I moved from Ireland to Sydney. I’ve noticed a seriously worrying trend here and I’ve never been more stressed
A young expat claims Aussies make a lot less money than she expected when she moved Down Under in January.
Keely McGrath left her birthplace in Ireland to travel around Australia before settling in Sydney.
The 26-year-old, who works in social media management, questioned how people make a living, claiming that 9 to 5 workers earn less compared to what they would earn at home.
‘Where are the people in Australia making money? Where are you? Because I’m in Sydney and there’s no money to be made,” she said in a now-viral TikTok video.
“You’re paycheck to paycheck here and I don’t care what anyone says because everyone I know is paycheck to paycheck. Very minimal savings. What’s the story?’
Keely McGrath, from Ireland, was shocked by the cost of living in Australia and wondered how locals save money in the first place
Keely said she is aware that FIFO workers in rural areas and traffic control officers earn a decent income compared to most corporate workers.
“I know a lot of my friends do traffic enforcement and they make money because they go to the mines and they’re there two weeks on, one week off, and they get their food and lodging paid for,” she said.
‘But normal people? People who don’t do that, when people just work from 9 to 5. Is there money to be made here? Because I don’t see it.
‘I don’t see it, I don’t hear about it, I don’t collect any money. I’m probably more broke and stressed than I’ve ever been in my entire life.’
In the comments of the video, Keely added that she and her partner are “living the life” and “spending all their money on it.”
According to population and migration figures of Central Bureau of Statistics (CSO), Ireland’s current housing crisis is often cited as a major reason why thousands of people are moving abroad, including to Australia.
The CSO also estimated that 4,700 people left Ireland for Australia between April 2022 and April 2023.
But this year in particular, Australians have seen rising inflation and interest rates.
‘Where are the people in Australia making money? Where are you? Because I’m in Sydney and there’s no money to be made,” she said in a now-viral TikTok video
The video has since been viewed more than half a million times and others have spoken out on the subject.
‘If you’re good with children, I’ve made quite a bit of money working for a babysitting agency in Sydney. Sydney is so expensive and yet ridiculous,” one person commented.
“I literally earn less in Sydney than in London,” said another.
‘How much do you expect girl, there’s a lot of money here? Just some of the highest rents in the world!’ a third added.
Another said: ‘I’m from the UK and I work with FIFO in the mines and I can confirm this is the best way to save money
“Unless you have a trade or a good career path with an honors degree, there is nothing to be earned,” said another.