What is it about Australia that makes it so appealing? Could it be the beaches? Maybe the quality of life? I’d say that at the top of this list are Australian attitudes/ values. This probably won’t be what most would say off the top of their head since most Aussies seem pretty ‘chill’. But having lived here for quite awhile now, I know that if one would look beyond the surface, there are a lot of life lessons that the world could learn from us.
Of course, let’s keep in mind that this is only a generalisation as we all have our own personalities. These are Australian values that are quite common among Aussies, from what I have observed so far. Also, it’s interesting to see how a lot of immigrants seem to develop the same traits over time.
Laid-back attitude
I thought I’d talk about this first because it appears to be the quality that Australians are most known for. When I say that Aussies are laid-back, I don’t mean to say that they’re always just relaxing by the beach or having endless barbecues, because that’s definitely not the case. In fact, I think they’re some of the most hardworking people you’ll ever meet.
While most of us around the world deal with stress and worry almost every moment of everyday Australians have a way of keeping themselves as stress free as possible. That’s not to say that they’re oblivious to what’s happening around them. They know not to worry about minute things, those that don’t really matter, and things that they have no control over. This is an attitude that I really wish to adapt over time (or soon, if possible).
No one’s better than anyone, not even yourself
Coming from a country like the Philippines where social classes are very apparent, this Australian attitude was so refreshing to me. This may be a reflection of the country’s informal and easy going culture. Here in Australia, no one likes that person who displays airs and graces. From what I’ve seen, most people here won’t treat you any better or worse just based off of your social standing.
No one really cares if you’re the Prime Minister of Australia, the Queen of England, educated or not. We’re all just people, you’re no better than me and I’m no better than you. Though this is not to say that Aussies are disrespectful nor is it to say that they don’t like successful people. We just hate those who are so full of themselves but we cheer for those who are humble and authentic.
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Connecting with nature
In this industrialised world that we live in, we get most of our satisfaction and enjoyment from our devices. A lot of people don’t find the need to go out and reconnect with nature. But being in nature helps with our physical well-being as well as with our mental clarity by reducing our stress and increasing pleasant feelings.
Australians love being outdoors and enjoying their natural surroundings. I mean, this is a country full of natural beauty so why not? Weekends are easily spent on the beach, holidays are for camping, and morning walks are done in parks/ botanical gardens full of trees and birds chirping. Maybe this is the secret as to why they always seem so happy and calm.
A positive attitude
‘She’ll be right’ is a phrase that you’d hear in Australia every now and then. It basically means that whatever it is, however bad it gets, it will turn out all right in the end. This shows the optimism of the people of this country. If you’ve ever met an Australian before, you must have noticed how if something unfortunate happens to them, they don’t let themselves wallow in self-pity and defeat. Instead, they laugh their way through the misfortune, do what they can and move on with their lives. If you’re also of a Filipino descent such as myself, this isn’t an unfamiliar trait to you because we kind of do this in the Philippines too.
Hardworking and independent
Earlier we’ve said that Aussies are laid-back and that they know how to have fun. But it’s important to note that most Australians are very hardworking. Most of the people that I have met here have been working since their early teenage years. There’s also almost no ‘I’m the man so I’ll go to work and you’re the woman so you’ll stay at home’ arrangements, both heads of the family usually have their own careers.
A lot of the times, kids move out of their family home as soon as they turn 18. And the elderly highly prefers to take care of themselves and don’t really like asking for help, specially with regards to financial matters.
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Finding their own path
In a lot of societies, specifically in Asian countries, completing a degree to hopefully have a career as a doctor, an engineer or the likes is the key to be considered successful in life. But here in Australia, people respect the fact that every person have their own skills and preferences. Education, of course, is still given importance, hence its world class universities. But you won’t be perceived as incompetent or not smart enough if you choose not to pursue further studies. They are aware that there is no one way to live one’s life.
Know the value of time
Australians are very strict when it comes to time. It’s common for people to arrive at least five minutes prior to when they have to be there. In fact, at work, you’re expected to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start of your shift. Arriving on time is a way of showing respect. On this note, I’d like to offer a bit of an advice to those who are in an Australian Filipina relationship in this regard to somehow address a cultural difference.
In the Philippines, we have this thing called ‘Filipino time’ wherein it’s fairly common for some people to arrive thirty minutes or even an hour later than the agreed upon meeting time. So if your Filipino/ Filipina significant other is late for a date, they’re not doing it due to lack of care or to show disrespect, it’s simply a bad cultural habit that’s a bit difficult to get out of. Obviously, the Filipino/ Filipina half of the relationship should also understand the way that this may be interpreted by their Aussie partner and work towards being punctual.
Taking a ‘shortcut’ whenever possible
I’m not sure if this is something that a lot of people notice but I find it quite amusing how Australians take a ‘shortcut’ whenever possible. They always find the easiest, most efficient way to do things and do it that way. It’s like they’re always trying to save energy.
Just take the ‘Australian English’ for example, a lot of words, even names are shortened. Also in the way they speak, they kind of run their words together. It’s hard to explain but I suppose you would’ve been aware of this if you’ve lived here.
Living their lives
In my opinion, Aussies are masters of having fun. Of course, there’s work and responsibilities but they know how to balance surviving with actually living their lives. After spending the week working, there’s almost always something fun planned for the weekend. And paid leaves aren’t wasted.
Take no sh*t from anyone
Aussies are a tough bunch. They’re not afraid to speak their mind and they know their rights. So if someone is being mean, they don’t just stand there and take it, they do something about it. Speaking from my own cultural upbringing, I find it a bit difficult to stand up for myself in a lot of situations and I really detest confrontations, even when I’m extremely offended or have felt disrespected. I’m still working on growing a backbone (haha). This is why I really admire this Australian attitude and I hope to someday adapt it.
Conclusion
As I have mentioned before, not everyone in Australia have all of these attitudes/ values. Though a lot of Aussies are admirable, you’d still meet a few who are just so difficult to be around with. But that’s just how it is anywhere you’d go. To sum it up, Australians are more than just a happy-go-lucky group of people, there’s so much that we could all learn from this corner of the world.
Disclaimer All content and information in this post is for purposes of sharing my experiences only, does not constitute professional advice and does not establish any kind of professional-client relationship.
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4 Comments
Jack Kernahan · September 30, 2021 at 6:03 pm
I wouldn’t mind giving 5 of my own
5. Egalitarian (like you said)
4. “Shouting (beverages)” culture, and invitations (which is variable).
3. Careful not to be synchronous when asynchronous communication is okay.
2. Forgiving when one makes a case for forgiveness.
1. Often polariz(able)ed. But always up for a conversation so you can find where they’re not polarised
Jack Kernahan · October 1, 2021 at 11:52 am
Got 5 I would be keen to put down.
5. Egalitarian (as you alluded to)
4. ‘Shouting [e.g. a round of drinks]’ (and doing deeds to show good will) at bars etc. Slightly similarly slightly differently a curious and variable culture about invitations exists.
3. Careful to supply communication correctly, especially re: synchronous vs asynchronous communication.
2. In the throes of polarization. It’s hard to get media to match the people’s intricate hearts’ desires, so polarizing media abounds.
1. Forgiving. Aussies don’t like to hold grudges. Sometimes a permanent separation ensues as a result of differences, but in general Aussies aspire for peace and largely believe there’s no need to follow a protocol in order for ppl to get along.
MyAussieStory · October 1, 2021 at 9:49 pm
Hi, Jack! These are some interesting points you made and are a great addition to the list.Though I haven’t personally experienced the ‘shouting’ culture (but I have heard of it before), I’ve been on the receiving end of these deeds to show good will. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
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