Australian Content Creator Flees High Costs and Western Culture for Bali Simplicity
In an exclusive revelation, Australian-born content creator Josh Wilkinson has disclosed the two primary problems that compelled him to abandon his lifelong home in Australia. The 34-year-old, originally from Adelaide, now asserts that "life is much simpler and happier" away from his hometown after making the decisive move to leave.
Soaring Cost of Living Forces a Drastic Change
While expressing gratitude for residing in what he describes as a "beautiful place," Wilkinson candidly admitted that it had become excessively difficult to sustain a life there. He highlighted a stark example from a recent supermarket visit, where a single pineapple was priced at 10 Australian dollars, equivalent to approximately £5. This eye-opening experience underscored the broader economic challenges facing residents.
"Australia is not really what it was 10 or 20 years ago, which sucks," Wilkinson shared on his YouTube channel. "The people running these countries don't care about protecting the values of the people in that country. And that's just based on evidence."
He elaborated on his personal struggles, noting that the dream of homeownership has become increasingly unattainable due to rampant inflation and housing costs. After unexpectedly losing his full-time job last year and pivoting to content creation, Wilkinson gained the flexibility to work remotely from overseas. Currently based in Bali, he has drawn direct comparisons between the two locations, emphatically stating that he harbors no regrets about his relocation.
"Australia is that expensive that when you compare it to places in Southeast Asia, it's literally cheaper to travel and live abroad with a high quality of life, eating good food in good weather, than it is to rent an average little place here in Adelaide," he explained.
Cultural Disconnect and Consumerism Criticisms
Beyond the financial pressures, Wilkinson, who also manages the YouTube channel Polarity, cited a profound sense of disconnection from the surrounding culture as a significant factor in his decision. He expressed dissatisfaction not only with Australian society but with Western culture at large, which he perceives as overly focused on consumerism.
"The culture here kind of sucks if I'm honest, and it's not just Australia," he added. "I’m talking about the West, the Western culture, I'm just not really a fan of it, it's so consumerism focused. Everyone's just worried about what they have, how they look, their social media."
While acknowledging that he is not entirely demonizing these aspects, Wilkinson criticized the disproportionate value and emphasis placed on material pursuits and superficial engagements. He specifically pointed to what he views as quintessential Australian cultural elements, such as climbing the corporate ladder, frequent weekend drinking, and obsessive support for local sports teams, as misaligned with his personal values.
Future Plans and Global Journey
Wilkinson has been actively updating his YouTube subscribers on his ongoing journey through Bali, embracing a more nomadic and minimalist lifestyle. Reflecting on his future aspirations while still in Australia, he outlined a vision of exploring the world and documenting his experiences.
"There is lots more around the world, beautiful people, beautiful places. And I've always thought how cool it would be just to basically document my journey around the world," he revealed. "I'm not planning too far ahead, right now things are kind of vague but basically I'm going to be going around the world and I'm going to take you guys with me and just kind of show that journey. I'm going to be doing it all solo."
When questioned about the possibility of returning to Australia, Wilkinson remained non-committal, emphasizing his current focus on simplicity and happiness in Bali. However, he expressed reservations about potential future re-settlement, citing concerns over the "slow erosion of free speech and implementation of digital IDs" as deterrents.
"I'm just travelling around and taking life as it comes right now, life is much simpler and happier in Bali," he concluded. "A part of me would love to live in Australia again and maybe I will eventually, but the slow erosion of free speech and implementation of digital ID's makes me hesitant."
This personal account emerges against a backdrop where Australia is frequently ranked as a top expatriate destination for British nationals, with over one million UK citizens currently residing across the country. Cities like Sydney are particularly popular hotspots, attracting individuals with promises of beautiful weather, idyllic beaches, vibrant urban centers, robust healthcare systems, and abundant job opportunities. Wilkinson's story, however, presents a contrasting narrative, highlighting the complex realities that can prompt even native residents to seek alternatives abroad.
