A young British woman was left feeling overwhelmed after receiving payment for a month’s work in Australia.
British backpacker Rae said she took home $3,900 after a month of waitressing.
She did the same work at home and earned just £600 ($1160 AUD) for her efforts.
“Why did I work as a waitress in the UK for so little money?” she said in a TikTok.
Rae went on to explain that she also works less in Australia – she works 30 hours a week instead of 45 hours.
“Come to Australia. I’m a waitress, it’s a simple job. I just give people food,” she said.
‘I earn $30 an hour on weekdays, $35 an hour on Saturdays, and $42 on Sundays.’
Rae explained that she was paid monthly in the UK and fortnightly in Australia, so she waited to receive two paychecks from her Australian boss before making the video.
She works in a hotel and lives on the premises in a shared room with another staff member.
This costs only $150 a week and it is deducted from your paycheck before you see the money.
“My first paycheck was $1,800 and my second paycheck was $2,100,” she said in a second video.
Even after deducting the $600 rent, she was making three times what she would have made at home.
“I’m not saying the grass is greener… but…” he said.
“This video is to help any backpackers thinking of moving to Australia. I’m not bragging or spreading hate or misinformation.”
In other videos he has revealed that Australia has all his heart.
But Australians were divided over the short video, with some criticising Rae for making Australia seem like a place of opportunity.
“No, don’t move here, we have a housing crisis!” said one.
“Where can you work for that? I’m Australian and I don’t have a job that pays that for 30 hours,” wrote another.
Casual waiters receive a minimum wage of $29.04 per hour in Australia
“Yes, it’s easy to earn that, but rent is expensive – your rental situation is what saves you,” added another.
However, others agreed with everything he said.
‘$1,000 a week is a pretty standard wage for Australia,’ one wrote.
“For those asking, you can look up our restaurant wage awards – $29.04 per hour is the minimum for a contingent worker,” another person added.
And other UK travellers agreed too.
“I’ve been trying to tell my little sisters this for the ten years I’ve been here. The wages are very good,” wrote one
Another said: ‘Oh my god girl, I feel the same way, I spend way more than I would in the UK, plus things are cheaper here, it’s a win-win situation.’