- I was a native New Yorker and thrived on the city’s energy.
- When I moved to London with my husband just almost two years ago it was a major culture shock.
- Job hunting and finding friends was a challenge, but the free healthcare has been invaluable.
Growing up in the vibrant borough of Queens, the relentless rhythm of the 7 train, the aromas of Indian cuisine, and the crowds at the MET stadium in Flushing were my normal.
I thrived on the city’s boundless energy. But in February 2023, I moved to London with my British husband to start a new chapter.
His career required him to return to his homeland, and I was excited to live abroad in a city I had long romanticized after watching movies like “Notting Hill” and “The Holiday.”
Leaving behind the fast-paced lifestyle in New York has been exhilarating, but the transition was a challenge.
The job hunt was a culture shock for me
As a New York-qualified attorney, I was used to a competitive job hunt involving dozens of applications, multiple interviews, and aggressive salary negotiations.
In London, the process is more formal and patient.
Courtesy of Pooja Shah
I had to get used to sitting tight and waiting to hear back, sometimes for weeks, instead of following up or receiving a response within days.
I also had to complete many more tests and assignments during my London-based job search compared to interviews back home.
The job termination policies here aren’t my cup of tea
In New York, I was an at-will employee, meaning my employer could terminate me at their discretion. Or, I could leave with a two-week notice period.
This meant that, in my profession, I could laterally move to other roles immediately or take a brief vacation between jobs without disrupting my career trajectory.
In the UK, notice periods are a minimum of three months, which I found really frustrating.
I’m not looking to change roles, but I worry that I will be overlooked for potential future jobs due to the lengthy notice period and a more laborious handover transition.
But London’s work-life balance has been a huge relief
Courtesy of Pooja Shah
My salary has been pretty comparable across both cities. But the attitude toward work is significantly different.
In New York, I worked around the clock and sometimes on weekends. I’d log back online in the evenings after happy hours or social outings. I even had my phone during my wedding and honeymoon.
At the beginning of my career, I was excited by this because I was constantly learning, but soon enough, I felt burnout and couldn’t sustain being available all the time.
In London, there is a clear work-life balance. I have not been contacted by an employer outside work hours, while on vacation, or on sick days.
It’s been a welcome relief from my days in New York when I always felt obligated to keep my work phone on.
The cultural differences made finding friends a challenge
When I was living in New York, I felt like people were more sociable and open to getting to know each other. It was easy for me to connect with someone I met at a bar or the library.
However, my experience with the British is that they are more reserved and have a dryer sense of humor, which I don’t always understand.
There are also cultural references in TV, film, or politics, which I can’t relate to because I didn’t grow up here.
But my new social circle has given me a whole new perspective
Over time, my social circle has solidified, and I appreciate how different it is from back home.
Given London’s proximity to the Middle East and Asia, my new friends come from diverse backgrounds and offer unique perspectives on geopolitical and cultural issues that aren’t talked about in my NYC friend circle.
These friendships have exposed me to different mentalities, cities that are now on my bucket list, and new culinary dishes.
I’ve had an amazing experience with the UK’s healthcare system
Courtesy of Pooja Shah
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has provided a more straightforward, universal healthcare experience than the private insurance I had through my employer in the US.
I no longer worry about sky-high medical bills or filing insurance claims. Sure, there can be longer wait times for certain procedures, such as routine dental cleaning or eye exams, but the peace of mind of knowing I’m covered is invaluable.
Earlier this month, my husband and I welcomed our firstborn child. Initially, I was worried about navigating an unfamiliar health system.
Then, I learned about a hotline service through the NHS that any parent can use as often as they want during pregnancy. The team of compassionate midwives I spoke to over the phone offered guidance and reassurance throughout my pregnancy, free of charge.
After my son’s birth, community health visitors and midwives visited our home, ensuring that both my newborn and I were coping well with the postpartum period.
My son, who was born preterm, was closely monitored, and I was offered breastfeeding assistance. We also had the option to go to local drop-in clinics as often as we liked to improve latching, meet other parents, and attend music therapy sessions.
Moving to a new country in your 30s is never an easy transition, but overall, I prefer life in London over New York City because of the slightly more relaxed lifestyle, reliable healthcare system, and work-life boundaries.
Though I miss my family and friends in New York City, London is now home for the foreseeable future.
