What are the quickest job routes to move out in the UK? (entry-level + live-in options & I can’t wait too long as my situation isn’t good)

Posted by honeybunniiee4@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 25 comments

Hey,

I’m looking for practical advice on what types of jobs and routes I should realistically be applying for to move out of my family home as the situation isn’t ideal for me anymore but I have next to no money on me atm.

I’m trying to plan a move into shared accommodation (likely London or surrounding areas), but I currently have limited savings, so I need to build income first. I’m also open to moving sooner if there are realistic options that require less upfront savings such as live in accom jobs

My experience:

Retail experience at Londis

Travel services role at Travelex

Customer-facing / cashier-style work

What I’m considering:

Entry-level full-time jobs in London (retail, hospitality, admin, etc.)

Temp work through agencies to build savings quickly

Online or freelance work on the side

Live-in jobs (e.g. hospitality, care, or other roles that include accommodation) as a potential faster route to moving out with less savings needed

What I’m trying to figure out:

What are the fastest realistic job routes to moving out in the UK?

Are there viable live-in job options that genuinely allow people to leave home sooner with minimal savings?

What industries, roles, or agencies should I be focusing on?

If someone has done this before, what actually worked in terms of timeline and income?

I’m not looking for ideal scenarios, just realistic options people have actually used to move out.

Thanks in advance.

[-]

Perpetua11y_C0nfused@reddit

Have you looked at the military? Army/Navy/RAF?

Its not all front line infantry. There are a lot of different areas you can go into. They also provide a guaranteed roof over your head as well as a lot of training. You wouldn’t be the first from a rough background to join.

[-]

onionsareawful@reddit

it takes a very long time to get through the military recruitment process. many months to years, part of why we're struggling to hit targets.

probably not the best option given the urgency, though many something worth doing as it will give u a long-term option.

[-]

Cherrytree374@reddit

Average recruitment time is up, but a large part of that is that some of the agencies that do the required external checks (medical, security clearance, etc) are all massively under resourced, and that is adding to the recruitment time.

If you don't have any medical issues, unusual background factors that could impact on security clearance, recruitment can still be pretty quick... You are right though if there are things that need checking, it will take longer than it used to.

[-]

Perpetua11y_C0nfused@reddit

Yeah I’m aware. Application time depends heavily on what you choose. But I figured it would still give a much more stable footing than other options. The only other places I can think of offering ‘live in’ to young (I’m assuming not highly qualified) people are things like pub work, which is a bit like going from the frying pan to the fire because you’re only safe as long as your boss likes you. The second you’re out of a job, you’re also homeless.

the fastest viable option is getting a FT job then renting. it isn't fun, but many warehouses will basically hire you for immediate work (meaning you can get an income ASAP) and you can rent. you could legitimately do this in like, a week.

i would not recommend living in london for this. just way too expensive, the mild pay buff is not close to the rental difference.

Super_Ground9690@reddit

I agree with this, the cost of living in London is insane. OP unless there’s a reason you need to live in London it’s probably better to look elsewhere until you’re in a more stable position financially

OriginalMandem@reddit

I found it easier living in London on a relatively low income than living in a smaller city. For starters there's a lot more interesting free stuff to do and I lived in an area with outdoor market nearby and a lot of ethnic grocery stores where fresh fruit and veg was half the regular supermarket price and better quality. I also found as a hospitality worker that I made a lot more extra cash in tips - usually at least 50% extra per shift vs when I moved away and it dropped down to maybe £5 on any given day. I also found that just about any job I did was far more generous with perks, free stuff, subsidised meals etc etc which also helped take the edge off. The other advantage of being there of course was the networking opportunities, because so many other people move their to advance their career/business. In the 15 years I lived there I made a lot of contacts who've been valuable collaborators ever since.

bahumat42@reddit

I would say look into roles with accommodation.

Cruise work for example you are on the boat for significant stretches.

Or RAF/Navy/Army you have the barracks.

Slow-Tomatillo1147@reddit

If you’re willing to move out of the country to literally anywhere you could get yourself a TEFL qualification. It takes about 10-12 weeks to qualify. More often than not, accommodation is provided teaching abroad and you’ll be safe from anything you’re going through here, start a complete new life. You could also look into working a retail/hospitality job while gaining the qualification just to build some savings. - just offering a different perspective. Sorry for the pointless comment if moving abroad is not what you’re looking for.

Dry-Machine-2012@reddit

I on the other hand fancy looking into this but idk where to start

YchYFi@reddit

Look to Australia. I think there is a scheme for under 30s. I know many have gone there.

zombiezmaj@reddit

For quicker moving out... more realistic outside London as costs are cheaper.

Otherwise its just applying and getting minimum part time/preferably full time role anywhere.

Then rent a room (check spare room for your location) then save up for your own place - more possible outside London

Rabbit-1989@reddit

How about cruise ship work?

DingoBingoWimbo@reddit

You can go to any city in the UK, get a space in a hostel and then apply for volunteering/work there, and try all the other hostels in the city. Some will pay you, some will give free or discounted accomodation for a couple hours work a day

From there you have a place to sleep and can go around applying for a more permanent job and then find some ppl to flat share with

Middle-Joke5787@reddit

Go online and look at The Lady magazine jobs. A lot of the seasonal live in hospitality jobs get listed there as well as live in carer / gardener jobs. I work in the UHNW staff sector and know of an immediate opening for an under butler which comes with your own house / all bills paid and a decent salary. It's not for everyone, but if you are a good fit and looking for something permanent most jobs are immediate start.

Look to Australia. I think there is a scheme for under 30s.

ActionBirbie@reddit

Bit drastic, telling OP to move a new continent...

miklovesrum@reddit

If you have a passport or are able to get one and you can cook, you could try a ski season somewhere abroad . It's hard work but I've had friends who have done it and loved it. Be prepared to work hard as hell though.

Hot_Growth_9643@reddit

Hotel work often has accommodation. If you’re young go abroad

Rosiellol@reddit

Idk London areas but holiday/adventure parks provide live-in options, like butlins, PGL, and haven (usually only chef/entertainment/management get accom at haven tho)

wongl888@reddit

A retail role at one of the airports in London?

DostKen@reddit

If no viable longer term ideas emerge here, it's worth looking at a summer of hotel work as one of the 'live-in' possibilities. Especially if your home situation deteriorated further and you needed to be out quick. Google / Gemini has suggested entry routes.

Your job experience, people skills and perfect command of English should get you an opening and some of the nicer places can mean you save enough to fund a rental deposit when you move on come Autumn.

Sorry to hear about your circumstances btw. A lot of young adults are getting limitless help from family at this important stage in life, but you express yourself so well and without self-pity that I'm sure you'll do great long term. Good luck!

PolyFun-UK@reddit

Armed forces is by far the quickest and easiest way on paper but obviously you have to find something you actually want to do there first. Well worth talking to them though so you understand your options.

Cruise ships?

AutoModerator@reddit

Please help keep AskUK welcoming!

When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!

Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.