Young Britons Flee UK for Better Lives Abroad Amid Economic Woes
As young people bear the brunt of a downturn in the jobs market, figures show a significant number are leaving the United Kingdom. According to the Office for National Statistics, a net 111,000 people aged 16 to 34 emigrated from the UK in the year to March 2025. Although statisticians caution against comparing annual figures after a recent change in methodology and stress that younger people are traditionally more drawn to emigration, this trend highlights growing discontent among Britain's youth.
Against the backdrop of a tough economy and soaring rents, young adults now living across the globe have shared their reasons for departing Britain and how their new lives compare. From finance workers in Dubai to digital nomads in Thailand, their stories paint a picture of frustration with domestic conditions and optimism about opportunities elsewhere.
The Finance Worker in Dubai: 'Working People Are Squeezed in the UK'
Ben, a 24-year-old Oxbridge graduate who now works in finance in Dubai, exemplifies this exodus. He graduated in 2023, won a scholarship to a US university, and initially intended to return to the UK in 2025 but rapidly changed his mind. "I am not keen on the UK at all right now," he says. "Push factors definitely outweigh the pull of the UK. London itself is a rip-off. Working people are squeezed, and the allure is waning."
Ben, who identifies as a British Nigerian, cites racial strife, toxic politics, a stagnant economy, and regional inequality as key reasons for his departure. "People around my age didn't get to vote in 2016 and were first-time voters in 2019, by which point Brexit was a foregone conclusion, and they feel pretty screwed over," he adds. While acknowledging reservations about the UAE, he notes that it offers valuable overseas experience and career progression for young professionals.
The Sustainability Worker in Berlin: Affordable Living and Career Flexibility
Caitlin, a 27-year-old originally from Manchester, moved to Berlin three years ago after struggling to adapt to London's busy and expensive environment. "I felt happier during those 10 days in Germany than I had in the entire last year," she recalls, leading her to make the jump. Her first job was in customer service, but she has since transferred to a Blue Card visa, providing more flexibility and job security.
When it comes to accommodation, Caitlin highlights a marked contrast with London. "It is a renters' economy here, so I have a rental contract for life with stabilised rent in a gorgeous, large apartment for quite a cheap price – it would be triple that in London," she says. However, she acknowledges challenges, including Berlin's escalating housing crisis and the difficulty of learning German, which limits job opportunities. Despite this, she values the improved quality of life but misses family and friends, which may eventually draw her back to the UK.
The Digital Nomad in Thailand: Saving More Money While Traveling
Maisie, a freelance journalist from North Yorkshire, has been following the sun and the digital nomad community for about three years, describing the experience as "life-changing." She spends four to six months each year in south-east Asia, including Thailand, the Philippines, and Laos, before returning to Europe and the UK. "I don't feel that the younger generations in the UK are being looked after," she says, citing Brexit and crippling student loans as sources of resentment.
Maisie calculates her monthly outgoings at about £1,000, covering shared accommodation, food, travel, and flights. "The irony is I am saving more money traveling than I would if I lived in the UK, and I am still having a really nice quality of life," she notes. While she enjoys this lifestyle, she acknowledges it is not permanent and that family ties keep her connected to Britain.
The Web Developer in Vancouver: A Better Quality of Life
Nat Watson, a 24-year-old web developer, moved to Vancouver, Canada, last September after feeling disillusioned with job prospects in Wales. "I just couldn't take living in the UK any more," he says, having lived in various cities like Brighton, Bristol, and London without feeling at home. In Vancouver, he settled quickly, secured a job, and is earning more than he would in the UK.
Watson highlights the "ever-rising cost of living and the ever-rising rightwing political extremism" as factors that drove him away. "The quality of life is much better, people are friendlier, and I've been welcomed by everyone," he adds. Remarkably, he finds it cheaper to live in central Vancouver than in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, underscoring the economic advantages of his move.
These stories reflect a broader trend of young Britons seeking better opportunities abroad, driven by economic challenges and a desire for improved living standards. As the UK faces potential negative migration this year, the impact on the economy and the future of its youth remains a critical issue.
