Why I LEFT the UK for good

[@jakubwyszynski3686]

Thanks for the video! I'm Polish-British, who lives in the UK for over 20 years now. I remember when back in 2004 it felt like moving to the UK was a massive change for better. 20 years later, when I travel to Poland, I am shocked how the country progressed within the EU and transformed into clean, modern and safe place to live with cheap and reliable public transport, and OK public services. Travelling back to the UK now is like a reverse migration, amplified by miserbale weather. There is a visible decline, cost of living is insane even in Liverpool which suppose to be one of the cheapest places to live. So why am I here? I have quite a succesful and stable NHS career, I cannot go fully remote and work from warmer, sunnier country. I also like British people and their sense of humour. There are beautiful places to visit too. But in 5 years I plan to leave for good - maybe back to Poland? Anyway, enough about me - good luck mate!

[@spowartco]

@@jakubwyszynski3686 that insight is really interesting. Glad to hear you see and make the most of the positives in the UK. Thanks I appreciate that, all the best 🙌🏼

[@marianhunt8899]

People have a lack of hope that things will improve in the UK. When the very basics of life (rent, food, jobs with living wages and timely access to healthcare) increasingly become unaffordable then a nation is in distress. Sad, but it appears our leaders have failed the nation. It's so sad.

[@spowartco]

@@marianhunt8899 a lot of truth in this!

[@simonmcintosh6565]

not failed- purposely destroyed it and its accelerating.

[@andrewkerr5296]

Who voted in the 'Leaders'?

[@simonmcintosh6565]

@@andrewkerr5296 very few people. They get 34% of the vote for 74% of the seats.It was gerrymandered to fix the result. Reform got 14% (new party good policies ) for 1% of seats. Our system is fucked.

[@andrewkerr5296]

@@simonmcintosh6565 Yea but what about all the other previous terrible Governments

[@t.stephen5086]

Everyone is depressed and low energy in England. I left , crime is a big concern , but also the cost of living. No one wants to talk about big issues as they know it won't change. Pessimism is everywhere

[@spowartco]

@@t.stephen5086 absolutely agree, very strange that the country wasn’t having serious conversations about not letting it get worse years ago.

[@dmphotographer4902]

I agree with you in everything you said. Came to England from Italy, after 5 years a felt a terrible depression and left came back to Italy and I earn less but I am happy happy happy, I have friends, the crime rate is low you can go anywhere without fear. The mountains, lakes seaside ❤ love Italy, never gonna go back to England

[@spowartco]

@@dmphotographer4902 I’m glad to hear you found happiness. Italy is a beautiful country. High up on the list for a place to settle for me, it has everything!

[@anthonyferris8912]

@dmphotographer4902 You are fortunate to come from one of Europe's lovelyest countries. So can't think what possessed you to ever want to leave. Incidentally, the Global Peace Index ranks Italy as the 32nd safest country in the world, ahead of the UK at (34th). Huge difference isn't it? 😆

[@dmphotographer4902]

I think that rank is manipulated 👌 in Italy I've never saw crimes in my life. Came to England, I saw stabbings, running over with the car to the people, burglary and many others 😁 Italy it's just a Paradise far from what the life in england is 💪​@@anthonyferris8912

[@12567NoYouCannot]

@@spowartco Young Man - I had to Save Money for years and dreamed of making a Trip to London and visiting England in general. I finally went and all I got was a Lot of HATE and discrimination.

[@Amibalani]

I’ve been to Rome and Milan some of the parts of them Cities are ghettos. Italians are rude. But they dress really well and style. But I’m sorry from my experience Italy aint all that. Portugual is far better!

[@VR-mq3jt]

I'm originally from London/Essex and lived in Vietnam/China for 4 1/2 years teaching English to kindergarten students, and only returned in December 2023. Thankfully, I saved a tonne of money and have just bought a gorgeous 2 bedroom flat in a really nice part of Ayrshire, Scotland, near the beach, where there's no leasehold charges and I don't have a service charge. I couldn't afford bugger all if I still lived in London/Essex! I realise how lucky I am to be in this position and only have a small 15 year mortgage going forward. Living in Scotland has massively helped my finances. I also recognise that I'm only in this position thanks to my amazing salary in China! I totally identify with your perspective 👍

[@spowartco]

That's brilliant to hear. Stunning nature in Scotland. All the best 🙌🏼

[@robertmiur2388]

Left Scotland many years ago, living in Colombia 38 years now, and love it

[@spowartco]

@@robertmiur2388 that sounds like a dream, good on you 👌🏼

[@robertmiur2388]

Thank you I have never regretted it. Is a great country to live in .rated the second cheapest in the world at the moment,Vietnam is rated first so that’s always a plus,lovely weather every day ,excellent healthcare, and very friendly poeple.beaches mountains jungles .lots of micro climates. Nothing to complain about.wishing you all the best of luck.

[@andreykmtl]

Hi Robert, glad you like it in Colombia. We're planning on moving there as well as a family from North America. How do you make ends meet if you dont mind me asking? My understanding its very tough with jobs in Colombia and people are treated poorly by employers. Do you have children? Thank you

[@rjflores438]

Talking about the cost of living, when a bedsit in Dagenham and other zone 5 and zone 6 areas of London, and not the affluent bits, Im talking Romford, Croydon and Ilford as well, where your fridge is next to your bed is costing almost £1000 per month, you know its probably tome to consider leaving London and the UK as well.

[@spowartco]

Couldn't agree more, people are looking for better options and other solutions to a better life for the work they're putting in!

[@12567NoYouCannot]

@@spowartco; I like a nice life, but I hate the Excessive materialism that I See here in the USA. People don't mind helping you with Something Material; which is nice if you need help with Something that you cannot Afford; but the minute that You try to Connect with them at a Personal Level; they Get DEFENSIVE as if you just committed a CRIME.

[@davidantony2734]

I left the UK in 2018 and moved to China - never looked back socially, emotionally and financially. Agree with with what you said - aside from the critique of our architecture

[@12567NoYouCannot]

The weather is Same here where I am from. The weather is Rainy & Dark but the Summers are pleasant.

[@jermaineishmael7225]

A very well spoken and insightful take, rarely watch to the end of a pod cast this one was a please, went methodically through all the talking points of things that i have been thinking for a little while.

[@spowartco]

That's awesome to hear, appreciate that thanks mate!

[@scarba]

Moved to Germany from Scotland 25 years ago. Still miss British queuing though :)

[@spowartco]

@@scarba love Germany, I’ve toured there quite a lot over the years. I totally agree, best thing to come out of the UK in my opinion 😂

[@leodoingthings1706]

I might be moving to UK as its the only place i have friends left. Might stay there for work in west of london in reading town. What can you suggest for newcomers? Used to work in my country as police officer until my health declined.

[@spowartco]

Try to stay positive and stay blissfully ignorant of the headlines and the never ending political turmoil. Connection is the most important thing so your priorities are in the right place. Just make the most of it, arrange your free time so that you are doing wholesome fun stuff together regularly. Stay active and healthy, get out in nature and you'll be in a better place mentally than most.

[@leodoingthings1706]

@@spowartco i enjoy motorcycle riding so UK sounds like a good place, as in my country season is like 6 months max, and as rainy as britain. Our country political turmoil looks even worse regarding current fears of bordering russia in baltic states. My every hobby except pistol shooting is bigger in UK, so i will have plenty of those i think. What you can say about crime level or current islam extension in UK?> Also a lot of teenagers stealing cars and running around with knives. How is the police? Our traffic laws are very strict, shit load of speed bumps and average speed controls.

[@jeeperscreatures]

Never been to England. No desire to go there. I`m sure it was cool once upon a time.

[@spowartco]

@@jeeperscreatures you’re absolutely right!

[@rjflores438]

Ive just moved to an affluent area here in the UK in the North of England, so the rent is expensive but not dire like it is in London. The people are not overtly rude, but something is off. I feel this sense that if you dont fit in the social class/social status bubble, you just become ostracised. Its also a very reserved society, especially where I live. The dating culture is horrible as well, the women are way less receptive.

[@spowartco]

Congrats with the move, I hope you can navigate the feeling you're talking about successfully. I came from a lower tier town and I've noticed the same thing when visiting more affluent places or just being in an affluent setting in general. I've somewhat learnt to adapt where necessary, but it's a great filter for superficial people, because anyone you'd want to be around you wouldn't judge in this way. Totally agree, connections are becoming more and more tough, people are loosing touch with how to have human interactions.

[@rjflores438]

​@@spowartcoYeah mate, I grew up on council estates in South West London as a kid and then in Manchester as a teenager. As an adult I feel drawn to more affluent areas, maybe to subconsciously fit in with the people I went to uni with and some of the women I dated. The other side of my family grew up in affluent parts of North London like Belsize Park, so I always felt as though I wasnt accepted by them. My uncle married a very wealthy and posh woman even though he comes from a working class background like me. The social class divide in London really puts me off the place.

[@spowartco]

@@rjflores438 For sure, I think we all aspire to achieve better than what we started with, especially in terms of the environment. Props to you for getting there though!

[@sararichardson737]

Cut to the chase: the UK is dreary as yuck.

[@12567NoYouCannot]

@RJFLORES438: Same here in the USA. It's SO depressing, because I love to interact with people on a Social level, but I do have a lot of Respect for them and I never invade their Privacy; but I do think that We humans are Social Creatures and NEED to interact with each other.

[@tonydewhurst3510]

All credit to you people in uk have gone inward and everyone are in self protected bubbles, community spirit has gone , nothing to be proud off you done the right thing!

[@spowartco]

Appreciate it! Let's hope it can be turned around in future for those that want or need to stay there🤞🏼

[@jordanbeagle5779]

UK doesn’t have real national parks. They’re just owned by private land owners and are mostly farmland.

[@spowartco]

@@jordanbeagle5779 it sucks! I still done my best to make the most of it. Loved hiking and I still went wild camping regularly, operating with the leave no trace principal and never had a problem!

[@DemoSantana]

Think reason 8, is for me as a Panama Latin American person was one who i highly likely spotted and also got bit astounded whlist living in uk London SE for 3 years till July this year. Lived, breathe, witnessed and deffo agreed on how materialistic the society is driven by sometimes (not all). Putting so much weigh on status, superficialness on times instead thinking real organic values on things (applies on people, gifts, meeting potential couples, etc). Society is creating part time bonds on people all in top standards, create couples with high standards lists instead sitting down asking themselves ¿am i doing good, or will i be happy with this? or seeing people real authenticity values most of the time. (having so much stories o share in that you cant even imagine). Understood once why althought we live on in countries in development with less big standards we learn to be more happy with less and seek thru the surface the real essence out of things i guess...

[@spowartco]

Love this comment, these are great observations. Values are definitely key and they have to align in the place you're going to feel at home and happy in. Thanks!

[@12567NoYouCannot]

@@spowartco I live here in Seattle, WA, and I wholeheartedly agree with You that cold-weather places have Cold-hearted people. The Weather here is just like the One in London.

[@jornada.del.muerto]

Moved to the UK 7 years ago. Worked hard, living below my means, and yet I still live paycheck to paycheck. I am a nurse, and I seek to move to the US soon. There are so many things in the UK that I am starting to hate. 1) People's attitudes. People in the UK are very negative and miserable. Whenever I am trying to do something, people here in the UK are always "No, it's too difficult. No, it's impossible. You are wasting your time." But my American friends (who moved to the UK for church missionary reasons) are like "Yes, why not? Go for it!" and they give words of encouragement. British people on the other hand... Where I am from, it's called crab mentality. They don't want to see you succeed. 2) People here are so fake. Americans are honest and straightforward. British people on the other hand... are proud of their "polite" culture, which means they are fake and two faced. I can't stand it. Especially in the NHS, they will say "yes it's okay" then they go behind your back and bad mouth you to everyone. 3) Fake wealth. Many people who live in the UK and flex on social media are fake. I know someone who wears tons of designer, goes on a holiday many times a year, yet had the audacity to borrow £200 from me, then got mad that I did not lend any money. I remember someone who just arrived in the UK saying "Land of the royals? What happened? There is nothing royal about it." 4) The NHS. I work for the NHS. One day, a man high on cocaine from a party was brought in by ambulance. He has been in the ICU 5x. Meaning, his life was saved 5x. Yet he still chose to party and use cocaine. 5x. And he stayed in the ICU for a long time. And who paid for all that? The taxpayers. Meanwhile poor old Dorothy does not get attended to! Why? Because everyone was busy trying to save a man's life, who, after a week, will come back in, again high on cocaine! I feel sorry for the elderly who have worked all their life, paid their dues and taxes, only to be scr3wed over! Don't try to lecture me. "BuT whAt aboUT thE heALth carE sysTem in AmEricA"? You are just proving point number 1 is right. To hell with all of your "oH hoW aboUt the gUn cRime?" You people watch too much CNN. The grass may not be greener on the other side, but I don't care. At least I tried, and have done something to try to better my life. If you want to stay in the UK and glorify it, then so be it. But don't hate on people who move to the US or elsewhere. I guess misery loves company. If you want to stay in the UK, then do. But don't try to discourage people from leaving. The UK is done. It's f0cked, and this is the beginning of the end. Goodbye.

[@anthonyferris8912]

@we.are.all.barabbas So what country did you originate from, that was such a sh!t hole that you moved to the UK and endured so much trauma for 7 years and instead of returning home, you're now taking yet another chance with another country?

[@kz9620]

@we.are.all.barabbas totally agree with you! Most people have changed etc. I'm born UK but I don't enjoy it for a while. I wish you all the best in your new move and don't worry about others who chat nonsense. Enjoy your new life

[@anthonyferris8912]

@@kz9620 Strange, because going by your pidgin English, I'd not have thought you were born in the UK.

[@stuck-in-the-80s-e5h]

Nurses in the USA make at least twice as much as in the UK

[@TomBartram-b1c]

Cold weather places have more inventive, creative, harder working people. Just compare the wealth of Sweden, Germany, UK etc with Portugal, Greece and Turkey. Then we come the things we've invented, cultural output etc. There are contrasts even within countries, such as Italy where the money and industry is in the north.

[@ThatBlokeInJapan-v5p]

Man, I remember being a looker like this guy-16 years ago, give or take-and feeling on top of the world. Living abroad, meeting incredible women from all over: Russians, Scandinavians, Asians from Japan and Korea. Shagging in love hotels, on beaches, in rented cars etc. I was always broke but always out, soaking up life in the bars and clubs. Looking back, I’m so grateful I didn’t waste those years obsessing over money or chasing 'security.' That stuff can come later if you're smart, but youth? That’s fleeting. It's funny because the general consensus is you should work yourself to death young so you're set up for life but I have a difference of opinion. When you're young, there’s a magic to how people connect with you-an energy, a physical chemistry that’s hard to replicate later. Sure, as an older guy, you might still be attractive in a different way, but that raw, electric passion that comes with youth is unique. If there’s one thing I learned, it’s this: time is your most valuable currency when you’re young, so spend it living fully. Not chasing riches-- unless you're lucky enough to do both.

[@mismily-sb7hr]

I'm quite curious what you do for a living. Work is a big reason why people stay here.

[@spowartco]

I work at an online marketing agency. Just over 5 years in the making before leaving was viable. I put out a video about leaving the comfort of home a couple of weeks back where I give some suggestions for how people can facilitate leaving. I understand people's struggles but it's a lot more doable than people realise if they're willing to learn a skill.

[@Gold.Circle.]

Im leaving next year

[@haroonhussain259]

Where to?

[@Gold.Circle.]

@ South America

[@englishpedant]

You're from 10 miles outside London and it takes you 6 hours to get to a beach on the south coast?! Are you walking there or something?!

[@spowartco]

@@englishpedant I was 10 miles out on the north east. Getting round the m25 to 8 o’clock can take up to 2 hours. Maybe I should have been specific, wrongly or rightly so I have a high standard for what a ‘good beach’ is and the only ones I’ve seen/ been to that look good are in the South West, Cornwall for example, and that can take another 4 hours depending on traffic. Just chucked this into Google maps and says 5 hour 41 mins. Slight mistake with not mentioning the west of ‘southwest’, will do better next time.

[@vladsview194]

Wish I had hair like you 😢

[@spowartco]

Thanks mate

[@shyryTsr2k]

Being from San Diego California, I live 10-15 minutes away from the beach and since the only season we have is summer, it’s sunny year round and I can say that people here are very chill, laid back and care for each other. I’ve never been to the UK yet, however I’ve watched many many different videos of people who live there and it seems very grey, rainy and the streets look very small (probably because I’m from the US lol). I hope you find your home soon and that you live in happiness ❤

[@spowartco]

@@shyryTsr2k that sounds great, the people for sure have a large impact on the feel of a place! Thanks for the kind words 🙌🏼

[@astrothsknot]

and I've seen so many vids saying the US is doomed and to get out.

[@spowartco]

Maybe the west as a whole has lost it’s way 🤷🏻‍♂️ I hear a lot of issues about the US too, but can only comment for sure on the UK from my own experience of living there.

[@shyryTsr2k]

@@astrothsknot idk about doomed however we are currently very divided amongst ourselves and can’t agree on anything politically. It’s sad really… and I really want things to change and I’m going to really work hard to make change happen. But, I cannot do it alone and getting people on my side may prove to be a challenge but with my nonprofit I’ll be starting I hope I can help as many people as I can. We have the potential to be a great nation once again, one that loves fellow Americans and helps those who can’t help themselves. We need to stop this pointless fighting and division first and foremost. Sorry for the rant, just thought I’d put my thoughts out there lol.

[@spowartco]

@@shyryTsr2kagree that division is not the way forward. Best of luck! 🙌🏼

[@thealchimik6288]

Interesting!

[@spowartco]

Thanks 🙌🏼

[@stevo728822]

One minute you're saying people are living in poverty, several minutes later you're saying people are wasting money on luxury goods. Which is it? Can't be both. People in the Med don't spend money on luxuries? Have you been to Marbella or Monaco?

[@spowartco]

Credit cards, finance, borrowing from family. I've seen people get inheritances that could get them on the property ladder or start a business, and they go and buy a car, party, designer clothes etc. Not judging, I've not always been smart with money, it's life, but it's just my personal observation and a mindset I believe keeps people in the same spot, again been my own personal experience at times.

[@Gold.Circle.]

Why are you renting a 4 bedroom when you are alone?

[@spowartco]

I’m not alone, having friends and family visiting and I like to have a room to keep all the suitcases, have my guitar setup etc. Ordinarily I wouldn’t bother with 4, but basically no difference in the cost and the place is clean and modern etc.

[@Gold.Circle.]

@@spowartco ah I see. I thought it was this weird American like obsession of looking rich of having a Two bedroom apartment and eating out every day. But seems like you have practical reasons for it. No worries

[@stevo728822]

Comparing London to Bali is ridiculous.

[@spowartco]

Fair point 😂 Bali is very outside reality for the most part, but it's still a place to go and work remote so not so ridiculous in my opinion. I've also been to many other liveable and realistic places in the world and all have had an elevated feel to being in the UK. Just my thoughts though.

[@Gold.Circle.]

Stevo is a donkey na na nah enjoy rotting in the uk becoming a racial minority

[@Gold.Circle.]

Where you live steve? Blackpool? Lol

[@Maruman_man]

You don't want foreigners moving into Britain..yet brits are looking to settle in south east Asia and other affordable places..the irony

[@spowartco]

@@Maruman_man never said I don’t want foreigners in the UK, if you watch the video, I prefer foreigners to English people for the most part. Maybe what you’re alluding to is what most people are saying about this topic, again I didn’t touch on any kind of opinion on this. But for what it’s worth, I don’t agree with illegal immigrants in the masses that aren’t assimilating, bringing all the bad parts of their culture that they moved away from, committing crimes etc. I somewhat get what you’re saying about young travellers going around SEA, but they are tourists. UK has tourists and that is not the issue. Try and actually move to Thailand or Malaysia. It’s not easy and you have to hit a whole host of requirements to stay long term. In places like Thailand they have a whole other level of protection of their people and culture from people trying to move there starting businesses and buying property. I massively respect this. Just to clarify I have ZERO problem with immigration anywhere, that is what I eventually plan to do. But I will do it legally and assimilate into the culture I choose to join. In the UK it clearly needs regulating, the nationals prioritised and the ones that are allowed to stay long term anywhere need to contribute positively to the existing society that they’re joining. Zero irony!

[@Maruman_man]

@spowartco yes I meant the general backlash in the UK against foreigners...immigrants. well said. I appreciate the response

[@lorenzo1435]

The weather its a massive shit

[@anthonylloyd8000]

Good don't come back.

[@stevo728822]

Nonsense. There are plenty of 2-3 bed properties for rent well under £1,200 a month in the UK outside of London. Just do a Rightmove search.

[@spowartco]

This is good to know if I find myself back there for a few months. Just wondering about what kind of environment they're in.

[@Gold.Circle.]

Rot in the UK stevo enjoy the third world

[@Jeff-sm8of]

You like the beach? Go to Latin America.