{"id":105725,"date":"2026-08-18T06:44:49","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T06:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/105725\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T06:44:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T06:44:49","slug":"i-left-my-uk-finance-job-for-an-italian-villa-with-a-pool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/105725\/","title":{"rendered":"I left my UK finance job for an Italian villa with a pool"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nikki Taylor, 47, relocated to Puglia after corporate burnout<\/a> from London\u2019s hectic banking<\/a> world put her into hospital and on medication. She now works as a property consultant for foreign buyers. <\/p>\n

Relocating to Puglia<\/a> healed me in so many ways. I feel reborn here; I found inner peace and contentment. <\/p>\n

Back in London it was always the same drill<\/a>: waking up to know I\u2019d be constantly battling the weather, the rat race, the morning commute on the Tube in rush hour. It was like running a marathon; every day was just so stressful<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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news<\/p>\n

How AI can reveal invisible patterns in breast tumours<\/p>\n

\"FileThe scheme is being announced as part of the Government\u2019s National Cancer Plan (Photo: Rui Vieira\/PA)<\/p>\n

Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that can reveal patterns\u00a0inside\u00a0breast\u00a0cancer\u00a0tumours that were previously invisible. <\/p>\n

Researchers believe the technology could help doctors predict how the disease might progress and pave the way for more personalised treatments.<\/p>\n

What are these patterns?<\/p>\n

\"Undated(Photo: Hospital Services Limited\/PA).<\/p>\n

The patterns are caused by centrosomes \u2013 tiny structures that help divide DNA. Studying them has been \u201cextremely challenging\u201d because they are tiny and multiply regularly, which is what drives the disease.<\/p>\n

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\nDistinct abnormalities discovered\n<\/p>\n

The\u00a0AI\u00a0platform, known as CenSegNet, was developed to analyse hundreds of thousands of cells\u00a0in\u00a0tumour\u00a0samples.<\/p>\n

\"Breast(Photo: Supplied).<\/p>\n

\"Superdrug (Photo: Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

In doing so, it has uncovered two distinct abnormalities which had\u00a0previously\u00a0been thought to be the same process \u2013 one involved cells acquiring too many centrosomes while the other had abnormally enlarged centrosomes. <\/p>\n

Defects behaving differently<\/p>\n

Researchers found these defects behaved independently and could occupy different areas of a\u00a0tumour.<\/p>\n

The platform also helped discover that tumours\u00a0with high levels of enlarged centrosomes were more aggressive, and patients whose cells had lower levels had a better chance of survival.<\/p>\n

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The expert view<\/p>\n

For more than a century, centrosome abnormalities have been recognised as a hallmark of\u00a0cancer, but studying them\u00a0in\u00a0patient tissues has been extremely challenging. CenSegNet allows us to uncover\u00a0patterns\u00a0that were\u00a0previously\u00a0impossible to see.<\/p>\n

dr pauline swift, the charity chair of blood pressure uk<\/p>\n

\"AA consultant analysing a mammogram of a woman\u2019s breast in order check for breast cancer. (Photo: Rui Vieira\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

news<\/p>\n

The fastest home-selling hotspots in Britain revealed<\/p>\n

\"NewlyMimbys are often unheard in Britain\u2019s planning discussions (Photo: Chris Ratcliffe\/Bloomberg\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Your house could sell up to seven times faster in some parts of the country, property site Zoopla has found.<\/p>\n

It comes as around half of local authority areas record longer times to sell than a year earlier.<\/p>\n

\nWhat you need to know\n<\/p>\n

While the average time to sell remains at 42 days in the year to July, houses in some areas take significantly longer. <\/p>\n

For example, properties in Melton in the East Midlands took 76 days on average to sell \u2013 a 21-day increase compared with July 2025.<\/p>\n

\"FALKIRK,Falkirk has emerged as the angry frontline of the immigration debate in Scotland (Photo: Jeff J Mitchell\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"Nottingham,Caption: Nottingham, UK \u2013 March 26, 2014: Several property agency signs posted outside terraced houses in Beeston in the East Midlands city of Nottingham, England.
Photographer: georgeclerk
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStock Unreleased
Copyright: George Clerk www.georgeclerk.com<\/p>\n

Sitting in stark contrast is Falkirk in Scotland, where the average selling time is around seven times faster at just 11 days \u2013 one day less for the area than a year earlier.<\/p>\n

Is your home in a selling hotspot?<\/p>\n

Zoopla said 180 of the 363 local authorities it analysed had seen an increase in the average number of days taken to sell a property in the past year.<\/p>\n

Here are the fastest-selling\u00a0hotspots in July:<\/p>\n

Falkirk, with 11 days<\/p>\n

Renfrewshire, with 13 days<\/p>\n

North Lanarkshire, with 13 days<\/p>\n

South Lanarkshire, with 14 days<\/p>\n

East Ayrshire, with 14 days<\/p>\n

East Renfrewshire, with 14 days<\/p>\n

West Dunbartonshire, with 14 days<\/p>\n

Stirling, with 15 days<\/p>\n

Glasgow City, with 15 days<\/p>\n

Clackmannanshire, with 16 days<\/p>\n

The Scottish lure<\/p>\n

Many of the faster markets are in Scotland, according to Zoopla, due to the Scottish sales market working differently to the rest of Britain, and homes generally being relatively affordable.<\/p>\n

Homes in Scotland are typically marketed as \u201coffers over\u201d a price, with homes having a valuation and home survey available, Zoopla added.<\/p>\n

\"InverieCaption: Inverie on the Knoydart peninsular, home to the The Old Forge pub ownded by Jean-Pierre Robinet, is pictured across Loch Nevis in the Scottish Highlands on May 20, 2021. \u2013 The Old Forge pub in Inverie, western Scotland, is Britain\u2019s most remote watering hole, situated in what has been described as the country\u2019s \u201clast true wilderness\u201d. Just getting there requires a 30-minute boat trip or, for the more adventurous, an 18-mile (28-kilometre), two-day hike over some of the Scottish Highlands\u2019 most rugged landscape. \u2013 TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY Stuart GRAHAM (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN \/ AFP) \/ TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY Stuart GRAHAM (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN\/AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: ANDY BUCHANAN
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP<\/p>\n

\"TraditionalA tidal pool left on the beach at Elie (Photo: Joan White\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Locations with sluggish sales<\/p>\n

It comes as house prices fall, according to figures published by Rightmove yesterday, with homeowners struggling to flog their bricks and mortar.<\/p>\n

According to Zoopla, these are the slowest-selling local areas in July:<\/p>\n

Melton, with 76 days<\/p>\n

Westminister, with 63 days<\/p>\n

Teignbridge, with 63 days <\/p>\n

Torridge, with 61 days <\/p>\n

Tower Hamlets, with 60 days<\/p>\n

Isle of Wight, with 60 days<\/p>\n

Thanet, with 60 days<\/p>\n

North Devon, with 60 days<\/p>\n

South Norfolk, with 58 days<\/p>\n

Elmbridge, with 58 days<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The kitchen gadgets and products a food editor swears by, all under \u00a325<\/p>\n

\nThe kitchen gadgets under \u00a325\n<\/p>\n

\"bestCaption: best kitchen gadgets<\/p>\n

Victorinox paring knife<\/p>\n

It\u2019s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.<\/p>\n

ProCook cast iron pan<\/p>\n

For unbeatable\u00a0searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Tesco chopping board<\/p>\n

Priced at just \u00a322, I\u2019ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.<\/p>\n

\nThe kitchen gadgets under \u00a325\n<\/p>\n

Pyrex jug<\/p>\n

It is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won\u2019t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Salter scales<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I\u2019m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Microplane grater<\/p>\n

It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike\u00a0copycats simply can\u2019t match.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Braun hand-held blender<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bodum cafetiere<\/p>\n

As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there\u2019s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.<\/p>\n

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\nThe kitchen gadgets under \u00a325\n<\/p>\n

Oxo peeler<\/p>\n

What truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Falcon pie dish<\/p>\n

Made by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The golden rules for a happy, secure relationship<\/p>\n

Psychiatrist and neuroscientist\u00a0Dr Amir Levine, author of bestselling book Attached, explains why we behave the way we do in love.<\/p>\n

\"HappyCaption: Happy woman walking with male partner in vineyard during sunset. Elderly couple are touring in field against sky. They are enjoying during weekend.
Photographer: Morsa Images
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Digital Vision<\/p>\n

\nGolden rules for happy relationships\n<\/p>\n

Start with your own behaviours<\/p>\n

The foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable. All of these qualities can be enacted in small gestures every day.<\/p>\n

\"SideSide view of affectionate happy couple sitting in the cozy cafe. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"HappySon\u2019t assume your partner knows how you think (Photo: ljubaphoto\/Getty\/E+)<\/p>\n

Express your needs<\/p>\n

People need consistency and connection to feel safe. This is not, \u2018You hurt my feelings by never replying to me\u2019, it\u2019s more \u2018this is the kind of contact that helps me feel secure\u2019.<\/p>\n

\nGolden rules for happy relationships\n<\/p>\n

\"UnhappyUnhappy married couple facing away from each other in a quiet home, concept of emotional distance, loneliness in relationship and family problems \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

The appendix \u2018inflammation\u2019 rule<\/p>\n

If a relationship repeatedly inflames your nervous system, you need to disengage and deprioritise it.<\/p>\n

Lean on community<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need hundreds of friends. You need people and places that regularly remind you that you belong.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"HappyCaption: Happy couples talking while walking embraced during spring day in a meadow.
Photographer: skynesher
Provider: Getty Images
Source: E+<\/p>\n

\"CandidCandid shot happiness and togetherness Asian mother supporting daughter try to standing and walking first time and positive emotion \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Stop blaming childhood<\/p>\n

Humans are much more complicated than: \u2018this happened to you, therefore you are doomed to be anxious\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"FinancialCaption: Financial problems. Worried middle-aged woman holding utility bills, managing monthly household budget, sitting on bed feeling anxious. Cost of living concept
Photographer: MementoJpeg
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Reach for a
secure script<\/p>\n

When something unsettles you in a relationship, your first reaction is not always the most accurate one.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re anxious, your brain may jump very quickly to: \u2018this is the beginning of the end\u2019. If you\u2019re avoidant, your brain may say: \u2018this person wants too much from me, I need to get\u00a0away\u2019. So one very practical thing you can always do is pause and ask: \u2018What would a secure person do here?\u2019<\/p>\n

Loneliness elsewhere<\/p>\n

When people talk about\u00a0loneliness, they often assume it means you don\u2019t have enough people in your life. But you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if those relationships leave you feeling excluded, ignored or disconnected.<\/p>\n

\"FrustratedFrustrated lonely shy guy sitting apart of others teenagers \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\nWhat to do\n<\/p>\n

Build a community that works for your temperament and gives you regular, reliable moments of connection.<\/p>\n

You can still be kind to people while not treating them as someone who belongs in your inner circle.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Explain what you need. Sometimes people simply don\u2019t realise how\u00a0you are experiencing them.<\/p>\n

Check in with people: does this person actually feel that I\u2019m reliable? Do they experience me as predictable?\u00a0That\u2019s the only way that you can start to become more secure.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are\u2026<\/p>\n

\nFoods that leave you hungrier\n<\/p>\n

A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice<\/p>\n

More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.<\/p>\n

\"\"No more orange juice. (Photo via pixaby)<\/p>\n

\"WomanIt\u2019s estimated ultra processed foods make up at least half of the average UK diet (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Swap the\u00a0orange juice\u00a0for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.<\/p>\n

\nFoods that leave you hungrier\n<\/p>\n

\"Gail'sCaption: Gail\u2019s croissant
Image taken from https:\/\/gails.com\/collections\/breakfast\/products\/croissant<\/p>\n

Croissants<\/p>\n

These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.<\/p>\n

Toast and jam<\/p>\n

It is mostly carbohydrate and without protein or fibre, it is digested quickly, leaving you feeling hungry.<\/p>\n

\"ToastedCaption: Toasted bread and white background
Photographer: Daniel Tamas Mehes
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto
Copyright: Minden jog fenntartva!<\/p>\n

\"FILEYakitori\u2019s on the menu at the Japanese restaurant \u2013 but what exactly is it? (Photo: Reuters)<\/p>\n

Sushi<\/p>\n

Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.<\/p>\n

\nFoods that leave you hungrier\n<\/p>\n

\"SarawakSarawak laksa is one of many varieties of this noodle soup (Photo: Tham Kee Chuan\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Vegetable soup<\/p>\n

On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.<\/p>\n

Pizza<\/p>\n

Unless it\u2019s loaded with veggies, it\u2019s probably pretty low in fibre.<\/p>\n

\"\"Best pizza in Britain named \u2013 and owner reveals the secret to its success (Photo: James Linsell Clark\/SWNS)<\/p>\n

\"WASHINGTON,The Government has announced that the sugar tax will be extended to milkshakes (Photo: Scott Suchman)<\/p>\n

Smoothies<\/p>\n

Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.<\/p>\n

\nFoods that leave you hungrier\n<\/p>\n

\"London,\u2018Aged 14, I started what I considered to be my own little business selling confectionary,\u2019 writes Beauty Dhlamini (Photo: Getty) <\/p>\n

Snack bars<\/p>\n

They are ideal\u00a0for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you\u2019re after, it\u2019d be better to swap it out. <\/p>\n

Low-fat yoghurt<\/p>\n

A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.<\/p>\n

\"WhichWhich yoghurts are the best options? (Unsplash)<\/p>\n

\"BANGKOK,Caption: BANGKOK, THAILAND \u2013 OCTOBER 17: A \u201cKT Herbalist\u201d, a Kratom cocktail made from Kratom, coffee and siamese herbs is seen at Teens of Thailand, a bar in Bangkok\u2019s Chinatown on October 17, 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand. In April 2021, the start of Thailand\u2019s third and most deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai government banned the sale of alcohol in restaurants and bars, crippling the already suffering food and beverage industry. With a lack of government aid and support, some bars have shuttered their doors in hopes of reopening post-lockdown, while others shuttered their doors for good. But six months into Thailand\u2019s most recent lockdown, Niks Anuman-Rajadhon, owner of Teens of Thailand, a gin bar located in a renovated shophouse in Bangkok\u2019s Chinatown, decided that instead of waiting for the government to allow the sale of alcohol again, they would take advantage of Thailand\u2019s recent legalization of Kratom. Kratom is a locally grown herbal drug with mild opioid and stimulant effects and was reclassified from a type-5 narcotic to a legal-to-grow herb in August 2021. While Thailand prepares for a tentative reopening on November 1st, the alcohol ban and curfew are set to continue, leaving business owners questioning if the country can revive its suffering tourism industry. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Lauren DeCicca
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images AsiaPac<\/p>\n

Alcohol<\/p>\n

On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.<\/p>\n

\nWhat to eat instead\n<\/p>\n

Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.<\/p>\n

Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.<\/p>\n

Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.<\/p>\n

Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits\u00a0are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.<\/p>\n

Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.<\/p>\n

How to age well
without pain<\/p>\n

Will Harlow, a physiotherapist
for the over-50s and author of Independence for Life, shares
the key signs you\u2019re ageing
badly \u2013 and what to do about it.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

How to know <\/p>\n

Ageing well is maintaining the ability to do what you want you want for as long as you want without needing help. Everyone is talking about\u00a0longevity but what\u2019s the point in living longer if the last decade is painful and you\u2019re [totally] reliant on people?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The signs to look out for<\/p>\n

\"SeniorSenior woman on sofa feeling and suffering from back pain. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

The most obvious early warning sign of bad ageing is pain says Harlow.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Another is losing confidence in doing daily tasks, which can quickly lead to a lack of independence.<\/p>\n

One call Harlow often receives is people calling after having a fall and struggling to get up.<\/p>\n

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\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

\"\"Many will worry about not saving enough for retirement (Photo: Alex Tihonov\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Not just stopping<\/p>\n

When people retire, they often put their feet up and stop. Your body really is use it or lose it.<\/p>\n

Sleep<\/p>\n

Throughout our entire lives, Harlow says we need between seven and nine hours of sleep.<\/p>\n

\"TiredNaps before 1pm can lead to better cognitive performance in the following hours (Photo: Lord Henri Voton\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"MaribelCaption: Maribel Ezcurra, 77, a retired milling machine mechanic, practices tai chi with fellow seniors in a park in the Playa neighborhood of Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ramon Espinosa)
Photographer: Ramon Espinosa
Provider: AP
Source: AP<\/p>\n

Social isolation<\/p>\n

The lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death by
as much as 29 per cent.<\/p>\n

Strength training<\/p>\n

It really is the proxy for
overall independence.<\/p>\n

The more muscle mass you have, the less chance of heart disease, diabetes, falls and even anxiety,\u00a0depression and\u00a0dementia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ThisCaption: This is a photo of a senior man helping his wife lift weights. See PA Feature HEALTH Physio. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA feature HEALTH Physio. PA Photo.Picture credit should read: Alamy\/PA. <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Physio. <\/p>\n

Photographer: Alamy
Provider: Alamy\/PA
Source: PA<\/p>\n

The brain can be linked to muscle mass too, Harlow says. It\u2019s not just about being able to lift things. It gives you more energy, better sleep and you\u2019ll look and feel better.<\/p>\n

\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

Daily habits<\/p>\n

Do short bursts of exercise, between 30 and 60 seconds, in otherwise dead time during the day.<\/p>\n

\"ElderlyFit more walking into your day (Photo: andreswd\/Getty\/E+)<\/p>\n

\"ASleep can affect your heart health (Photo: Flashpop\/Getty\/Digital Vision)<\/p>\n

Stretch in bed<\/p>\n

Take joints through a full range of motion for five minutes to loosen it before getting up.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t crash diet<\/p>\n

It can increase the decline of muscle mass and bone density, which needs to be avoided.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ACalorie counting every day can be a pain (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

\"Protein(Photo: Inga Erhan\/ Gingagi\/ Getty).<\/p>\n

Protein<\/p>\n

Harlow advises 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to stop muscle loss alongside resistance training.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t wait<\/p>\n

Harlow finds that many patients put off making a change to their lifestyle until their lives are consumed by pain.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"MenstrualMenstrual pain, woman with stomachache suffering from pms at home, endometriosis, cystitis and other diseases of the urinary system \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"Close-upCaption: Close-up view of female jogger tying laces of her sport shoes before running exercise routine. Motivation, healthy lifestyle and fitness concept.
Photographer: Xavier Lorenzo
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Recovery<\/p>\n

For most people, it\u2019s\u00a0about reducing the number of times per week you\u2019re exercising, not reducing intensity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe three ageing tests to do\n<\/p>\n

Lie completely flat on the floor and get back up to a standing position using any technique. This should take less than 10 seconds.<\/p>\n

See how many times you can sit on the chair and stand back up again in 30 seconds. Men should be aiming for more than 14 times and women\u00a012.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The single-leg stand, which involves standing on one leg and balancing for 10 seconds. Everyone should be able to do that and for those under 65, Harlow asks them to do it with their eyes closed.<\/p>\n

Despite the job market hiring fewer entry-level roles, employers are still looking for grads\u2026<\/p>\n

But you should be prepared to keep an open mind. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve compiled the sectors hiring graduate roles, what degree is required, and what they pay.<\/p>\n

\"YoungPlan 5 applies to students who began university courses on or after August 2023
(Photo: Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez\/Getty Images\/
Source: Moment RF)<\/p>\n

\nThe degrees to choose for a career\n<\/p>\n

Hiring in the UK could
finally be on the up<\/p>\n

47%<\/p>\n

of employers offered entry-level
positions from July.<\/p>\n

That is up nearly 15 per cent from the same period last year.<\/p>\n

700,000<\/p>\n

But graduate unemployment\u00a0rose to six per cent in 2025 and 700,000 jobless graduates were\u00a0claiming benefits.<\/p>\n

\nFinance and insurance\n<\/p>\n

Around 42 per cent of UK finance and insurance employers say they will be open to graduate roles this summer.<\/p>\n

Business loan company Portman Finance\u00a0Group has taken on 50 graduates over the past four years.<\/p>\n

\"AA lot of thought needs to be put into transferring a DB pension to a DC pot (Photo: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Portman graduates start on \u00a336,000 for the two-year programme and the education you need to apply is a minimum \u201cABB\u201d of A-levels, and a 2:1 or above university degree. But not in a specific subject.<\/p>\n

\"MatureLoose, natural fabrics are the best clothing option when the temperature rises (Photo: Kate Wieser\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Trade and logistics<\/p>\n

What makes it particularly rewarding is that there\u2019s always something to learn.<\/p>\n

Nearly half (47 per cent) of trade and logistics companies will be giving graduates a go this year.<\/p>\n

Salaries start at \u00a330,000 with an uncapped bonus, rising to \u00a350,000 plus a company car as a senior account partner.<\/p>\n

Technology and IT<\/p>\n

More than half (52 per cent) of UK tech and IT firms are actively looking for graduates.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Successful entry-level candidates can earn a basic salary of up to \u00a335,000, with the opportunity to triple that within their first three years of working.<\/p>\n

\"YoungCaption: Young business woman searching for job online. Woman writing resume on laptop.
Photographer: Maria Korneeva
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

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4<\/p>\n

\nPublic sector, health
and social services\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

46 per cent of public sector, health and social services organisations are also\u00a0ready to take graduates, according to a survey by Manpower.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"AA policeman walking away from an elderly person\u2019s home. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

For example, Police Now runs a graduate\u00a0programme into policing. They\u00a0recruit graduates from any degree field, as long as they achieve a 2:2 or above. Starting salaries range from \u00a331,164 to \u00a342,210 depending\u00a0on location and rising each year.<\/p>\n

Can we treat guests without blowing our budget?<\/p>\n

According to Waitrose, a dinner party revival is underway led by younger people trying to reduce the cost of getting together.<\/p>\n

The i Paper food writer Sophie Morris [below] asks chefs for their best ideas for hosting at home. <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Always have bread<\/p>\n

People will feast on the
bread, and then need less fish\/steak\/expensive whatever. All small plates restaurants know this: this is why the first thing on the menu is always artisan bread and butter. <\/p>\n

ELLA RISBRIDGER, AUTHOR OF THE KITCHEN BOOK \u2013 GOOD FOOD FOR EVERY DAY<\/p>\n

\"FemaleFemale Hands cutting bread. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\nUse vegetables as centrepieces\n<\/p>\n

Chef and food writer Helen Graham turns vegetables into centrepieces to cut down on meat and fish expenses.<\/p>\n

\"VarietyVariety Fresh of organic fruits and vegetables and healthy vegan meal ingredients in reusable eco cotton bags on beige background . Zero waste shopping concept. Healthy food, clean eating, eco friendly, no plastic. Flat lay, top view \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"BeautifulBeautiful woman unpacks a full fabric bag with fruits and vegetables on the kitchen. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Add pantry items<\/p>\n

Graham\u2019s recipes include a braised cabbage with a preserved lemon sauce, a roast cauliflower with saffron, and harrisa roast carrots with mango labneh.<\/p>\n

\nHow to host on a budget\n<\/p>\n

\"TableMany of the dishes we take for granted in British curry joints are entirely unlike anything you might find to eat in the subcontinent (Photo: Getty\/E+)<\/p>\n

Improve the everyday<\/p>\n

Guests will\u00a0always appreciate a stellar interpretation of the ordinary. Think lasagna or curry. <\/p>\n

Generosity<\/p>\n

Cooking dinner for your guests is spoiling them \u2013 you\u2019re being generous with your time, your effort, and your home. So don\u2019t feel the need to go overboard elsewhere.<\/p>\n

\"A(Photo: FilippoBacci\/Getty Images\/E+)<\/p>\n

\"ManMan serving friends salad at backyard dinner party \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Ask for help<\/p>\n

Ask friends to bring a contribution, be it a nibble or a pudding.<\/p>\n

Big platter energy<\/p>\n

[Presentation] can be the key to elevating something\u00a0. Spaghetti and tomato sauce suddenly looks like a feast when tumbled\u00a0on a lovely big plate, dressed with olive oil and parmesan and placed in the middle of the table.<\/p>\n

Food writer and editor Eleanor Steafel\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Entertaining doesn\u2019t have to be stressful (Photo: The Good Brigade\/Getty\/Digital Vision)<\/p>\n

\nHow to host on a budget\n<\/p>\n

Taco party<\/p>\n

Have one expensive filling, like shredded chicken, and two cheaper options, like refried beans, says Ella Risbridger.<\/p>\n

\"TraditionalTraditional ice cream parlours are still going strong (Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

\"TacosTacos are a popular dish throughout the country (Photo: Daniela White Images\/Getty) <\/p>\n

Sundaes<\/p>\n

Shop-bought ice cream is so easily zhuzhed up with the help of handy toppings, says Eleanor Steafel.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"\"\/<\/p>\n

Here in my house in the Italian countryside, I wake up in the morning and I have coffee outside, surrounded by olive groves. There\u2019s a different energy and a slower-paced vibe that greatly contrasts with London.<\/p>\n

Before Italy, my career was in financial planning and investment banking, split between London and Sydney. I\u2019m a dual British-Australian citizen. Before relocating, home was Sydney, with stretches of my career based in London.<\/p>\n

I was always chasing the next stage of my career. The burnout had been building in London for a long time, but it finally caught up with me in Sydney. When I was about 35, I hit a wall so hard I ended up in a hospital bed for seven days with severe stomach pain, on a morphine drip. I\u2019d been working 12-hour days.<\/p>\n

That was the moment I realised I needed change. I asked myself what I really wanted for my future. You should never let things get so bad that your mental and physical health suffers. And so, in 2014, I quit my job and moved to Italy. <\/p>\n

Italy had been in my heart since 2001, when I first visited Florence. I spent about a year preparing for the move, studying the language and getting my affairs in order, before I actually left. I got a job in the property sector. I had no family in London and this was pre-Brexit, so all I needed was my British passport.<\/p>\n

My first home was Bolzano, in the north. A few years later my Italian teacher suggested Puglia. I moved to Monopoli, a coastal town in 2017 and fell for the region, before eventually settling in Martina Franca in 2019. I own a villa with a pool in the rural surroundings of the town \u2013 it cost a third of what a similar property would be in London \u2013 and live here with my partner. Living in the pristine countryside, near a town of barely 50,000 people as opposed to a big city of millions of people has hugely benefitted my mental and physical health.<\/p>\n

I love the elegant Baroque architecture of Martina Franca and the white-washed alleys and dwellings of the old district. It\u2019s a proper town that\u2019s lived in, rather than a summer postcard that is empty after August. I\u2019ve made lots of friends and am of course fluent in Italian now. <\/p>\n

The pace here forces you to slow down. The morning coffee that\u2019s never rushed, long lunches that drift into afternoon conversation, beauty that\u2019s simply part of the everyday fabric rather than something you plan a holiday around. Work-life balance here isn\u2019t a slogan, it\u2019s structural: shops close for hours in the afternoon, Sundays are for family and nobody blinks if a meeting runs into a two-hour lunch.<\/p>\n

I lead a very simple and affordable life here. Daily life in southern Italy runs at a fraction of London prices, and property is the clearest example: whole restored townhouses in Puglia\u2019s smaller towns cost less than a deposit on a London flat. <\/p>\n

I spend \u20ac50 (\u00a342) per week for groceries, while in London it was up to \u00a3200 (and of course it\u2019s all locally produced and wonderfully tasty). Eating out, a meal for two costs \u20ac80-\u20ac100 (\u00a368-\u00a385). In Puglia I lead a healthier, more active lifestyle. I walk around more without having to take the tube. When needed, I have a car but I do lots of property site visits, so I\u2019m usually on foot.<\/p>\n

Setting up a business in a new country with a different culture has had its ups and downs. Culturally, what surprised me most was how much slower and more relationship-driven business is in Puglia than in London, nothing moves quickly, and trust is earned in person, over time, not over email. <\/p>\n

Professionally, I feel fulfilled because my work directly changes people\u2019s lives: I get to watch someone walk into their Italian home for the first time, the one we found together, and that\u2019s a completely different reward from any cash bonus I ever earned in finance. Some days I\u2019m behind a laptop handling paperwork, other days I\u2019m literally on-site walking through a masseria (traditional farmhouse) or an old town palazzo with a client.<\/p>\n

Being my own boss means I have total control over my hours. Days off usually mean family time, a walk, maybe a trip to the coast or another town for the day. It\u2019s a completely different rhythm to the corporate grind I came from. I am finally at peace, not having that burnout feeling anymore \u2013 that anxiety from always being on the go.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Nikki Taylor, 47, relocated to Puglia after corporate burnout from London\u2019s hectic banking world put her into hospital…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":105726,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[4],"tags":[42570,11059,1886,1195,1416,5,6],"class_list":["post-105725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uk","tag-brits-abroad","tag-burnout","tag-careers","tag-expats","tag-features","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@UnitedKingdom\/117115167240955696","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=105725"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105725\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/105726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=105725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=105725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=105725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}