American woman ‘used to get her own way’ reveals huge reality check she received when she landed in Australia
- American woman reveals Australian culture shock
- She was always used to getting what she wanted
- Now she knows how to ‘go with the flow’
An American woman has revealed the biggest personality change she’s encountered after packing her bags and moving to Australia.
Kerrene Taylor, from Washington, moved to Perth for work seven years ago.
And soon learned to ‘go with the flow’ and subscribe to the ‘laidback’ Australian culture of adapting to your surroundings rather than demanding special treatment.
The marketing expert admitted that it was hard to let go of some of her Americanisms.
But when she has it, it feels like a complete transformation.
Kerren Taylor [pictured]an American woman, revealed the biggest personality change she’s encountered after packing her bags and moving to Australia
“One of the things about living as an American in Australia is how much less I care about having things my way,” she said in the video.
She went on to explain life and expectations in America.
“The United States is a culture where you can customize anything — you can change any menu and get any drink or meal exactly the way you want it, no matter how it’s presented on the menu.”
Kerrene also said most American restaurants are open 24 hours a day.
“Australia is so different,” she realized after moving to Perth.
“Cafés close at 2 p.m., restaurants are sometimes not open between lunch and dinner, and you generally don’t ask to change things on the menu.”
“All those little everyday things mean I can’t have things exactly the way I want them when I want them.”
The biggest transformation came when she realized how little she cared about having things away from her after a lifetime of tailoring – and how much more personal time Aussie employers offer their staff
Another thing that shocked Kerrene was the amount of time she gets off work.
“It really feels like every time we have a holiday, there’s another one right around the corner.”
The American was also surprised about annual leave.
“It just feels like we get a ton of free time every year,” she said.
“When I talk to people who aren’t originally from Australia but live here now, we all feel it’s a little too good to be true.”
Kerrene admitted that he had a great deal of “residual guilt” about America’s “work comes first” norm.
She also realized that whenever she faced an inconvenience, such as a restaurant not being open, it was simply due to someone else’s work-life balance.
Many agreed that Australian culture was much better when it came to work and play.
“The reality of the ‘convenience’ offered by American companies is that it is only possible by exploiting low-wage workers,” one woman wrote.
“It’s also because we don’t tip and the wait staff get a decent salary, so they don’t feel like they have to do what the customer wants.”
“Australia doesn’t subscribe to American individualism — we’re all buddies here.”