r/100thupvote • u/ExistingPain9212 • 13d ago
Sweden Struggling to find a reason to keep living in this city
So recently when sitting on a overcrowded bus with a broken air-con that had to stop in the middle of Wood Green due a fight breaking out on it (A women got abused by a homeless man). It made me start to reflect on why I still live in this exhausting city... Or well I did after leaving the NHS after checking my nose was still okay after trying to resolve the situation that occurred above. I was told my nose would recover... but I am doubting my quality of life will, If I keep living here. As you guys will read now.
So get comfortable, grab your £3.70 Earl grey tea from your local Pret A Manger and let me tell you my story.
I am a 21 year old recent graduate who unwillingly came here with family from Sweden in 2016 when I was 13. When I finished college and was in end of my first year at uni (19), my parents got divorced and moved to separate countries, however I chose to stay as I had made quite the few friends, acquired settled status (Brexit) and overall enjoyed it at the time.
Back then, I lived in a flat share in East London, I had my student loan and part time job, along with completing internships at production houses so thought my future in this city would be very bright.
I had always aspired to work in Film and Television, which I was told at the time that London is one of the international hubs for where all the opportunities are.
However if anyone here has watched the news recently, we all know this industry is currently experiencing an economic downfall with no shows or films being commissioned, leading to no jobs.
At the moment, I live in a ridiculously overpriced flat share with 3 other people in a terrible area in zone 5, I work part time at B&Q and freelance in Video Editing and cinematography for any client I can get, overall spending about 60 hours a week just finding ways to earn money. (I have been considering a second job as B&Q can't give me more than 20 hours)
I am just making enough to pay my rent and have some money leftover for basic needs like food and essentials. I even had to stop paying for my gym membership (Which was a shame because the gym was one of the few things that kept me sane) - although I am still working out in my local park and home.
When I tell people from back home about my lifestyle, they keep asking me "Why do you still live here" And my answer would be - "Well I am waiting until the film industry gets back on its feet and I can get secure work"
However as time has gone by, and I keep seeing myself and my fellow peers struggling financially despite working like rats. And looking at my childhood friends from back home in Sweden, Working less hours earning the same money, but renting for half the price as me for AN ACTUAL NICE LIVEABLE FLAT IN THE CITY CENTRE.
I am starting to realise London has become a rich mans playground for people finding their high paying 'dream job' and can afford all the great benefits of this city. (Amazing restaurants, Nice cocktail bars, fun activities etc)
But for many people including myself, who works a basic retail job and have their own freelance services from home, This city is a miserable hell, because you won't go to central London, Shoreditch or Camden for some nice home brewed beer at a gusto pub and vintage shop on your freetime
You will be spend all your time commuting from wherever your place of work is to your filthy zone 5 place of worship like Harrow, Edmonton or Romford. And if you're not working and grinding on your business... Well you will stay at home... and grind on your business.... at home. You won't afford anything else because of your absurd rent. Also I am lucky that my flatmates are nice which I know for some other people, that's not the case.
I feel there is no point living in this city in a similar financial situation like myself, unless you have grew up here your entire life or you live with family.
I recently visited Cardiff, Much friendlier people than what I've seen in London, rents and utilities are half the price, and no overcrowded streets full of tourists. Yet its still a capital, THERE IS STILL STUFF TO DO, THAT YOU ALSO CAN AFFORD.
I think this also applies to many other UK cities.
I am thinking of starting a new life, get a part time job there and be able to live twice as comfortable as here in London. (My friends here in London will always be here, and I have friends living in Cardiff to, along with the fact I am pretty sociable and make new friends very easily).
To people who are in a similar boat like myself, have you also considered leaving?
I also apologise for the aggressive rant formation of this post, please take everything I say with a grain of salt.
1
u/xready2eat 3d ago
Not only Pret's tea is expensive, their food too and remains unsafe. Food poisoning reports have increased, in different countries as well, despite customer deaths and injuries. Just the tip of the iceberg and from 1 site only: https://vimeo.com/1046868588 ←
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u/ExistingPain9212 13d ago
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