I can’t quite believe it’s already been a year since I left York and headed to London - I’d just finished my degree and had been offered an internship for a start-up in central London. Scared was an understatement but this was probably the biggest risk I’ve ever taken and I’m not the type of person to take risks. Everything has to be planned to perfection and while I did everything in my control to do that, it wasn’t guaranteed. While there have definitely been some curveballs thrown my way over the year (personally and worldwide problems), I think my first year living in London has taught me a lot and has definitely been one I won’t forget.
You may like this post: An Introvert in London: A 3-month update
I recently shared a blog post over on Olivia’s blog “What My Internship Taught Me” where I shared a bit more about my experience moving to London as a new graduate with just a 6-month internship contract. The 6-month part was definitely scary but, just a month in, I knew I wanted to stay with the company I was at, and so I pushed as much as I needed to try and land a full-time job at the company or at least extend my contract. In January, my contract ended and I started a new full-time contract as SEO Marketing Executive. I was thrilled! I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could relax more into the job and living in London, feeling more secure in my role and my life in London.
It can be hard to find peace in a busy city but it doesn’t mean it’s not there and it also doesn’t mean that there aren’t like-minded people who also like their own company and having small little adventures around London in the quieter hours. Visiting the best bookshops in London, meeting for coffee or visiting a gallery - all things I would happily do on my own or with a friend. Don’t get me wrong, the tube still scares me and I will always take an hour bus journey over a 45-minute tube ride with a change at King’s Cross. But, before the world made 2020 decided to flip life on its head, I was becoming more and more comfortable navigating around London. I definitely had my routines and maybe I definitely haven’t explored everything that London has to offer but I’ve definitely made a start.
The let of my flat was due at the end of June, and we’ve decided to extend it another year. Who knows what that means for me. I think it’s another year in London for me but I type this from my family home back in the good ol’ North. After staring at the same 4 walls for 3 months, I decided to come home. While I can still work from home, it feels nice to be around some familiar sites and people. I am so happy with my job and I do enjoy living in London but I’m learning more and more about the things I love and what I want for the next few years - who knows if that involves a few more years in London. For now, I’m almost playing it by ear. I’m enjoying being back home and I love the people I work with. Let’s catch up in another year.
Hope you’re doing great,
Sarah x
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