Australians of all ages are voicing their concerns about the nation’s future, complaining that the country is “not what it used to be” and “lacks direction at all times.”
With the cost of living and the housing crisis worsening, some have argued that Australia has become a “boring” place to live with locals focused primarily on “surviving” rather than entertainment or goal setting.
Many agreed that they have “nothing to look forward to” and that cities like Sydney and Melbourne feel “boring” compared to their once vibrant culture.
A 50-year-old man took to Reddit to say the country looks and feels “directionless, bored and divided,” and he wasn’t alone.
‘Is it just me or is Australia totally “blah” right now?’ she asked.
With the cost of living and the housing crisis worsening, some have argued that Australia has become a “boring” place to live with residents primarily focused on “surviving” rather than entertainment or goal setting.
There is no longer much to look forward to and be proud of. Is this because I am getting older and have passed my youth, or is it something else? Do younger Australians feel the same way, or are they hopeful and excited about where we’re headed?
Rising housing prices and rents have caused many to dig deeper into their pockets, forcing them to go out less, while students or those with college debt wonder if they will ever be able to afford a home.
Meanwhile, those in their 20s and 30s have become pessimistic about the future, fewer and fewer couples are having children because they cannot afford it, and many are simply waiting for the family inheritance.
While some considered the criticism “overblown”, most agreed that Australia is a “shadow of the country it used to be”.
‘People of my generation have no future except what basically amounts to indentured servitude. “I can’t afford a house, I can’t afford kids, I can barely afford a new car,” wrote a woman in her twenties.
‘Most of my money goes to rentier landlords and to put food on the table. Going out to do anything costs an arm and a leg, and everyone is willing to nickel and dime you.
A 39-year-old man from Sydney said most only work to pay off their home loans.
Crowd pictured queuing for rental house inspection in Bondi as housing crisis continues
“We (Australia) have stopped manufacturing, we have stopped innovating, we are increasing our migrant intake with little regard for Australians or migrants in Australia,” he wrote.
‘Immigrants continue to work to make ends meet in this expensive country. Australians are still working to liquidate their properties in Sydney or Melbourne or to ensure they have enough investment properties.
‘I agree that no one enjoys things anymore. There is little margin left apart from a small percentage of the population.’
Another from Brisbane added: ‘People are finding it harder and harder to afford to buy things. There’s a whole generation here who, unless they have parents with money, will probably never own a home. It’s bullshit”.
A 34-year-old man said he decided not to have children years ago because he would be “embarrassed to bring someone else into the sad future ahead.”
“The generational divide is worse than ever,” he added.
The original poster was amazed by the responses and was glad he wasn’t the only one who felt this way.
“I think the scope and magnitude of the response here suggests that what I feel is not just a product of my age and demographic (Gen X),” she said.
‘I take comfort in that, but I regret that our “fortunate country” seems to be mired in this insular cultural, political and economic malaise and that it is such a struggle for the youngest. I’ll try to change my perspective to “glass half full”, but it’s hard when you’ve grown up in a golden age that’s turning to tin.’
A 34-year-old man said he decided not to have children years ago because he would be “embarrassed to bring someone else into the sad future ahead.”
However, others argued that other countries are much worse off compared to Australia.
‘It’s not just Australia. In many countries, governments fight 24/7 to be the next government,” argued one.
“This prevents strong leadership as every new government changes direction and cannot be too ambitious or it will be criticized or much of anything will happen.”
Another believes Australia is “a few years” behind Canada and the UK in terms of “returning to a feudal-style society”.
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JP and Lizzy Huillet in the photo with their daughter Indie
The couple, who had their first Indie baby in October, said they are working harder than ever to earn the smallest rewards, with all their money going simply to pay the bills.
Lizzy said having a baby had meant more expensive, last-minute trips to the shops, and they were now shopping at Aldi instead of Woolworths. JP said that despite a recent pay rise, luxuries like vacations still felt out of reach for her.
“I end my week with less money than ever,” he said