A 32-year-old from Sydney has made a life-changing decision during what he describes as a “financial gap year” in Queensland. Tim Abbott left his digital marketing job and moved approximately 800 kilometers west of Brisbane to work on a private logging and cattle farm in the Maranoa region. Nearly six months into his new life, Abbott is contemplating a permanent relocation.
Abbott’s journey began in July 2022, driven by the escalating cost of living in Sydney. Over three years, his rent had doubled, consuming a significant portion of his income. “It created a sense of fear about when this was going to end, because my pay certainly isn’t doubling,” he explained. After taking about six to eight weeks to resign and pack his belongings, he embarked on his new adventure.
His decision to work in agriculture was somewhat unconventional, as he had minimal previous experience in the field. During his childhood, he was familiar with farming through his father’s background but had never worked in the industry. A friend’s recommendation encouraged him to accept the job, with the understanding that if he could drive a car, he could learn to operate a tractor.
Abbott initially aimed to save $100,000 during his time in Queensland. While he acknowledges that this goal was ambitious, he now believes he may end up saving between $70,000 and $80,000. He attributes his ability to save to the fact that accommodation and expenses are included with his job. “To be able to not just make good money, but then to also save my money that came in was key,” he stated.
Living in a remote area has also influenced Abbott’s perspective on finances. He notes that while options for spending money are plentiful in Sydney, his current location is an hour and a half from the nearest shops, making it easier to save. The slower pace of life in Queensland has also had a profound impact on him. “It feels very early 2000s up here, not from a technological standpoint, but from a lifestyle standpoint,” he remarked.
The cost of living in Queensland, while still significant, is considerably lower than in Sydney. Abbott feels that his aspirations align better with the lifestyle he has found in Queensland. “I can’t live comfortably in Sydney for where I’m at in my life and career,” he said.
While he plans to remain in Queensland, Abbott has expressed a desire to move to a location closer to town after his year on the farm. He is contemplating studying psychology after completing his agricultural work. “If I was in say Toowoomba, or maybe even Dalby, I would consider staying on the property,” he said. However, he acknowledges the need to be nearer urban areas for social commitments.
Despite the challenges of living remotely, Abbott finds it more economical to fly back to Sydney when necessary than to maintain a permanent residence there. “The irony is, I’ve done three trips back to Sydney since being up here, and those three return flights have been cheaper than one week’s rent in Sydney,” he noted.
As he looks to the future, Abbott aims to carry the lessons of his time in the bush back to city life. “There’s a false sense of urgency to everything living in the city, whereas I feel like I’ve adopted a much slower pace now, which is nice,” he said. His experience in Queensland has not only provided him with financial benefits but also a new outlook on life and work.
