A terrifying home invasion in south London became the unlikely catalyst for Jim Groves to abandon the UK and embark on a life-changing journey to Australia.
In 2007, Jim, 53, and his wife Sarah were raising their one-year-old twin boys in London when their home was targeted by intruders.
The harrowing experience, coupled with escalating reports of violent crime in their local area, forced the couple to confront a stark reality: it was time to leave.
“We were getting a bit sick of London,” Mr Groves, then a banker, told The i Paper.
An opportunity arose when a former boss, who had already relocated to Australia, offered Jim a company transfer within his investment banking firm.
What was initially planned as a temporary “year or two” stint in Sydney quickly turned into a permanent move.
The company covered relocation costs and sponsored their visas, making the transition seamless.
“We arrived just after Christmas, going from a dark, cold, and wet London to the middle of the Australian summer,” he recalled, a stark contrast that immediately captivated them.
Jim Groves and his family moved to Australia from London 17 years ago
The global financial crisis struck the following year, prompting Jim to consider returning to the UK.
However, Australia’s relative resilience to the economic downturn, coupled with a job offer after his transfer expired, cemented their decision to stay.
“The crisis didn’t seem to be felt in Australia as much as elsewhere,” he noted.
They sold their London property, purchased a home in Sydney, and committed to their new life, eventually gaining Australian citizenship.
Fast forward a decade, and Mr Groves, inspired by Australia’s “have-a-go” attitude and “pro-entrepreneurial environment,” decided to chase his dream.
In 2016, he founded Rubberdesk, an office search business that has since expanded globally.
Beyond business success, the Groves family has embraced the quintessential Australian lifestyle.
Mr Groves and his wife, Sarah, enjoying the beach near their home in Sydney
“Aussie life is being outdoors,” he enthused, describing how his children took up surfing on Wednesday afternoons during school.
With no language barrier, they quickly integrated, intentionally building a new support network through work and community.
“Walks and hikes are on our doorstep. It’s idyllic,” he added.
While housing in Australia is “very expensive,” Mr Groves finds food and fuel “a bit cheaper,” making the overall cost of living comparable to the UK.
He also praises the Australian healthcare system, describing it as “subsidised” and arguably “better” than the NHS.
“I’ve never struggled to get a hold of a doctor’s appointment. There’s a large focus here on preventive care,” he explained, citing his annual healthy heart check since turning 50.
Despite the undeniable benefits, the distance from extended family remains a poignant trade-off, with expensive annual flights back to England.
However, for Mr Groves, the advantages far outweigh this challenge.
English (US) · 