A Gen Z Aussie has criticized the work culture in her home country, claiming she was forced to flee to London, which has a more ‘diverse and dynamic environment’.
Viv Leong, 27, told Daily Mail Australia she wanted more than Australia had to offer – like “freedom, creativity and the chance to do something different”.
Ms Leong now works for herself as a social media account manager, content creator and strategist, specializing 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 constraints of a traditional job,” she said.
‘I am happier because I have found my rhythm, the balance between work, travel and personal development.’
It comes after Generation Z were named Australia’s unhappiest workers, according to employment platform Seek’s recent Workplace Happiness Index.
Only 50 percent of Generation Z surveyed said they were happy in their workplace, compared to 58 percent of Millenials (Generation Y), 52 percent of Generation X and the 61 percent of Baby Boomers.
Contributing to their unhappiness were Generation Z’s high stress levels, as well as dissatisfaction 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 lacks opportunity, flexibility and diversity for Gen Z workers
The research also revealed what makes each generation happy in the workplace. Generation Z valued three factors that other generations never even mentioned: work-life balance, career development opportunities, and their team/colleagues.
Ms Leong said the findings are not surprising as career development is one of her biggest motivations for moving to London.
“Moving here allowed me to take advantage of a more diverse and dynamic work environment, and the city’s global financial scene accelerated my growth,” she said.
The 27-year-old claims that while 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 bigger global market,” she said.
Ms Leong said Australia has a “lack of flexibility in work culture” and believes limited financial education in schools makes it harder for anyone to “get ahead”.
And for the 27-year-old, Australia also lacked diversity, especially in its financial sphere.
“That can feel isolating if you don’t see yourself represented in those spaces,” she said.
Since recently moving to London on a three-year youth mobility visa, Ms Leong has had the opportunity to work on projects she wouldn’t have been able to do in Australia, including making some viral videos.
“I expanded my work and had the opportunity to work on social media strategy for luxury London brands,” she said.
To make her generation happier, she claims the country can take some steps.
Ms Leong has found more opportunities in her financial field in London and has been able to expand her work (London photo)
“(Australia could start by) promoting greater flexibility in the workplace 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 more accessible career paths and a culture that encourages work-life balance are essential for positive change.”
Aimee Hutton, head of customer insights and strategy, said being happy at work is a big driver of an employee’s “overall health and wellbeing”, but it also has implications for businesses.
“Those who are unhappy at work are more likely (83 percent) to think about changing jobs, compared to those who are happy (45 percent) at work,” she said.
“This is testament to the fact that happiness at work is invaluable to Australian businesses and healthy productivity in the labor market.”
Ms Leong is urging other Australians – of all ages – to “make a plan” and take action if they are unhappy at work.
“If you feel 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, study finances and trust that change can lead to growth.’