Which city to live in?!

KiKi

dilemma10 wrote: »

I also am in a really good position further my career down south and a friend has just offered me a room in a flat where her flat mate is going in Ealing.

Is this the 'mate' who's your manager, who was offering you her flat? If so, stay away.

Have you sorted out your job issue, yet? I think that's far more important than where you live, personally!

But I agree with others; with the type of role you have, if you're looking for any new roles in the area you're in, you need to be in or close to London (unless you're working from home).

You really do get used to a higher mortgage / rent - it becomes the norm, and the London salary generally makes up for it...although this does, of course, depend on what you do and what company you work for.

I'd choose London at this stage in your career - it will probably set up you up better for future years. BUT, I would be looking for a new job ASAP, and getting out of the very strange one you're in. (Just to clarify that I don't mean only London can 'set you up'! But I, for eg, worked in London for 11 years, got a great salary, saved and saved, and am now in a position to work from home as a self-employed consultant because of the networking and experience it gave me. It was hard slog for a now lovely, much more relaxed working life - which is what I wanted. But you can't generally get that until you have the network, some savings behind you, and the experience.)

KiKi

diable

dilemma10 wrote: »

Well I think this is an exaggeration on my part. I work in a membership organisation which has very close ties to government departments like department for education etc and as we are a small team I get great exposure to ministers and secretaries of state etc. I would like to eventually work in parliament or in one of the departments.

There are some educational quangos/agencies in the midlands but due to recession there aren't any jobs.

I could do a policy role but in another sector, I just don't see many jobs going in the midlands.

Argh!

Stay in London, especially with the work that you do especially with all the extras that are involved.

onlyroz

I'd also stay in London - sounds like that's where all the interesting opportunities are in your line of work. Long term, when/if you want to buy a place, there are plenty of nice places outside of London that are within a 30-45 min train commute and are much cheaper and more pleasant places to live in.

Annisele

I wouldn't make any big long term decisions (i.e. buying a house) six weeks after splitting up with a partner. It might be a good idea to give yourself a little while to get used to things, before you jump into having a mortgage.

jim22

"Quangos, working for parliament" et al. The state, don't you just love it!!

dilemma10

KiKi wrote: »

Is this the 'mate' who's your manager, who was offering you her flat? If so, stay away.

Have you sorted out your job issue, yet? I think that's far more important than where you live, personally!

But I agree with others; with the type of role you have, if you're looking for any new roles in the area you're in, you need to be in or close to London (unless you're working from home).

You really do get used to a higher mortgage / rent - it becomes the norm, and the London salary generally makes up for it...although this does, of course, depend on what you do and what company you work for.

I'd choose London at this stage in your career - it will probably set up you up better for future years. BUT, I would be looking for a new job ASAP, and getting out of the very strange one you're in. (Just to clarify that I don't mean only London can 'set you up'! But I, for eg, worked in London for 11 years, got a great salary, saved and saved, and am now in a position to work from home as a self-employed consultant because of the networking and experience it gave me. It was hard slog for a now lovely, much more relaxed working life - which is what I wanted. But you can't generally get that until you have the network, some savings behind you, and the experience.)

KiKi

Hi KiKi, thanks for your help. This is not my boss offering me anymore, I soon put an end to that one. This is a friend I've known for about a year who is very nice.

I have still not sorted out my job and finding the working from home very depressing. I would like to leave just struggling to find other jobs really. I applied for one which funnily enough was ideal for me and cropped up in my present city (hometown) but did not get invited to interview.

Half the problem here is the working from home job which is why I think to myself maybe it would be a lot different if I had a different job but my own place in Leicester.

As you can all probably see, I think I may be heading to a breakdown. I am only 22 but put too much emphasis on my career/jobs/reputation than I do on my own happiness which is why I have been thinking I need to take a step back and have my own flat to do as I like in and to learn to work more acceptable hours.