An Expat Talks about Living in London, UK

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

London

How long have you lived there?

3 years

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Services: Banking, sales, telemarketing, travel industry, Accounting.

People find work most of the time through an agency which will take a chunk off your salary away but it's nearly the only way. Alternatively there is a public job search centres in every borough.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Life in London revolves around work.

From my personal experience work is almost the only way to meet and become friends with people. This being if you find work at all, because is you are from overseas employers don't consider you competent enough despite of your flawless English and experience, so you start often at training level. However if you are a citizen of a common wealth country you are treated a little better.

I find the English to be very funny, polite, organised and tolerant, but never embrasing.

I find that different nationalitys and races live in harmony here but they often don't mix

I feel people in London could be more open and friendly.

I must say though, that as a gay man in my late 20's I could not ask for more entertainment alternatives and many are offered to the gay market, London is great like that. One last coment, my boyfriend is from New Zealand and our group of friends is formed only by expats, what a shame.

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If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Do not come unless you have no other choice. The weather is horrible, well except if you come from Scandinavia.

If you do come, equip yourself for rainy and cold weather. Work and save up money for traveling, you get amazing deals to explore Europe and the world. Don't let them talk down to you!