{"id":109112,"date":"2026-08-23T06:53:52","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T06:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/109112\/"},"modified":"2026-08-23T06:53:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T06:53:52","slug":"i-regret-moving-to-london-for-my-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/109112\/","title":{"rendered":"I regret moving to London for my career"},"content":{"rendered":"

For decades, moving to London<\/a> has been seen as the next step for young professionals. But for some young people from the North,\u202fLondon is no longer the obvious route to career<\/a> success.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n

When Ben Copeland, \u202f28,\u202f moved to London\u202fin 2023,\u202f it seemed like an obvious choice. Originally from Yorkshire<\/a>, he had first moved to the capital in \u202f2018 when he had the opportunity to intern at a record label for the summer. \u201cTrying to get a [full-time] job was impossible,\u201d he said, so he moved back to York when the internship ended. Despite not having a paid role, he loved the city. Back then,\u202fCopeland \u202fsays, living in London felt like a long holiday. He met new people, loved the nightlife, and had financial help from his grandparents. \u201cThe second time, I definitely regret going down; it wasn\u2019t the same,\u201d he says.\u202f <\/p>\n

The company he worked for was opening a restaurant in London and offered Copeland the role of manager, which he gladly accepted. He moved into a flat in Crouch End with his then-partner and best friend. Living in London was not such a\u202fcarefree experience\u202fthe second time round\u202fand money soon became a problem.\u202f<\/p>\n

\u201cThe flat was run-down, but it was enough. It was \u00a32,350 a month in total for the three of us just for rent, and I was paying for my ex, so it was a stupid amount. After rent, I was left with\u202fvery little,\u201d\u202fhe says. \u201cIt affected a few aspects of my life, like the relationship ended, I ended up getting very poorly from not looking after myself living there, I was skint.\u201d<\/p>\n

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How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps<\/p>\n

Gratitude<\/p>\n

The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel\u00a0less stressed.<\/p>\n

NHS GP dR RADHA<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nThe science\n<\/p>\n

Research has shown that feeling or expressing thanks can actually alter our brain.<\/p>\n

The balance of neurotransmitters change; more serotonin and dopamine (feel good chemicals) are produced.<\/p>\n

This can be long lasting if we make gratitude a\u00a0regular habit.<\/p>\n

We also get a decrease in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels which helps\u00a0lower anxiety.<\/p>\n

Being grateful can strengthen the nerve pathways which triggers positive emotion.<\/p>\n

\nHow can we build gratitude?\n<\/p>\n

\"TwoCaption: Two adult brothers enjoy a warm embrace in a sunny park. They stand beside a decorative fence surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing a strong bond and happiness in the moment.
Photographer: Beatriz Herrera
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto
Copyright: beatrizherreragonzalez@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Change your words<\/p>\n

Instead of seeing something as a problem, try to see the opportunities within it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Journal<\/p>\n

Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.<\/p>\n

\"CaucasianCaucasian mid adult patient writing a diary while recovering in the hospital ward \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"\"\u2018One question is how to achieve such a longevity hack when most of us have relationships that unsettle us,\u2019 says Dr Amir Levine (Photo: Oliver Rossi\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Express it<\/p>\n

This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.<\/p>\n

\nHow can we build gratitude?\n<\/p>\n

Notice more<\/p>\n

Throughout\u00a0your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?<\/p>\n

\"HappyExercise with people you love (Photographer: Morsa Images\/Getty\/Digital Vision\/Abel Mitj? Varela)<\/p>\n

\"GroupCaption: Group of Happy Asian senior women friends shopping and having lunch at restaurant on summer holiday vacation. Healthy elderly woman enjoy outdoor lifestyle meeting and eating food together.
Photographer: CandyRetriever
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n

The basics<\/p>\n

By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy\u00a0so that we can enjoy them.<\/p>\n

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

Gratitude can lead to\u00a0feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don\u2019t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it.<\/p>\n

Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day.<\/p>\n

Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day.<\/p>\n

Sales of battery
electric vehicles hit a record high last year.<\/p>\n

Leon Poultney, a writer who specialises in cars, gives his EV recommendations, and the ones that should be avoided.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Renault 5 E-Tech<\/p>\n

Starts at \u00a322,995 for the smaller battery <\/p>\n

Available with either\u00a0a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.<\/p>\n

The interior has been lavished with a\u00a0level of detail that\u2019s typically reserved for more expensive cars.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

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4 min read<\/p>\n

\nMercedes-Benz CLA\n<\/p>\n

A champion of EV efficiency<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.<\/p>\n

It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger. <\/p>\n

Priced from \u00a337,400<\/p>\n

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2 min read<\/p>\n

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Porsche Macan GTS<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.<\/p>\n

The \u00a389,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche\u2019s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.<\/p>\n

The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.<\/p>\n

\nKia EV 9\n<\/p>\n

With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering \u00a376,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

MG IM6<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly\u00a0but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBYD Dolphin Surf\n<\/p>\n

All of its gadgetry can\u2019t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the\u00a0ride is fussy at slower speeds and it\u2019s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

While good value (prices start at \u00a317,935) for the 200-mile max range, there are more interesting\u00a0options from Hyundai, Citroen and Renault for similar money.<\/p>\n

Leapmotor T03<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash.<\/p>\n

Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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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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4 min read<\/p>\n

\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 min read<\/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

\u201cIt felt a bit bleak,\u201d he says, when he realised how hard it was to live in the capital. \u201cOn one hand, it was fun because we had everything on our doorstep, but I also couldn\u2019t do anything because London was so expensive. I had become like a zombie working just to cover the extreme rent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eventually, the restaurant decided to shut up shop in London and return North due to high costs and competition in the capital. This decision worked for \u202fCopeland, who was burnt out and broke. \u201cI wanted to come back to York and continue with my career, which I was enjoying.\u201d \u202fCopeland now works as area manager for the business\u2019s restaurants in York and Newcastle, where he is much happier. \u202f<\/p>\n

Would he reconsider returning to the capital? \u201cIt would have to be under very strict circumstances,\u201d\u202fhe says,\u202fsuch as an excellent job opportunity.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n

Anna, 25, works in\u202fa\u202fpublic sector\u202frole\u202fin\u202fNorth West\u202fEngland.\u202f\u202fWhen she was\u202flooking\u202ffor\u202fjobs\u202fin\u202fpublic affairs and consulting, she found that most opportunities were in London.\u202f\u202f\u201cIn the end, I did have a job offer for London, as well as the job I have now, which is based up North. Due to timing, I accepted the job up North. I think I would have had a big decision to make otherwise,\u201d she says.\u202f<\/p>\n

While\u202fmost of her friends were in London,\u202fstaying\u202fin the\u202fNorth\u202fmeant\u202fliving at home. Though her starting salary would have enabled her to rent, it was not worthwhile to move out when her job was so close to home. Her parents agreed that she could live at home to save money, while paying a small amount of rent. \u201cEven if I did move out, I wouldn\u2019t be spending the same amount of money as I would in London,\u201d she says.\u202f <\/p>\n

The difference in rental costs is stark once you leave the capital. In July 2026, the average monthly private<\/a> rent in London was \u00a32,317, compared with \u00a3965 in the Northwest, making average rents in the capital almost 2.5 times higher.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the reasons I\u202fdidn\u2019t\u202fmove to London was because of the financial challenges that\u202fwould come with it. I\u202fwasn\u2019t\u202fwilling to not be saving when\u202fI\u2019m\u202fin my twenties. I think\u202fit\u2019s\u202fa\u202freally crucial\u202ftime\u202fto save,\u201d\u202fAnna says.\u202f Unlike her Gen Z contemporaries in London, most of whom have just enough to live on after their rent is paid, Anna is in a position\u202fwhere\u202fbuying a house is a possibility.\u202f <\/p>\n

Not only that,\u202f the North offers her more than\u202ffinancial benefits. \u201cIf I want a day trip to a city\u202flike Manchester or Liverpool\u202f, it\u2019s\u202fnot too far on a train, but\u202fI\u2019m\u202falso\u202fnot far from\u202fthe Lake District and nature. Within an hour, I can be somewhere new,\u201d\u202fshe says.\u202f<\/p>\n

She also enjoys\u202fthe\u202fslower pace\u202fof her seaside town. \u201cI can decide how I spend my time\u202fmore\u202ffreely, rather than feeling the social pressure of constantly having to be doing something -\u202for seen to be doing something \u2013 in London.\u201d\u202f<\/p>\n

Staying in the North has not been\u202fat the cost of ambition, either.\u202fWorking\u202fin the\u202fpublic sector, Anna does not\u202fbelieve\u202fmoving to\u202fLondon would\u202fequal faster career\u202fgrowth. \u201cI think there\u202fare other industries\u202fin which going to London would benefit\u202fyou to network and to get specific job opportunities. But in the career I am pursuing, there\u2019s equal opportunity all over the country.\u201d\u202f <\/p>\n

\"\"Ben Speakman, left, says staying in Manchester has been hugely beneficial to his career, despite most of his friends moving to London<\/p>\n

Ben Speakman, 25,\u202fis from Manchester. After\u202fcompleting an\u202fundergraduate degree, followed by\u202fa\u202fmaster\u2019s\u202fin planning and development\u202fat Cambridge, he initially searched for jobs in London, where most of his friends were.\u202f But when a commercial real estate development company offered him a job in Manchester after his master\u2019s, he abandoned his plans to move to London, and instead moved back home. <\/p>\n

\u201cAt the time, I felt like coming back to Manchester was a step backwards, whereas moving to London could have been a step forward,\u201d he says. Now, he sees things differently. Since his girlfriend also moved to Manchester, the two are living together. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s much more affordable as two young professionals to live comfortably in a nice modern apartment. I have friends in London in similar jobs and incomes living in less desirable places,\u201d he says. \u201cThere isn\u2019t much drawing me to London, bar my friends being there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Manchester\u202fhas also been\u202fhugely beneficial for\u202fhis career.\u202f\u201cIn the real estate development world,\u202fManchester is outperforming London in development and investment, and is the most opportunistic place to be,\u201d he says.\u202f <\/p>\n

And as part of Andy Burnham\u2019s devolution plans, more than 22,500 jobs<\/a> are forecast to move to Manchester and Liverpool by 2031. This is estimated to inject up to \u00a32.25 billion into the North West\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n

On top of an employment boost in Northern cities, Speakman says\u202fManchester offers\u202fmore opportunity to take on senior work and accelerate through your early career. \u201cBeing in a regional city, you get exposed to bigger work and clients earlier on than you would in London.\u201d\u202f <\/p>\n

Outside of work, Manchester increasingly offers what London can, just on a smaller scale. \u201cI think the food and drink, and the\u202fnightlife scene is very good and is concentrated in a much more accessible area,\u201d he says.\u202f<\/p>\n

Speakman and his girlfriend are settled in Manchester, and only a truly\u202fexceptional\u202fopportunity could tempt them to London. \u202fIn fact, he says,\u202f\u201cI\u2019m starting to get the sense from friends in London that the novelty has worn\u202foff,\u202fand they want to move fairly soon.\u201d\u202f<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For decades, moving to London has been seen as the next step for young professionals. But for some…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":109113,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[26],"tags":[1886,1416,422,27,15685,5775],"class_list":["post-109112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-london","tag-careers","tag-features","tag-gen-z","tag-london","tag-nightlife","tag-personal-finance"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@UnitedKingdom\/117143514646385932","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109112","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=109112"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109112\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}