A Quick Guide to Working in London
Moving to the city can be an important life choice for individuals. Whether you’ve just graduated and you’re looking for career opportunities, or you’re flying the nest of your small hometown – moving to London can boast all this and more. The City of London is often coined as an ‘epicentre of business’, making it a perfect destination for those seeking independence or those looking to climb the career ladder. Regardless of whether you’ve been in employment for several years or have just left college or university and have been considering moving to London, you’re unsure if you should take the plunge or not. We’ve created this quick guide to working in London for those trying to decide whether working in the city is right for them and outline several of the benefits.
Why Work In London?
As the capital of the UK, London is one of the biggest cities in England. Due to this, it boasts some of the most extensive employment opportunities as many of the world’s biggest companies have branches or headquarters in the city. Plus, the chance of advancement within your chosen industry is more feasible. Additionally, no two industries are the same due to London’s sheer size. You don’t have to tie yourself down to one sector, unlike job opportunities in smaller locations that may be limited. Although finance remains London’s primary industry, you can find a vast range of industries to enter, from art and performing to publishing or tech-related careers, plus a large number of business communities or networking opportunities.
What About Transport?
Another benefit of moving to and working in London is the many transport options available to commuters and citizens alike. Thanks to the public transport network in the city, such as buses, trains and The Tube, there is no real need to own or operate a car when you live in London as all these transport options are in operation at all times of the day and night and are considerably more affordable compared to the running and maintenance costs of a vehicle. Not having to pay for the upkeep of a car can be highly beneficial, as this will give you more money for the other sights that London has to offer (more on this later).
What Is The Salary Like In London?
One of the most significant drawbacks of moving to London is the expenses. Since London is the capital of the UK, a popular tourist destination and one of the world’s leading financial hubs, the costs of living in the city can be extreme. However, on the plus side, due to the cost of living being so high, generally the UK average salary for those living in London is higher. Depending on the chosen industry that you’d like to enter, it would be wise to research the average salary you can expect to receive and consider whether you’ll be able to cope with the living expenses. Check the UK’s average salary, learn how to earn more, read related blog posts and find helpful tools like salary calculators on Check-a-Salary’s website, which will be able to assist you in your decision on whether to move to London or not. Check-a-Salary is the best place to research your salary, as it has aggregated salary data from all the job boards and provides salary information gathered from every job advertised in the UK, so you can get accurate insight.
What If I’m Self-Employed Or Want To Start My Own Business?
Although London boasts one of the biggest pools for employment in the UK, it’s also a prime place for self-employed individuals or those looking to start their own businesses. As London is one of the top locations worldwide for the self-employed, it has a range of helpful resources on the topic, government incentives and lots of other support. Not to mention, with the number of business communities and networking events – there are tons of advantages and opportunities ready for the taking. The city is also ideal for a start-up business because you can find diverse cultures, multi-talented individuals, and tons of workspaces. Not to mention if your proposed business is customer-facing and will rely on footfall for sales, London has the biggest population in the UK, which puts businesses like these at an advantage and gives them more potential customers.
What Else Can Living In London Offer?
London is a large, bustling city with no shortage of things to do whether you’re outside of work or looking to pass the time in-between meetings, as we touched upon briefly in another paragraph. Not only is London famous for its history, but it’s also filled with a variety of experiences perfect for those living within the city walls. If you’re a history buff, you could visit Big Ben, Trafalgar Square or the Tower of London. Or if you’d prefer a more relaxed experience, you could consider a trip to one of London’s iconic green spaces, which cover around 47% of the city, such as Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Regent’s Park and many more. Plus, while working in the city, you’ll find in many cases that your daily commute to work will involve walking past one of or a couple of these infamous monuments.
