‘I quit UK for France after 9-5 commute struggles – the government is gaslighting people’ | UK | News

Although there are now more barriers in place for people living in the UK, the lure of working and living in the European Union remains incredibly strong. Every year, thousands of Britons leave the UK to live and work in the EU. Sometimes they even relocate permanently.

One man who moved to France from the UK has now talked about why he left and how he feels about the decision nearly two years on. Liam Rondi, 30, and his husband Xavier Rondi, 33, moved to Montpellier, France, in 2024.

Liam, a freelance copywriter, has discussed how the anxiety and stress he experienced whilst living and working in central London was a factor in his decision to leave.

Liam, originally from Medway, 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 it wasn’t just the commute that drew him to move, but said when he visited his husband’s family in France he saw how people seemed « to be a lot friendlier and happier ».

This, as a result, has moulded his opinion on how he views people working nine to five jobs in the UK and a 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. »

On a different note, even if it has resulted in fewer career opportunities, Liam says he’s now decided to prioritise happiness over money. 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 is encouraging of other people thinking of moving, even if it is only temporarily, after he said he won’t return to the UK’s shores.

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. »

Liam has also shared his journey on TikTok. One video has gone viral with around 294,000 views, likes, shares, and comments.

However, Liam’s story of experiencing burnout isn’t a new one. Data showing that more and more Britons are suffering from the conditions.

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. »