Figuring It Out: Life in the UK So Far

People have been asking me a lot lately, "How has it been living in the UK since 2022?" Most of these questions come from young professionals in India who are thinking about advancing their careers and exploring opportunities in the UK job market. They want to know, how is life there? Is the job market good? Is the cost of living really that high?

And every time I see these messages, I hesitate. I pause. Because how do you even begin to answer a question like that?

Enjoying the sun :)

It’s easy to list out the pros and cons. I could talk about salaries, taxes, work opportunities, and rental prices. But that wouldn’t really capture what this journey has been like. No two experiences are the same. The reason someone leaves their country and starts over somewhere else is deeply personal. For some, it’s about career growth. For others, it’s about financial struggles, escaping instability, or simply searching for something more. Some leave because of war, poverty, or lack of opportunities. Others leave because of heartbreak, loss, or a lifelong dream they just can’t ignore.

For me, that dream had been there for a long time, but I wasn’t actively chasing it. Growing up in India, the thought of living, traveling, and learning in a Western country always seemed exciting, but it wasn’t something I was working toward consciously. I was too busy creating, collaborating, and throwing myself into projects that challenged me and made me feel alive. My career was never just about having a job it was about being part of something meaningful. As a creative producer, stylist, director, and visual merchandiser, my work always revolved around storytelling, visual impact, and crafting experiences that mattered. That, more than anything, was my constant.

Then COVID happened, and everything slowed down including me. In that stillness, I started reflecting on what I really wanted. The idea of moving abroad, which had always been at the back of my mind, started feeling more real. I wasn’t running away from anything I just felt ready for something new. So, I started making plans, saving money, and figuring out how to make it happen.

And yes, career was definitely one of the biggest factors in my decision. Like many people who move abroad, I was curious how does the UK job market actually work? Is there something majorly different? The biggest thing I’ve noticed is the work-life balance. Compared to the overcompetitive, high-pressure work culture I was used to, this felt like a breath of fresh air. There is time, time to rest, time to think, time to actually have a life outside of work. That, to me, is a huge plus.

But my decision to study here wasn’t just an academic one. It was also deeply personal. I wanted to slow down, not just mentally, but physically. I wanted to take a step back, refine my skills, and allow myself the space to grow in ways that weren’t just career-driven. I knew that once my Master’s was over, things might get difficult, but I was ready for that challenge. I’ve always had a vision of who I want to be, and this was part of the process. I was ready to learn.

Now, when I think about staying here long-term, I do see benefits, especially when it comes to health. And honestly, if I have to be real with you, I was just done with the noise and air pollution back home. I know this might not be something everyone thinks about, but for me, it was overwhelming. The constant crowd, the bad air quality, the never-ending noise, it drained me. I felt like if I could take these small but exhausting problems out of my life, I’d be less tired, more focused, and capable of doing so much more. Maybe not everyone will relate to this, but it affects me deeply.

But here’s the thing no one really talks about when they glamorise the idea of moving abroad: the reality is never quite what you imagine.

Living in the UK is difficult, but so is living in any country as a foreigner. No matter where you go, things will be different. The people, the culture, the weather, the food, everything changes. And these are the things you have to be prepared for when you choose to settle somewhere foreign. Did I think about this intensely before moving? Definitely not. The realisation hits a lot harder once you’re actually here, once you’ve built a life miles away from everything familiar. It’s only then that you truly understand what it means to be more than a two-hour flight away from home

But if you’re on this journey, my only advice is to be grateful for it. Experience everything that blows your mind, because why not? Everything that’s happening, all the struggles and the wins, they are shaping you in ways you might not fully understand yet. And be proud of the fact that you took this step. You did this for yourself.

For me, the journey isn’t over yet. My dream now is to move to London and land a Creative Producer or Project Manager role in a creative setting. I want to work, to learn, and to continue taking risks for as long as I can. Right now, I’m still figuring out the Skilled Worker visa, keeping my fingers crossed, but regardless of how things unfold, I know I’m here for the experiences, both personal and professional. Every step, every challenge, and every new opportunity is shaping me into the person I’m meant to be.

And yet, one thing that frustrates me is why I still can’t fully take control of my own life without the constant stress of visas, sponsorships, and passport limitations. I’ve come here for both personal and professional growth, and if I can contribute to a business, add value, and learn in the process, then why should my nationality determine my opportunities?

Then there’s the other part of this journey, the one that not everyone understands. When you choose to take this risk, you need a strong support system. But sometimes, instead of encouragement, you hear, "It seems difficult, maybe you should just come back." And while I know those words often come from a place of concern, what people don’t always realize is that this path requires more than just financial support. What really matters is emotional and mental support. Because, yes, this journey is risky, but I want to take that risk. I want to achieve the version of myself that is confident, bold, and independent. And while doing so, I need kindness and support from my loved ones, not with expectations but with hope. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

There will be moments of loneliness. There will be times when you question everything. But no matter what, always keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain. Set small goals, celebrate small wins, and be kind to yourself along the way.

So here I am, still trying to build the life I envision, packing my bags, leaving my flat, knowing it was never the final destination, just a portal to something bigger.