Why did Louise Starkey leave Australia?

Louise Starkey, a 33-year-old Australian woman earning $100,000, left Australia because she found the country "suffocating" due to the high cost of living, with expensive rent, fuel, and a poor dating/nightlife scene.

What does Louise Starkey like about living in Dubai?

Starkey says Dubai offers better wages, cheaper rent, more opportunities, and an overall better lifestyle compared to Australia. She also enjoys Dubai's tax-free income, ambitious and exciting environment, and convenient amenities like fast grocery and food delivery.

How does Dubai's workplace culture differ from Australia's?

Starkey says Dubai's workplace culture can be very intense, with long work hours and a sense of being "on call" all the time. However, she notes that companies with good leadership treat employees well, in contrast to some less structured environments.

Home / Business and Economy / Aussie Millionaire Quits $100K Job, Flees 'Suffocating' Australia for Dubai's Tax-Free Allure

Aussie Millionaire Quits $100K Job, Flees 'Suffocating' Australia for Dubai's Tax-Free Allure

18 Nov

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Summary

Aussie woman earning $100,000 quits job, moves to Dubai for better pay, lifestyle
Sydney had become 'way too expensive' with high costs and poor value for money
Dubai offers no tax, better wages, cheaper rent, and more opportunities

Aussie Millionaire Quits $100K Job, Flees 'Suffocating' Australia for Dubai's Tax-Free Allure

In November 2025, a 33-year-old Australian woman named Louise Starkey made the decision to leave her $100,000-a-year job in Sydney and move to Dubai. Starkey, who was working as a head of social media, found living in Australia had become "suffocating" due to the high costs of living.

Despite her six-figure salary, Starkey was only taking home $79,000 after taxes in Sydney, where she was paying around $35,000 a year for a studio apartment without a parking space. Frustrated by the lack of value for money, Starkey felt "capped" at work and decided to make the move to the Middle East.

Now settled in Dubai, Starkey has found the city offers a stark contrast to the situation in Australia. With no income tax, she is able to keep her full $100,000 salary. Rent is also more affordable, and Starkey says the overall lifestyle and opportunities in Dubai are far more appealing than what she experienced in Sydney.

"Dubai is exciting. People are ambitious. Success is encouraged instead of torn down," Starkey explained. She has since established herself in a new role as head of social and personal branding at a marketing firm. While the workplace culture can be intense at times, Starkey has no regrets about her decision to leave Australia behind for the tax-free allure of Dubai.

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