Living, working in London / UK / Ireland etc

[luckyshades]

Looks like I'm going to be packing up and heading to the UK for a while, so I thought I'd see if anyone has any thoughts / ideas / suggestions.

Firstly, I have an Irish passport / dual-citizenship, so as far as I'm aware my VISA situation is all fine, and I'm legally allowed to enter the country and work etc.

I guess I'm particularly interested in info about best places to live and finding work from people who have done it before.

I'm fairly realistic about types of work that I'll likely be looking at, clearly I don't think I'll be applying for any executive positions .. but any advice would be really great.

I've been to London before when I was younger, but that was a long time ago ... so for all intents and purposes it will all be completely new to me.

[aids2480]

I heard the IRA are recruiting.

[DohNut]

Originally Posted by luckyshades

.. but any advice would be really great.

Do not drink the 'attitude adjusters' from the Long Island Ice Tea Shop if you are supposed to be working the next day.

[Tony]

Try find work as a taxi driver, Youll learn the city in know time & also get to meet hot chicks!

[paulyramone]

Some solid advice thus far.

[Strong Play]

leave the whistle at home...

[clintsmydad]

Originally Posted by Strong Play

leave the whistle at home...

perhaps a career as a referee

[chenyan]

Went to London last year and met some Aussies (lawyers) working there.

Majority went over there with no job lined up and took a fair while, and went through some hard times before getting a good one. This means you should have some financial backing to survive the initial troubles in finding a job, and also be prepared to do some crummy jobs (Bar, cleaning, etc.) whilst looking for the real, longer term opportiunity.

The underlying message that was conveyed to me though was that they wished they had applied previous to leaving the country. Now, this isnt always possible, especially if you don't know where you'll be staying. BUT, it is worth sounding out a few places and sending out some feelers to potential employers over there.

Best of luck, it aint easy, but it's a fucking fun time to be had if you can get settled there.

[NooooBingo]

Originally Posted by chenyan

Went to London last year and met some Aussies (lawyers) working there.

Majority went over there with no job lined up and took a fair while, and went through some hard times before getting a good one. This means you should have some financial backing to survive the initial troubles in finding a job, and also be prepared to do some crummy jobs (Bar, cleaning, etc.) whilst looking for the real, longer term opportiunity.

The underlying message that was conveyed to me though was that they wished they had applied previous to leaving the country. Now, this isnt always possible, especially if you don't know where you'll be staying. BUT, it is worth sounding out a few places and sending out some feelers to potential employers over there.

Best of luck, it aint easy, but it's a fucking fun time to be had if you can get settled there.

Yep, this is important. My sister has done two stints living in the UK. The first one, I think in 2005, went fine. She found a job with no problem and had a great time.

The second time, just last year, was very different. She struggled to find even minimum wage unskilled work due to the financial crisis.

If you can, line something up before you get over there. Or take enough money to cover expenses for at least 6 months. How much that would be, I have no idea.

[dave798111]

shades couldn't you just play poker for money? Why would you want to get a job (unless it furthers your career)?