THE UK IS A DYSTOPIA AND I AM LEAVING SOON | PART 1

Summary

A UK-based individual shares their frustrations with the rising cost of living and declining standards of living in the country. Despite working full-time and earning the average salary, they struggle to afford a decent lifestyle, with high taxes, rent, and living expenses. They reflect on how life in the UK has deteriorated compared to previous decades, particularly in terms of housing affordability and social benefits. After experiencing life in Japan, the individual highlights the stark contrast in quality of life, safety, and cost of living, ultimately deciding to leave the UK for better opportunities abroad.

Takeaways

• 😀 The UK has become increasingly unaffordable, with rising living costs, stagnant wages, and high taxes making it difficult for people to maintain a decent standard of living.
• 😀 Despite earning the average UK salary of £19,200 after tax, the speaker feels it's impossible to live comfortably or save money due to the high cost of rent, groceries, and bills.
• 😀 House prices in the UK have skyrocketed compared to the '80s and '90s, making home ownership unattainable for many, especially younger generations.
• 😀 The government is criticized for failing to address major issues like the rising cost of living, increasing crime rates, and cuts to essential services and benefits.
• 😀 Recent cuts to heating benefits for pensioners with disabilities are seen as a significant example of the government's neglect of vulnerable populations in the UK.
• 😀 The speaker contrasts life in the UK with their experiences living abroad, particularly in Japan, where wages are higher, taxes are lower, and living costs (like eating out) are more affordable.
• 😀 The standard of living in Japan is described as higher than in the UK, with better healthcare, safer streets, and lower costs for everyday expenses like food and dining.
• 😀 The UK's weather and lack of consistent sunshine are mentioned as factors that contribute to the speaker's dissatisfaction with living there.
• 😀 The speaker feels over-taxed, with 27% of their income going to taxes (20% income tax and 7% national insurance), but little benefit in terms of government support or public services.
• 😀 The speaker's decision to leave the UK is framed as a desire to 'thrive' rather than merely survive, with the goal of finding a better, more affordable lifestyle in another country.

Q & A

Why is the speaker considering leaving the UK?

The speaker finds living in the UK unaffordable, citing the high cost of living, stagnant wages, and the increasing difficulty in maintaining a high standard of living. They also express frustration with the government’s failure to address these issues.

What is the speaker's perspective on the average salary in the UK?

The speaker highlights that despite earning the average salary of £19,200 after tax and National Insurance, this amount is insufficient to afford a comfortable lifestyle, especially in relation to rising costs like rent, groceries, and utilities.

How does the speaker feel about the UK's housing market?

The speaker is critical of the housing market in the UK, particularly the rising house prices that make it increasingly difficult for young people to buy property. They compare this to the past, when it was easier for Baby Boomers to purchase homes.

What comparison does the speaker make between the UK and Japan?

The speaker compares the UK to Japan, pointing out that in Japan, they paid less in taxes (10% vs 27% in the UK), earned more, and had better healthcare and infrastructure. They also mention the lower cost of living in Japan, particularly for eating out.

What issues does the speaker identify with the UK government?

The speaker criticizes the UK government for not effectively addressing issues such as high costs, rising crime rates, and immigration. They are particularly upset by cuts to benefits for vulnerable groups, such as pensioners with disabilities.

How does the speaker feel about the UK's healthcare system?

While the speaker acknowledges the UK's healthcare system as free, they believe it has deteriorated over time. They compare it unfavorably to Japan's healthcare system, which is not free but offers faster, higher-quality service.

Why does the speaker mention the high tax rates in the UK?

The speaker highlights the high tax burden in the UK, specifically the 20% income tax and 7% National Insurance, which amounts to 27% of their earnings. They express frustration about these high deductions given the government's inability to address the rising cost of living.

What is the speaker's opinion on the standard of living in the UK?

The speaker is disappointed with the standard of living in the UK, particularly due to high living costs, poor government decisions, and a deteriorating quality of life. They believe the UK is no longer a first-world country and that it is on a downward trajectory.

What role does the weather play in the speaker's dissatisfaction with the UK?

The speaker mentions the UK’s weather as a factor in their dissatisfaction, noting the cold, wet, and gray conditions that contribute to a negative living experience. They suggest that if they are going to live in an expensive country, the weather should be better.

What final decision does the speaker announce at the end of the video?

The speaker announces that they will be leaving the UK soon, quitting their job, and seeking a better life elsewhere. They express a desire to live a life of thriving rather than merely surviving in an increasingly unaffordable country.