Although there are now more barriers in place for Britons, the lure of living and working in Europe is still incredibly strong. As a result, every year there are stories of people leaving the UK to live and work in the European Union, sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently.
One man who moved to Francefrom the UK has opened up about how the working culture in London led him to struggling with burnout. Liam Rondi, 30, and his husband Xavier Rondi, 33, eventually moved to Montpellier, France, in 2024.
Now, nearly two years on, Liam, a freelance copywriter, has talked about the anxietyand stress he experienced whilst living and working in central London.
Liam, originally from Medway in Kent, said: “I was watching the state of the country deteriorate in many different ways. I used to struggle a lot financially and I think the general mood of the country started to sour and I could really tell it started to wear on me.
“I was very anxious. In the mornings before work I would often be crying and be on the Tube bordering on a panic attack. I was exhausted and I couldn't keep up with the work that was being set.”
Liam said that one of the turning points for him was when he visited his husband’s family in Franceand saw how people seemed “to be a lot friendlier and happier”. This, in turn, has shaped his opinion on how he views people working nine to five jobs in the UK and his belief that the “UK government is gaslighting people”.
He explained: “I think people in the UK pretend to be happy with the 9-5 lifestyle. I think a lot of people are very good at just keeping calm and carrying on - but for me that wasn't a life that I wanted to live.”
Liam says he’s now decided to prioritise happiness over money, even if it has meant that the area he’s moved to has fewer career opportunities for him. He said: “The downside [to living in France] is I feel like the career opportunities aren't as plentiful.
"I don't think I'll ever earn as much here as I could have done in the UK but I've realised over time that money isn't the thing I'm most bothered about, it's more happiness.”
Liam now encourages other people to at least consider moving somewhere else, even if it’s only to try it out, after saying he won’t return. He explained: “I can't see myself ever moving back. France feels like home already because of the way of life. I definitely encourage people to consider it at least, just remember that it's possible.”
Furthermore, Liam has also shared a video on TikTokdetailing some of his experiences, one which has gone viral with around 294,000 views, likes, shares, and comments.
Liam’s story of experiencing burnoutisn’t a new one, with data showing that more and more Britons are suffering from it.
Last year, a STADA Health Report showed that one group particularly affected was British women with 56 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 24 and 44 percent of those between the ages of 35 and 44 saying they had experienced the phenomenon.
Men were also shown to experience burnout with 43 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds and 36 percent of 35 to 44-year-olds experiencing symptoms.
Speaking about the matter to the Mirror, GP and TV doctor Dr Anisha Patel said: “I myself have suffered from burnout and as clinicians, we’re seeing more and more people at breaking point mentally, which can also impact their physical health and it’s clear that our mental health services need not only more investment, but cultural change.
“What’s striking is how stigma continues to hold us back. Despite widespread experiences of burnout, the UK still reports low levels of people taking sick leave for mental health reasons compared to other European countries.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
