In an effort to manage the rising cost of living, I’ve taken on multiple roles, balancing a full-time position in the insurance industry alongside creating YouTube content, and squeezing in extra hours as a food delivery driver.

Back when I was born in 1989, my mother opted to leave her job to focus on raising me, while my father continued his work as a bricklayer. It was possible for them to purchase a new home on a spacious plot in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, all on a single income, for just over $40,000.

Chris is diligently working towards saving enough for a house deposit, a goal that feels increasingly challenging in today’s economic climate.

The Great Australian Dream

My mum left the workforce when I was born in 1989 to be a stay-at-home mum, while my dad continued to work as a bricklayer. On that single income, they built a new house on a large block in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for just over $40,000.

Chris is trying to save for a house deposit. Source: Supplied

Now, the price of the Australian Dream has risen, but the size has shrunk.

With housing affordability now the worst it’s ever been in Australia, I believe the Great Australian Dream blueprint is changing.

My partner and I would love to settle down, but we feel we must slug it out to leap over the first hurdle of home ownership and financial stability before starting a family.

Picking up more work

This is when I picked up another job to try to out-earn inflation and chase my dream of hanging my clothes out on my own Hills Hoist.

Chris started delivering food in 2023 as a third source of income. Source: Supplied

I worked. I did the long hours. I threw everything against the cyclone of inflation — and I still do.

How many millions of Australians locked out of the housing market will it take before something changes?