When Jezelle Smith-Thomas moved to Australia, she was excited to experience life abroad.
But nearly 12 months later, the London expat found herself questioning her decision and struggling with bouts of homesickness.
The 26-year-old told FEMAIL that she misses the familiarity of home and being close to her loved ones.
Before deciding to move to Australia, Jezelle travelled around Asia for six months and then South America. Tired of living out of a suitcase, she was craving a routine and, by a twist of fate, a stranger in Bali recommended Australia to her.
But now he has realised how far away the country is compared to London and the rest of the world.
“At first, living abroad was so much fun, but now I want to go back home. It’s getting harder and harder to get out of bed every day,” she said on TikTok.
Before her birthday in mid-August, she felt “lonely and depressed” being half a world away from her loved ones.
Jezelle Smith-Thomas, 26, moved to Melbourne on September 3, 2023. But she does have moments when she misses home a lot.
Before her birthday in mid-August, she felt “lonely and depressed” being half a world away from her loved ones.
“This is such a tough situation. I want to call my mum, I want to call my cousin and rant and ask what to do… it’s like 4am (in the UK),” Jezelle said.
“I don’t know how much longer I can do this. My second-year visa hasn’t come through, maybe it’s for some reason. What am I trying to prove? I mean, I don’t know.
“I’m over it. I don’t find it fun anymore. It’s like life, like I’m just living here. I work, I see my friends sometimes, I go home. It’s just life,” he continued.
“There are some benefits, but it’s pretty much the same as when I was at home. Now I’m living abroad, a million miles away from all my loved ones. Why am I here?”
Although Jezelle is feeling homesick, she plans to live in Australia for another year and sees the benefits Down Under offers, such as better pay, a more relaxed work environment and how she can afford to live in an apartment in the city.
“At first, living abroad was so much fun, but now I want to go back home. It’s getting harder and harder to get out of bed every day,” she said in a TikTok.
Although Jezelle is feeling homesick, she plans to live in Australia for another year and sees the benefits Down Under offers.
Not to mention the beauty of Australia and the better weather compared to London.
“I’ve seen the most beautiful coastlines and beaches here. I also love the adventurous side of it all,” Jezelle told FEMAIL.
‘I never in my life thought I would visit Australia, let alone live here, so I try to remember that even though I miss home, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I should be grateful for and really enjoy.
“I really like my life here. Compared to my life in London, the quality of life here is better and I’ve met some really nice people.”
There are other things she misses about home, though, including British slang, going out to lunch with friends, knowing where to get the best Caribbean food in town and the UK finale of Love Island.
Jezelle hopes sharing her experience will highlight how difficult it is to move abroad alone.
“I’d like people to remember that it’s no small feat to start a new life on the other side of the world, where you don’t know anyone, and that’s already VERY brave,” she said.
‘There’s nothing wrong with missing home, just remember your reasons for leaving in the first place and let them motivate you.’
