A Gen Z Aussie has slammed the work culture back home claiming she was forced to flee to London where it has a more ‘diverse and dynamic environment’.
Viv Leong, 27, told Daily Mail Australia she wanted more than Australia could offer – such as ‘freedom, creativity, and the chance to do something different’.
Ms Leong is now working for herself as a social media account manager, content creator and strategist specialising in stock market literacy and luxury markets, with London offering her a ‘fresh start’.
‘I wanted freedom, adventure, and opportunities to build a career without the limitations of a traditional job,’ she said.
‘I’m happier because I found my rhythm, balancing work, travel, and personal development.’
It comes after Gen Z were named Australia’s most unhappiest workers, according to employment platform Seek’s recent inaugural Workplace Happiness Index.
Only 50 per cent of Gen Zs surveyed said they were happy in their workplace, compared to 58 per cent of Millenials (Gen Y), 52 per cent for Gen X and Baby Boomers’ 61 per cent.
Contributing to their unhappiness was Gen Z’s high stress levels, as well as being unhappy with senior leadership in their workplace.
Viv Leong, 27 (pictured), moved to London after feeling ‘stuck’ in her career in Australia and is now much happier after finding her ‘rhythm’
The 27-year-old (pictured) said Australia has a lack of opportunities, flexibility and diversity for Gen Z workers
The survey also uncovered what makes each generation happy in the workplace – and Gen Z valued three factors that other generations never even mentioned: work-life balance, career progression opportunities and their team/colleagues.
Ms Leong said the findings are not surprising, with career progression being one of her biggest motivators for her move to London.
‘Moving here allowed me to tap into a more diverse and dynamic work environment, and the city’s global finance scene accelerated my growth,’ she said.
The 27-year-old claims that although both London and Australia have high cost-of-living challenges, they are different when it comes to opportunities, which made the move ‘worth it’.
‘London has a much larger global market,’ she said.
Ms Leong said Australia has a ‘lack of flexibility in work culture’ and believes the limited financial education in schools makes it harder for everyone to ‘get ahead’.
And for the 27-year-old, Australia also lacked diversity, especially in her field of finance.
‘Which can feel isolating if you don’t see yourself represented in those spaces,’ she said.
Since making the move to London recently on a three-year Youth Mobility Visa, Ms Leong has had opportunities to work on projects she wouldn’t have been able to in Australia, including making some viral videos.
‘I’ve expanded my work and had the opportunity to work on social media strategy for luxury London brands,’ she said.
In order to make her generation happier, she claims there are some steps the country could implement.
Ms Leong has found more opportunities in her field of finance in London and has been able to expand her work (pictured London)
‘(Australia could start by) fostering more workplace flexibility and addressing the high cost of living,’ she said.
‘Supporting diverse voices and providing platforms for young, underrepresented professionals would also make a difference.
‘And have more accessible career pathways and a culture that encourages work-life balance are essential for positive change.’
Seek head of customer insights and strategy Aimee Hutton said being happy at work is a big driver in an employee’s ‘overall health and well being’ but it also impacts businesses.
‘Those who are unhappy at work are more likely (83 per cent) to think about changing jobs, compared to those who are happy (45 per cent) at work,’ she said.
‘This is testament to happiness at work being invaluable for Australian businesses and healthy productivity in the labour market.’
Ms Leong urges other Australians – of all ages – to ‘make a plan’ and act if they’re not happy at work.
‘If you feel like you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to take risks and explore other opportunities,’ she said.
‘It’s okay to go against the grain, whether that means leaving the traditional job market or even moving abroad.
‘Make a plan, educate yourself about finances, and trust that change can lead to growth.’
