Making a tree change is a lovely notion; however, practicalities of employment can be a dampener. Thankfully, the growing trend of ‘taking your job with you’ is enabling both the young and the experienced to make a Country Change much sooner. For many young professionals, moving between companies to gain experience and promotion is not at all uncommon. McCrindle Research found that on average, Australians stay in one job for just three years and four months. Their demographic data also showed that people 25-35, have an average tenure of only two years and eight months. This has profound implications for businesses given attracting, up-skilling and retaining professionals is imperative for continuity and growth.
Employers who encourage remote work and a more flexible marketplace have contributed to the changes we see in how people work. Advances in technology and greater connectivity are other significant contributors. According to the Regional Australia Institute’s ‘Big Movers’ report, there has been an increase of Millennials moving out of the cities with a net inflow to regional Australian locations of 65,204 people in the five years to 2016.
The trend is that we "will continue to see more voluntary workforce mobility and a more empowered and confident workforce happy to leave a job and try for something else," suggests McCrindle’s Ashley Fell. Undoubtedly this is something that pitt&sherry, engineering and environmental consultants, had in mind when faced with the prospect of losing senior environmental expert, Jessica Berry.
Having studied at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Jessica went on to live in Wagga Wagga and the United Kingdom before returning to Sydney. After three more years in the big city, it was difficult to ignore the busyness of day-to-day life. With the birth of her son in 2017, she and her husband began looking for alternatives. "I found myself desiring more access to the great outdoors, better housing affordability and less congestion," relayed Jessica. "What made it an even easier decision was an employer that provided the opportunity to continue working remotely, so I didn't have to change jobs when we moved," she explained.
In reasonable proximity to both Sydney and Melbourne, Jessica was easily able to travel back when necessary. In 2019, after working remotely for more than a year, the company opened an office in Wagga Wagga. Along with hiring a graduate there, pitt&sherry promoted Jessica to Team Leader for NSW.
In addition to her employment, several networks within the community provided Jessica with professional connections to groups and events. Wagga Women in Business and Wagga Business Chamber, being just two of the excellent support associations in this regional city.
Assimilating into a new community can be difficult but this could not be further from the truth for Jessica and her little family. They were warmly welcomed into their new neighbourhood; regularly enjoying cups of tea and evening drinks with people on their street. "One of the things I wasn't expecting to appreciate so much was the community and the willingness of that community to help others and to enjoy life together," she explained. With a young son enrolled in music and swimming lessons, the smaller size of the community allowed her to easily connect with other parents. Jessica has also now found time to volunteer. Working with Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare, where she met like-minded people contributing to environmental improvements for the community.
With many country-living misconceptions already busted, Jessica further illustrated, "I start every day with a great coffee from one of the many awesome cafes in Wagga. I have been promoted since moving and working remotely. And I have the joy of choosing between quiet weekends spending time in my garden, at the local parks and cafes and relaxing, or accessing the wide range of great outdoors at our doorstep. There's fishing, camping, hiking, cycling, skiing, boating, swimming. You name it, and it is probably just around the corner."
If making a Country Change is something you could see yourself doing, Jessica has no hesitation in recommending it. "Just do it!" she said, "And when you get there, make an effort to explore and socialise so that you gain all the benefits of the regional or rural lifestyle."
If you'd like to make us a part of your community or need more advice and information, Contact Us. We'd love to help you make your move to the Riverina.
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