When I first got the job offer in London, I was over the moon. It was everything I had ever wanted: an exciting position at a well-respected company, a chance to live in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, and an opportunity to meet new people from all over the globe. On top of that, London was a place I’d dreamed about for years. I’d spent hours imagining myself strolling along the Thames, sipping tea in cozy cafés, and enjoying the eclectic nightlife. It felt like the perfect move—a golden opportunity.
But here I am, just six months later, already packing my bags to move back home. Making this decision hasn’t been easy. I went from feeling that London was my big break to realizing that life here wasn’t the fairy tale I’d built up in my head. I don’t regret coming to London, though. The experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned have shaped me in ways I never expected. However, there are several reasons behind my decision to leave, and I want to share them so others who might be in a similar situation can understand what it’s really like and maybe think twice before making the same move.
1. The Reality of High Costs
London is expensive. Almost everyone who’s been here or lives here knows it. I knew it too, in theory, but the actual experience of dealing with London’s high prices every single day was something else. Rent, food, transportation—everything added up way faster than I anticipated. Sure, my new salary was pretty decent, but after shelling out for my apartment (a tiny studio in a not-so-trendy neighborhood), my monthly travel pass, and groceries, I didn’t have much left at the end of each month.
I found myself cutting corners in ways I never had before—like skipping social events because buying a round of drinks could set me back more than I felt comfortable with. Or cooking the same cheap meals at home multiple days in a row. It surprised me how quickly the excitement of the “London dream” started to fade under the weight of financial stress. I realized I was no longer enjoying the city as much because I had to watch my wallet so closely. This was a big factor in deciding it was time to go.
2. Work-Life Balance? What Work-Life Balance?
When I accepted my dream job, I pictured myself thriving in a creative environment and challenging myself every day. I loved the idea of being surrounded by talented colleagues and working in an office with a view of the London skyline. But what I didn’t anticipate was the overwhelming pressure and long hours.
I don’t mind working hard—my entire career has been about pushing my limits. But London moves at a pace that can leave you breathless. The expectation to stay late, answer emails at all hours, and show unwavering commitment became exhausting. The lines between work and personal time started to blur. I felt guilty whenever I tried to switch off or take a weekend trip. Coworkers would drop hints like, “Oh, you’re leaving already?” or “I’ll probably be in the office on Saturday just to catch up.”
At first, I tried to keep up. But after a few months, it got to me. My stress levels soared. I felt burned out and disconnected from the passions and hobbies I used to enjoy. I started dreading Monday mornings with a kind of intense anxiety I’d never felt before. This was one of the clearest signs that something had to change.
3. The Challenges of Making New Friends
London is huge, and there are people everywhere—but at the same time, it can be a lonely place. I’d imagined a bustling social life, frequent meetups, after-work drinks, and big weekend adventures in Hyde Park. And yes, there are countless events and activities happening in the city every day. But actually forming close friendships is another story.
In a city this big, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. Everyone is busy, always on the go. It can feel like people already have their established groups and social circles. I tried joining clubs and attending networking events, and while I met a few interesting people, I never really formed the kind of solid relationships I had back home.
Don’t get me wrong, I did have fun nights out, random weekend brunches, and some fulfilling volunteer sessions where I connected with locals. But it never felt like I’d built a real support system. After six months, I still felt a bit like an outsider looking in, no matter how many times I hopped on the Tube to check out a new part of town.
4. Missing Family and Home Comforts
Before moving, I told myself I could always visit home whenever I got too homesick. However, flights aren’t cheap, and my job wasn’t keen on me taking regular extended breaks. With the time difference, even phone calls with my parents or close friends became tricky to schedule. I found myself missing the simplest things—home-cooked meals, familiar streets, and my local sports club.
I also missed being able to share big and small life moments in person with the people I love. Birthdays, holidays, and even random weekend hangouts all continued back home without me. This feeling of missing out really started weighing on me. I’d look at pictures on social media of my friends gathered around a bonfire, or my family celebrating a cousin’s engagement, and wonder if being in London was really worth being away from those special moments.
5. The Dream Job vs. The Reality
The job itself turned out to be less of a dream than I’d hoped. There’s a difference between loving the idea of something and loving the reality of it. My new role sounded great on paper, but once I got there, I realized the day-to-day tasks weren’t what I’d imagined. Many of my responsibilities were repetitive, and the creative control I’d envisioned having was limited by layers of bureaucracy.
Of course, not every job will be thrilling every single day. But I’d spent so much time building up this “dream job” in my head that when reality finally hit, it was a pretty big letdown. Coupled with the stress of living in an expensive city, I found myself questioning my decision more and more. It seemed like I was in London for a job that wasn’t even fulfilling me in the way I’d hoped.
6. Searching for Happiness
Ultimately, moving to London taught me that sometimes what we think we want might not be what we actually need. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a big city and a shiny new position, especially when everyone around you says it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But once the initial excitement fades, you’re left with the day-to-day reality. For me, that reality wasn’t what I wanted for my life.
I’m leaving London with a new perspective on what truly matters. I realized I do want a job that challenges me, but I also want a better work-life balance, a stronger sense of community, and more financial peace of mind. I want to be close to my loved ones, enjoying the simple joys of life without worrying constantly about my next paycheck or whether I can afford a small luxury like a night out.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, I’m not calling my time in London a failure at all. It’s been an adventure—an intense, eye-opening, sometimes exhilarating journey. I’ve grown personally and professionally. I’ve learned that glitz and glamour can’t make up for a lack of genuine connection or for the endless cycle of work stress.
Moving back home isn’t an admission of defeat; it’s simply recognizing where I’m happiest and where I see a future that aligns with my values. For some people, London is exactly where they want to be. They thrive on the fast pace, adore the cultural diversity, and don’t mind the crowded Tube rides. But for me, six months was enough to show me that while I might enjoy visiting London, I’m not sure I can truly call it home.
So, I’m packing up my life here, saying goodbye to my tiny apartment, and heading back to familiar streets and familiar faces. I’m not entirely sure what the next chapter holds, but I know I’m ready to figure it out in a place where I feel more grounded and where my heart feels at ease. And I’m proud of myself for taking a chance on London, even if it didn’t turn out quite like I expected. After all, sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to learn what really matters to you.
