Why you should consider a career outside of London
While London can be a fantastic place to begin a career, it comes with a very unique set of challenges. With 90 percent of students moving to London after they graduate, many young people face a minefield of issues varying from a saturated jobs market, high rent and travel costs, not to mention weird social habits.
However, while the perks of living in the capital can lead to incredible opportunities and a swift ascent into remarkable positions, this is not something exclusive to London.
London indeed offers a broad spectrum of career possibilities and rapid professional growth, but other regions now offer similar dynamics. It has become increasingly clear that launching a career in London is no longer the only path to success. There is a high demand for talent nationwide, and employers are actively seeking skilled graduates beyond the capital’s borders. If you are considering alternatives to London after graduation, you’re not alone. Here’s why you should think about starting your career outside London..
London is expensive
London is not only the most expensive place to rent in Europe but it also comes with a wide variety of more hidden costs. Travel costs can accumulate to huge sums of money swiftly – especially if you are commuting. Living spaces are often small and cramped, and not to mention the price of a pint. In contrast, living outside of London is often much more affordable.
Rent can be almost a third of the price in other areas of the country in comparison to London, plus prices of goods and commodities aren’t subject to the same weird local hyperinflation bubble which many areas of London have.
Furthermore, many of the UK’s cities are currently growing rapidly. This means that significant industry players are now moving beyond the boundaries of the M25 and setting up more and more regional offices. One key example of this is Channel 4’s announcement that it will be moving its National Headquarters to Leeds. With many other key employers also moving away from the capital its no longer become a necessity to move to London to work at a company’s main offices.
The number of opportunities outside of London is quickly growing
Job growth outside of London is far quicker than that in the capital. Major UK cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds have a job growth of almost 50 percent. This means that your chances of getting employed are far greater in these areas and as a result the stresses of finding work is quickly diminishing.
Fascinating industries such as the tech sector, engineering and finance are all growing rapidly across the country. So it looks like there are many interesting opportunities away from London which will provide training as well as competitive salaries.
In addition, joining a regional office of a company can also be a great step forward into a career. At a regional office there is often more opportunities to learn the ropes, complete a wider variety of tasks and learn more about a certain industry. Furthermore, this can also provide the opportunity to transfer to somewhere else later on and may provide a more affordable way to move to London if that’s what you desire.
When considering job opportunities outside London, it’s important to not only focus on the growth rates but also on the specific skills that are in high demand in these regions. For example, cities like Manchester are becoming tech hubs, and Birmingham has a booming engineering sector. Researching the regional skills gaps and tailoring your CV to highlight relevant experience can give you a competitive edge. Additionally, working in a regional office may offer more opportunities for upward mobility, as smaller offices often require employees to wear multiple hats, accelerating skill development. This can be a strategic move for long-term career growth.
Starting your career in a regional office can be a strong career move
Working in a regional office provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop a diverse skill set. Unlike larger city offices, regional offices often allow you to take on a wider variety of tasks and responsibilities, helping you quickly adapt to your industry and gain practical experience that will be invaluable for career growth. Furthermore, working in a regional office can provide the chance to eventually transfer to a London office if desired, making the move more affordable and accessible.
Living in your hometown after graduation can be a fantastic experience
Moving back to your hometown once you have graduated may have more perks than you may expect. Firstly, already being settled in an area can help you to focus more on your career. But more importantly it enables you to reconnect to those close to you.
Escaping the university bubble and reconnecting with family and friends may be a much more pleasant experience than the loneliness that can come with moving to a new city.
London is not the only path to career growth
While London offers the allure of a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere and an abundance of opportunities, it’s not the only way to launch a successful career. The prospect of living in one of Europe’s busiest and most culturally rich cities may appeal to many graduates, but it’s no longer the default option. Numerous other cities in the UK can provide similar career prospects, often in more affordable and comfortable surroundings.
Moving to London can be an exciting experience, but today, there are other promising alternatives for graduates who want to start their careers while avoiding some of the traditional challenges and high costs. So before making a decision, it’s worth exploring all options to find the one that’s best suited to your career ambitions and lifestyle needs.
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