A Brit who swapped London for California has revealed the main reasons why he’s never moving back to the UK. Influencer Ryan Benjelloun, 21, widely known as TheBenjiShow, blamed high taxes, British weather and a collective lack of ambition for the country’s poor appeal.
The 21-year-old grew up in Battersea, south west London and moved to America in 2021 when he began studying economics at Berkeley. And after four years there, the TikToker says that the USA is “far superior” on nearly every metric.
Ryan, who graduates in December, has juggled his studies with creating a large online following and has worked with the likes of singers Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth and Richard McClashie – a producer who’s worked with Sean Paul.
“Everyone’s way more ambitious and money driven in the US,” he said.
“I’ve always been someone who takes risks, tries new things, and refuses to stay in one lane—whether that’s launching clothing lines, working on viral marketing campaigns, or interning at a global music company. That mindset aligns more with the American dream than the British one.”
Ryan says across the pond, “people respect hustle”, adding: “There’s less of that ‘stay in your box’ energy you sometimes feel back home”.
“Here, no one bats an eye if you’re 22 with seven million followers, a resume that spans marketing, music, and entrepreneurship, and a dream of releasing your own tracks.
“In the UK, you’re more likely to be told to ‘calm down’ or ‘stay realistic’.”
Ryan identified five main reasons why he’s all in on the US, and won’t be returning to Britain.
Lack of opportunities: “Let’s face it, the UK’s charm can’t compare to the buzz of the US, especially in LA or New York. Over here, everything operates at warp speed. Ideas become reality with a snap of your fingers, and opportunities just seem to fall into your lap. In the UK, it often feels like waiting for a bus that might never come. The industry here is built for scale and innovation, rewarding those who dare to dream big and dig deep. Returning to the UK would be like swapping a rocket for a bicycle—why slow down when you’re cruising at light speed?”
High taxes: “The financial prospects in the US eclipse what’s on the table back home. It’s not just about earning more; it’s about how I can leverage those earnings into greater success. The UK tax system feels like an anchor slowing you down, whereas in the US, the rewards system for innovation and entrepreneurship is unbeatable. Here, your financial growth is celebrated and amplified. Back home, there’s a sense of clipping wings rather than helping you soar higher. Why trade a thriving landscape for one stuck in the past?”
Lack of ambition: “The ambition in the US is breath-taking. It’s not just an attribute—it’s a culture here. People celebrate the hustle and embrace the grandest of dreams, whereas in the UK, there’s often a mindset of staying grounded or “in your lane.” This kind of thinking just doesn’t vibe with my own drive. I’m surrounded by energy that demands innovation, risks, and breaking the mould. It’s liberating and exhilarating, a far cry from the restrained enthusiasm you find back in the UK. I couldn’t imagine stepping back to a place that encourages moderation over momentum.”
The British weather: “Culturally, California’s sun, fun, and endless opportunities feel like a dream compared to the UK’s familiar greyness. The environment here is vibrant, filled with people pushing limits and embracing new ideas. Every day offers a chance to engage with the extraordinary, not the ordinary. It’s not just a different place—it’s a whole new mindset. Instead of being skeptical, people here are curious and supportive. That shared energy is infectious and irreplaceable. Returning to the UK would dim the brightness of daily life—I’m not about to swap sunlight for the shadows.”
Established roots and network: “I’ve planted my flag firmly in the US soil, cultivating networks that thrive in LA’s electric atmosphere. From Berkeley alumni to influential figures in music, every connection is a thread in a vibrant tapestry of potential and opportunity. This network isn’t just geographic; it’s the backbone of my future plans. Why rip apart something beautifully interwoven just to return to a former life lacking this depth? In the UK, it’d feel like stepping away from an empire to settle back into something pedestrian and predictable. I’ve found my rhythm and there’s no turning back now.”