Sydney schoolteacher Hayley Reynolds always wanted to work overseas, but it was never meant to be long-term.

After moving to the United Arab Emirates in 2020, the 38-year-old initially envisaged a two-year adventure of travel and living in a new country.

Five years on, the cost of living back home had spiralled and led her into an extended "financial gap year" just to afford returning one day.

"Sydney is home. Sydney is where my friends, and family are and my plan was always to come back," Ms Reynolds said.

When she arrived in Dubai, she quickly realised her tax-free income — about $105,000 AUD a year — would get her a lot further than it would in Sydney.

"It's very counterintuitive because I know most people think that Dubai is a very expensive place to live," she said.

"Our groceri

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