Is now the time to leave your current job for a working holiday in 2023?

people2people • March 22, 2023

Are you considering taking a break from the daily grind and living abroad for a while? If so, 2023 could be the perfect year to embark on a working holiday in either Australia or New Zealand. A working holiday allows you to combine the experience of exploring a new country and culture with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. This blog post will discuss the many benefits of working holidays in Australia or New Zealand in 2023.

What Is a Working Holiday?
A working holiday is a period spent travelling and working abroad. It's a great way to experience a new culture, make new friends and gain work experience in a foreign country. Depending on the country you visit, you can apply for a special visa that allows you to stay and work for up to a year.

Visitors in Australia and New Zealand can apply for a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa, which allows them to stay and work in either country for up to 12 months. This type of visa is open to people aged between 18-30 and will enable you to explore both countries while gaining valuable work experience. You can find work in many different industries, including hospitality, tourism, farming, and retail.

As we look ahead to 2023, there is no better time to visit Australia and New Zealand than right now! With the pandemic still ongoing in many parts of the world, travelling to these two beautiful countries will provide an opportunity to explore while safely away from the global health crisis. In addition to the current situation, 2023 offers some unique opportunities for visitors who are interested in taking a working holiday.

Australia and New Zealand have a strong economy, which means job seekers will find it easier to find employment and make their stay much more enjoyable. For example, many industries are looking for skilled workers, and those interested in exploring new career paths could benefit from taking on a working holiday. Additionally, both countries offer a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities, from beaches and hikes to cultural experiences.

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA), which has opened up several doors for citizens of both countries. As part of this agreement, special work visas are available that allow people to stay in either country for up to 12 months while working. This is a great way to gain international experience and connect with potential employers, which could lead to future job opportunities.

Finally, Australia and New Zealand are incredibly diverse countries with various cultures and traditions that can be explored. Visiting in 2023 allows travellers to fully experience each country's unique offerings, including music festivals, art exhibitions, historical sites, and more. It's also the perfect time to take advantage of special offers and discounts on accommodation, activities, and tours around the year.

What are some of the best places to take a working holiday?
Australia and New Zealand are popular destinations for those looking to take a working holiday. Both countries offer stunning scenery, diverse cultures, and some of the best jobs.

Sydney is one of Australia's most popular cities to take a working holiday. The city is renowned for its rich cultural mix, outdoor activities, and entertainment options. For those looking for a more outdoor experience, there are also plenty of coastal areas to explore, like the Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach, and Byron Bay.

New Zealand is equally as attractive for those wanting to take a working holiday. With stunning landscapes, fantastic wildlife, and a great range of cities and towns, it's no surprise why so many people choose New Zealand as their working holiday destination. From Auckland's thriving business district to the incredible Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, there's something for everyone in New Zealand.

If you're looking for something different, consider South East Asia. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam are popular destinations for those looking to take a working holiday. Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches or bustling cities, there's sure to be something that suits your taste.

What are the advantages of finding work on a working holiday?
A working holiday visa offers a great way to experience life in another country while gaining valuable work experience. As someone on a working holiday visa, you can stay for up to 12 months in Australia and New Zealand countries. During this time, you can work for an employer and gain real-world skills that you can use for future job prospects.

There are numerous benefits to finding work on a working holiday visa. Firstly, you can experience a new culture and explore a new country. Thus, it allows you to make friends worldwide and immerse yourself in another way of life.

Taking on a job while on holiday gives you a chance to earn money while travelling. Therefore, you can cover expenses such as accommodation, transport, and food while abroad. It can be especially beneficial when visiting Australia or New Zealand, where living costs can be high.

Taking on work during your stay allows you to gain valuable work experience and skills that will benefit you in the future. Not only will this help you develop your CV, but it will also broaden your professional network and knowledge. Working in a foreign country can give you a competitive edge when searching for employment back home.

Be sure to read up on the visa requirements for each country you're interested in visiting. Every country has different visa rules and regulations, so it's essential to know these before you begin your search. It can also be beneficial to create a resume highlighting the skills and experiences employers in that country are looking for. Finally, be prepared for interviews and job applications, as this is one of the essential steps in securing a job. With the proper preparation, you'll have no trouble finding work abroad in 2023!

2023 is the perfect time to embark on a working holiday in Australia and New Zealand. With many of the world's economies still recovering from the pandemic, this may be an excellent opportunity to take a break from your day-to-day life and experience some of the unique cultures and landscapes these countries offer. Whether you're looking for paid work or want to explore, plenty of activities suit everyone's needs.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people
Australia I United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

Accounting Talent Crisis: Why are 94% of firms struggling to grow?

By people2people UK • September 15, 2025

The accounting industry is facing a growing talent crisis, with 94% of firms reporting that recruitment challenges are limiting their ability to grow. Staff shortages, an ageing workforce, and rising salary pressures are driving a shift toward outsourcing, offshoring, and tech investment.

Big Ben clock tower and Westminster Bridge in London, England.

Why British workers struggle to switch off despite leading in workplace trust

By Liz Jones • September 8, 2025

A workplace culture writer specialising in employee wellbeing, flexible working trends, and HR innovation. Helping organisations create healthier, more productive work environments through trusted insights and data-driven content.

UK Labour Market Holds Strong Despite Slower Pay Growth

By Liz Jones • August 27, 2025

The latest data shows that the UK labour market continues to perform steadily in 2025, with employment levels holding firm and job vacancies remaining historically high. While pay growth has slowed slightly, overall workforce activity remains strong, supported by high participation and resilient hiring demand. Liz Jones, Recruitment Director at people2people UK, says that this steady picture aligns closely with trends identified in the firm’s 2025 UK Market Report. “We are still seeing a healthy labour market,” she explains. “Employment is growing, and job openings remain strong, especially in sectors such as healthcare, logistics and professional services.” Employment Rate Rises, Unemployment Falls According to the July 2025 bulletin, the UK employment rate rose to 76.4 percent, the highest in over a year. The unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent, a level not seen since early 2020. This marks continued improvement in labour force participation following a volatile period during the pandemic recovery. Jones notes that this trend is being felt across multiple industries. "Businesses are rebuilding workforces and candidates are returning to the labour market," she says. "It is encouraging to see stronger engagement from both employers and jobseekers." Pay Growth Slows but Remains Positive One notable shift in the July update is a softening of pay growth. Annual wage increases for the period stood at 5.2 percent, down from 6.1 percent earlier in the year. This reflects a more balanced economic climate as inflation eases and employers stabilise budgets. “While pay growth is slowing, it is still above historical averages,” Jones comments. “Employers are adjusting to cost pressures, but most remain committed to offering competitive salaries to retain talent.” Vacancies Stay High, Reflecting Continued Demand Despite slower wage growth, the number of job vacancies remains elevated. Sectors such as care, education, and IT continue to post consistent hiring demand, with temporary and contract roles seeing a modest rise in 2025. “Our market report shows that employers are being more selective, but they are still hiring,” says Jones. “The competition for skilled talent is keeping demand steady, especially for roles that require specialist expertise or qualifications.” Implications for Employers With a stable employment base and slower but sustained pay growth, Jones suggests that now is a critical time for companies to refine their recruitment strategies. She recommends: Reviewing salary benchmarking to stay competitive in priority roles Streamlining recruitment processes to reduce vacancy durations Investing in retention through training and internal mobility Enhancing employer branding to attract passive candidates “The market is not slowing down,” she says. “It is settling. Employers who respond with clarity and flexibility will continue to secure great talent.” Summary The July 2025 labour market update confirms a period of stability for the UK workforce. While pay increases are moderating, employment levels remain high and hiring activity continues across core sectors. For recruitment leaders, this is a time to invest in strategy, not to pull back. With the right planning, employers can navigate this market with confidence.

Return-to-Office Pressure Drives Resentment

By Liz Jones • August 20, 2025

Pressure to Return to the Office Is Driving Resentment Among UK Workers As flexible working continues to define the future of employment, new findings suggest the UK may be facing a growing disconnect between employer expectations and employee preferences. According to people2people UK’s 2025 Market Report, more than half of workers feel increasing pressure to spend additional time in the office, a shift that is impacting engagement and retention across multiple sectors. Liz Jones, Recruitment Director at people2people UK, says that rigid workplace policies are now a leading contributor to candidate reluctance and employee churn. "Our data shows that 54 percent of UK employees feel pushed to return to the office more than they want to," she explains. "This pressure is not just inconvenient. It is reshaping how people view their current roles and future opportunities." Where the Pressure Comes From The 2025 Market Report found that much of the drive to return to the office stems from top leadership, with executive teams leading the call for more on-site presence. This push is not always aligned with performance metrics or employee feedback. "This is not about output or productivity," says Jones. "It is about outdated assumptions. Leadership often equates visibility with value, but that mindset is increasingly out of step with how modern teams work best." The mismatch between executive expectations and employee needs is contributing to declining morale, particularly in office-based roles that could easily operate on a hybrid basis. Flexibility Still Matters Despite the push to increase office attendance, flexibility remains a top priority for candidates and employees. The Market Report confirms that roles offering flexible working continue to receive more applications, fill faster, and maintain lower turnover rates. "Flexibility is not a temporary trend," Jones adds. "It is now a standard part of what professionals expect. Candidates are telling us clearly that how they work matters just as much as where or for whom." The data reveals that teams which embrace flexible models tend to report stronger engagement, better collaboration, and improved retention outcomes, especially in sectors such as tech, finance, and professional services. What Employers Should Do To stay competitive, Jones advises that employers need to reevaluate their return-to-office strategies with both data and empathy in mind. people2people UK recommends: Involving employees in setting attendance expectations Tailoring policies by role, function, and team needs Communicating the reasons for on-site requirements clearly and consistently Measuring the impact of attendance policies on productivity and engagement "One-size-fits-all approaches no longer work," Jones notes. "Companies that listen to their teams and create flexibility within structure will outperform those that rely on top-down mandates." Looking Ahead As the labour market continues to evolve, the ability to offer meaningful flexibility will be a deciding factor in who attracts and retains top talent. The 2025 UK Market Report shows a strong correlation between adaptive working policies and long-term business resilience. "Employers have a choice," Jones concludes. "They can lead with trust and flexibility, or risk losing great people to those who do."

Candidate Availability Is Rising at the Fastest Rate in Over Four Years

By Liz Jones • August 13, 2025

Candidate availability in the UK labour market has increased at the fastest rate since December 2020. Our 2025 people2people UK Market Report highlights the same trend that has been flagged, with the volume of candidates rising sharply due to redundancies and subdued hiring activity. Market Supply Meets Reduced Demand Liz Jones at people2people UK notes that the shift represents a clear imbalance. "Candidate supply is surging as job openings contract," she commented, in line with findings from our 2025 market report. "More people are actively looking but there are fewer roles available. This impacts how recruiters and HR managers plan talent attraction and engagement strategies." Salary Impact and Recruitment Strategy The increase in candidate availability has also influenced pay trends. Salary growth has remained modest due to reduced hiring budgets and greater competition for fewer active roles. "With more talent available and slower demand from employers, organisations are better positioned to be selective," Liz shared from our analysis. "This is a chance to focus on quality of hire rather than speed of hire." What This Means for Employers In a market with rising candidate supply and fewer opportunities, jobseekers become more discerning. They are assessing potential employers based on culture, flexibility, development opportunities, and brand values. Liz Jones advises that businesses should: Clearly articulate what makes them stand out to candidates Review their employer value proposition against market expectations Consider investing in candidate experience platforms and employer branding Maintain recruitment agility so they can swiftly fill roles when market conditions improve Preparing for Market Recovery Our 2025 report shows that while hiring activity remains subdued, there are early signs of resilience in sectors such as engineering, logistics and healthcare. "This market may feel cautious," Liz explains, "but there are pockets of opportunity. Organisations that maintain readiness will be first to tap into recovering sectors and talent pools."

Latest Media Features

List of Services

Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.