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Tom Cowan, a 23-year-old from Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, made the bold decision to move to Melbourne, Australia, with the clear objective of saving £50,000 over two years. Unlike many who seek a fresh start abroad for a better life, Tom’s goal is firmly rooted in improving his future back home in Wales. Since March, he has been living and working in Australia, determined to buy a house in Wales and support his family.
Tom’s motivation stems from his upbringing, where his mother sacrificed a lot to provide for him and his younger sister. “Mum never went for a night out with her mates, never bought clothes for herself, she just gave me and our little sister everything she could to have as good a life as possible,” he said. Wanting to repay that love and effort, Tom is focused on working hard and living simply, avoiding unnecessary expenses. “I don’t need new clothes or a fancy car. I don’t want instant gratification – I want to be more comfortable in life, to be able to create more opportunities for myself and my family,” he explained.
Before heading to Australia, Tom graduated with a business management degree from the University of Liverpool in 2025, even though he finished with his bank account in the red by £400. Determined to save money, he spent seven months working as a groundwork labourer, accumulating around £11,000 before setting off on his journey that included traveling through Asia prior to settling down in Melbourne. There, Tom found work in construction, earning approximately £20.50 per hour—significantly higher than the £15 hourly rate he was paid for similar jobs in the UK. Additionally, his living costs are lower; he shares a room with his girlfriend, paying £100 per week in rent compared to the £140 weekly university halls fees he previously paid.
To stay accountable, Tom has documented his journey on Instagram, attracting more than 2,000 followers in six weeks. The platform has connected him with supportive communities, both Welsh and Australian, offering advice, job leads, and even places to stay. While initially awkward, filming himself has become a motivating routine, especially since few people know him in his new city. Tom even finds himself expressing his emotions in Welsh on occasion, admitting, “I’m able to talk about my feelings better in Welsh for some reason.” Beyond financial goals, he is also committed to improving his fitness, using free outdoor gyms and relying on his followers to keep him motivated. Despite the challenges, Tom remains positive about his future, acknowledging that the sacrifices made today will create a better life tomorrow. “The times I am happiest in life are when I have something to work towards,” he shared. “Maybe some people see that working a lot of hours and not spending money doesn’t look like fun – but the feeling behind it gives me respect for myself, and that makes me happy.”
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