) and the state of Australian politics (5/10).
- The number one thing expats would change about Australia is its remoteness to the rest of the world.
- Most disliked slang: How ya going? G’day mate. Mate.
- Not fond of flies, spiders stingrays, sharks and snakes.
On politics, the expats named marriage equality as a key topic.
“The emotional challenge of the move was the number one challenge in the moving to Australia, followed very closely by making new friends,” says World First.
“These emotional challenges were interestingly ranked higher than the more tangible obstacles like finding a job or a place to live.”
Here’s the complete topic listing, with 10 being highly favourable, and responses by expats:
SEE ALSO: 26 places everyone should visit in Australia
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Here's what popular dog breeds looked like before and after 100 years of breeding