Lucia Hawley
luchhawley/Instagram

Lucia Hawley, the 26-year-old niece of actress Nicole Kidman, has revealed she is unemployed and struggling to secure work since relocating to London. The aspiring presenter moved to the UK earlier this year.

Hawley described her decision to leave Australia as 'totally stupid', saying she had been rejected from 'every single job I've applied for' since arriving in the British capital.

Lucia Hawley hits career wall in London job hunt

The Australian media personality admitted she felt 'embarrassed' by her job search struggles. Despite having experience in entertainment and journalism, Hawley said she's been unable to land even an entry-level role in London's competitive market.

'Someone hires me!' she pleaded in the now-viral video, echoing the growing frustration felt by many young jobseekers in the UK capital. Hawley added that she had been surviving on a tight budget and 'just getting by', despite her high-profile family connection.

The social media clip has since sparked discussion online, with viewers sympathizing with the challenges of London's cost of living and post-pandemic employment climate. Hawley's story comes as the UK continues to grapple with job insecurity and financial strain among younger workers.

Unemployment and job struggles

According to the Office for National Statistics, the UK unemployment rate stood at 4.4% in May 2025, with young people aged 18–24 facing the highest levels of joblessness.

In London, economic activity remains below pre-pandemic levels, with hospitality, media, and arts sectors among the hardest hit.

Graduates and early-career professionals are increasingly turning to part-time work, freelancing, or side hustles to stay afloat. Many are also relying on shared housing or moving back in with family as they search for stable employment.

'I've literally been rejected from every single job I've applied for,' Hawley said. 'You know when you start applying for jobs that you don't even want? That's where I'm at. 'Her frustration reflects the broader reality of London's high cost of living and fierce job competition.

From red carpets to rejection letters

Hawley, who is the daughter of journalist Antonia Kidman and a graduate of the University of Sydney, had built a growing media presence in Australia before moving abroad.

Her past roles included covering film premieres and celebrity interviews an experience that would typically offer a leg-up in broadcast and entertainment.

But in the UK, media roles are increasingly concentrated in London, with entry-level jobs often demanding long hours, unpaid internships, and connections. Despite her family ties, Hawley admitted she felt lost in a new city and overwhelmed by the 'grind' of trying to make ends meet.

Her viral plea for employment has garnered over 100,000 views, with some users offering encouragement and others sharing similar experiences. 'It's so comforting to know I'm not the only one,' she added in a follow-up clip.

What her story reveals about work culture in the UK

Hawley's experience highlights the cultural and economic shift facing young professionals in Britain today. With wages stagnating and housing costs rising, even well-qualified individuals with industry experience are struggling to secure basic employment.

Labour market data from June also showed a slowdown in hiring across the media and creative sectors, with freelance contracts and short-term roles replacing long-term jobs. Many employers have also scaled back recruitment in response to inflation and budget cuts.

Meanwhile, career coaches and recruiters are urging jobseekers to upskill through free online certifications and to tap into local networking events or alumni groups. For many, resilience and adaptability remain key in a volatile job market.