Tomorrow

[Scoobos]

I'm totally with Nomadd, those saying you can buy a property for 200k must be looking at the bronx or something.

I've got a horrid, tiny 2 bed (just) flat, and its costing me 900 to rent, but I'm looking at 250k starting for a flat in my area to buy. It's just stupid.

Also, for those that say "just buy a house" - Its not really feasible for me , I'm in the same boat for my SC Clearance. I've contracted worldwide with stints in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and also some holiday travelling time in South East Asia and Indonesia - NO ONE will consider giving me a mortgage without 5 years constant work behind me (or so I was advised).

Nomadd, thanks for sharing too, its given me a little courage to stick with my job search.

I'm seriously worried about my future contracting, but am wet behind the ears compared to you - so I'm reassured a little.

[Hot Mess]

I'm totally with Nomadd, those saying you can buy a property for 200k must be looking at the bronx or something.

+ 1

Lived in London for the last 20 years. 250k today won't get a crappy studio in a decent chav free, location within zone 2/3

Life is short. If you decide to live in London, my advice would be pick a nice location or don't bother. Live in Essex, Luton, wherever, and put up with the commute, hassle etc.

To the OP. Keep the faith, you will find something. Don't stress the fact that you've been out for a few months. When you start your next gig I guarantee within a few weeks you'll soon be craving the freedom you have now.

[d000hg]

1 room for friends + family stopping over.

1 other room for gym kit + office.

Plus a house gives you a garden for Summer. And a driveway and garage (two motorbikes and usually one or two cars, in my case.)

If a single person requires a 3-bedroom house with a garden, driveway and garage then you're right, you need £60k. Although when you said £60k I thought you meant 60k to spend, not 60k pre-tax income. You said one can't do it, not one can't do it in luxury.

[nomadd]

If a single person requires a 3-bedroom house with a garden, driveway and garage then you're right, you need £60k. Although when you said £60k I thought you meant 60k to spend, not 60k pre-tax income.

Wasn't my quote, it was ChimpMaster:

My market is completely dead too. I've been contracting for a short few years now and I completely understand that (unfortunately) I will have to go permie very soon. If that job pays reasonably (for me that would be £60K)

You said one can't do it, not one can't do it in luxury.

Luxury? If only! I'm taking about a small 3 bed semi in a not so great location in London. With a commute only made bearable by the use of a motorcycle.

The point I was making - and that has been backed up by all the posters who live and work in London as I do - is that that £60k of salary just doesn't get you a decent lifestyle here; in fact nothing like it. The housing and commuting costs simply eat away over 2/3rd's or more of your take-home pay. And when you think about simple things on top - like a pension contribution, well, that leaves you broke. So sure, you can live, but it's not a lifestyle I'd want to live.

Permie role for £60k is OK, but not in London. I moved here and went contract within 24 months - only way I could make it work financially. And if the contracting runs out in London, then so do I.

[darrenb]

I would - but all the roles are in London!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EDIT: Unless you know of somewhere far cheaper with lots of good contract roles available? Please do tell.

I'm still trying to figure out why you guys are still in England? Why not Germany? Or, if banking is the love of your life, Switzerland?

[helpFul]

I would - but all the roles are in London!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"all the roles are in London"? I don't think so.

I live in Central London and for the past ten years have had to work in the middle of nowhere: currently 90 minutes travel each way.

[nomadd]

"all the roles are in London"? I don't think so.

I live in Central London and for the past ten years have had to work in the middle of nowhere: currently 90 minutes travel each way.

I live in the middle of nowhere and for the past twenty three years have had to work in Central London: currently 3 hours travel each way.

Maybe we should swap skill-sets.

[Scoobos]

you travel 3 hours each way? every day? How do you do that.

I'm having to admit to myself that I'm facing (LTD) bankruptcy , and being hard on myself for turning down 2hr each way commutes (earlier in the year) .

I just cant imagine myself doing a good job with that amount of my daily time eaten up by the hell that is commuting.

I honestly get mentally drained by the complete lack of humanity that people down here show each other on public transport - it's depressing to have to put up with the total misery of commuting into central london at rush hour. By the time I arrive in the office I'm already jaded!

I am a happy fella by the way

Is there any good news from anyone on this thread? has anyone landed work in the last month or so?

[nomadd]

you travel 3 hours each way? every day? How do you do that.

I'm having to admit to myself that I'm facing (LTD) bankruptcy , and being hard on myself for turning down 2hr each way commutes - but I just cant imagine myself doing a good job with that amount of my daily time eaten up by the hell that is commuting.

I honestly get mentally drained by the complete lack of humanity that people down here show each other on public transport - it's depressing to have to put up with the total misery of commuting into central london at rush hour. By the time I arrive in the office I'm already jaded!

I am a happy fella by the way

Agree completely.

I'm in the very fortunate position of having a nice cheap rental property in London, so I stay there most of the time. Commute in by motorcycle.

I am a happy fella by the way

[oliverson]

you travel 3 hours each way? every day? How do you do that.

I'm having to admit to myself that I'm facing (LTD) bankruptcy , and being hard on myself for turning down 2hr each way commutes (earlier in the year) .

I just cant imagine myself doing a good job with that amount of my daily time eaten up by the hell that is commuting.

I honestly get mentally drained by the complete lack of humanity that people down here show each other on public transport - it's depressing to have to put up with the total misery of commuting into central london at rush hour. By the time I arrive in the office I'm already jaded!

I am a happy fella by the way

Is there any good news from anyone on this thread? has anyone landed work in the last month or so?

So am I Scoobos (LTD)