From London Rejection to Austrian Opportunity: A Job Seeker's Radical Relocation
In a striking testament to the contrasting employment landscapes across Europe, a British professional who faced relentless rejection in the UK job market has found unexpected success by moving to a tiny Austrian village. Tamer Zeki, a 29-year-old from London, submitted approximately 1,000 applications for data analytics positions in the capital, receiving only four interviews and zero offers over an extended period.
The Breaking Point: 1,000 Applications and No Progress
Zeki, originally trained as a digital orthodontic technician, invested in a three-month data analytics course to pivot his career. Despite his qualifications and persistent efforts, the UK market proved impenetrable. "I was applying for job after job," Zeki recounted. "I must have applied for 1,000 jobs in London and only had four interviews. The competition was overwhelming, with some roles attracting up to 5,000 applicants."
Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Anna Haselboeck, 28, began exploring opportunities in her native Austria. Within a mere three weeks, she secured three interviews and a job offer, highlighting a stark disparity in employment accessibility. The couple, who had been navigating a long-distance relationship interspersed with global travels, faced uncertainty about their future, exacerbated by post-Brexit visa complexities for Anna to relocate to the UK.
A Serendipitous Solution in Lower Austria
During a routine dental appointment, Haselboeck mentioned their job hunt to her family dentist. To their surprise, he offered positions for both at his expanding health centre. Seizing the opportunity, Zeki moved to Haselboeck's hometown in Lower Austria in April 2025, a remote settlement with just 400 residents, one road, and a single restaurant operated by her parents.
"I thought 'let's go for it' and that's how I ended up in Austria," Zeki said. The transition was facilitated by a more straightforward visa process for him, given his pre-arranged employment, compared to the hurdles posed by Brexit for EU citizens moving to Britain.
Embracing a Simpler, More Affordable Lifestyle
Now working as a digital orthodontic technician, with Haselboeck as an office manager in the same clinic, Zeki has adapted to a drastically different environment. The financial benefits are substantial: they rent a three-bedroom apartment for £800 monthly, half the cost of a one-bedroom flat in London, and have reduced weekly grocery expenses from £100 to £50.
"It's been a really good experience for me," Zeki noted. "I love my work, I love the nature and the silence. I love being able to live with Anna." The couple enjoys walks in the surrounding forest, though amenities like cinemas or cafes require a 25-minute drive, leading to a quieter lifestyle centered on outdoor activities and television.
Challenges of Isolation and Language Barriers
Despite the professional and economic advantages, Zeki acknowledges the downsides. The isolation of the village can be profound. "It can get very lonely and isolating," he admitted. "Even when you go outside for a walk, you don't see anyone." He also misses his family, including a new niece and nephew, and his cat.
Language has posed another significant hurdle. Despite months of German lessons, Zeki struggles to communicate effectively, often resorting to sign language with colleagues. "I'm not really making a breakthrough," he confessed, underscoring the cultural adjustments required.
A Broader Commentary on Employment and Mobility
Haselboeck reflected on the broader implications, stating, "I find it so crazy how competitive the UK job market is. It was so easy for me to find a job in Austria, with only two to three applicants per role." This experience sheds light on post-Brexit dynamics, where British citizens may find easier pathways to work in EU nations compared to the reverse, amid a tightening UK labour market.
Looking ahead, Zeki plans to extend his Austrian visa, committed to this new chapter. The couple shares their journey on social media under @tamandanna, offering a real-time glimpse into a life reshaped by necessity and opportunity. Their story underscores a growing trend of professionals seeking alternatives beyond saturated urban hubs, driven by both economic pressures and the desire for a better quality of life.
