What about London took its toll? I've been contemplating a switch from NYC to London. I know it will be a 30-50% pay cut, but I've been told by other's who have lived and worked in both that it is worth it for the better work/life balance.
1. Too. Many. People. You can barely book a restaurant or get a seat anywhere. 2. Nothing works. Trains, airports and mobile network reception. 3. Commuting. Rush hour is crowded, the tubes are disgusting, getting anywhere across town takes at least an hour so you rarely want to risk trekking somewhere unless you know it will be worthwhile/you can get in. 4. Renting / moving house is super stressful. Estate agents are constantly exploiting you.
A whole bunch of my friends raved about London a few years ago which is why I came out but I don't think it is what it used to be. That being said, there is a lot of opportunity here and you can earn well if you hustle. I'd suggest you look at starting out as a contractor.
I think there are better places to live and work in tech, in other European cities like Berlin, Stockholm and Amsterdam.
Typical Londoner complains that they have to wait up to 10 minutes for a bus - compared to the rest of the UK where you might get two busses an hour and they stop running after 6:30.
My wife is American and recently quit her job with Delta (she's done both office jobs there and she's also flown as an FA). And based on her experience I can tell you you'll have a much better work life balance. This is especially if you're planning to work as a limited company contractor* as your responsibilities don't go beyond your contracted obligations.
Having said all of that, Brexit is coming up so no one is really sure what is going on.
* be careful if you do contract, if you do, read up on IR35 as that's about to shake up the contracting industry for private companies.
I was talking about buying - why throw rent money away.
London has some of the lowest rental yields in the UK, especially as you move towards the higher end of the market. Renting is merely "very expensive", compared to buying which is "very, very expensive".
That's definitely the case outside of London where rental yields are higher but London rental yields are averaging 3-4% [1] (lower as you go up the ladder). Mortgage rates are currently a bit cheaper (1.5-3%) but owning a home also incurs additional costs such as stamp duty, repairs and (sometimes) ground-rents.
1. https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/research/uk-residential-invest...
My experience as a healthy person in US is mixed. I rarely need things, but it is hard to navigate the complex insurance business when I do try to get things. I see many people, meanwhile, one accident or illness and it sets them back a long way financially.
Both are pretty... 'fast paced', for lack of a better term.
I've just moved out of London after being there for 5 years - the income required to have a decent standard of living is just getting daft, especially if you care about others around you and not just yourself.