I did the same at 23 and ended up staying 11 years in London. T
he "land first, look for a job from inside the UK" thing is real.
I sent CVs from Australia for two months and got nothing, then landed, stayed with friends for 2 weeks, and had two interviews within three weeks.
Recruiters take you a lot more seriously when you've got a UK number and an address. One thing nobody warned me about: save more than you think you need, because London eats through savings fast and the first flat deposit plus admin fees will sting.
You should try and look for finance grad schemes, and apply to them now as a lot will have already closed.Â
Grad jobs normally have people coming over internationally so should be more accepting of you currently being abroad.Â
Otherwise look at getting a grad job in  Aus in an international company, then asking or fighting to be sent over to the UK as part of your training, or as a secondment. It’d take a lot of risk off your plate, and you can get travel and accommodation paid for sometimes if you head on secondment.Â
I'd say it depends on two things: first is what your housing situation would be like in Australia should you need to return early? Would you be able to move in with anyone, even temporarily, while you regain your footing? Secondly is how much you have in savings to sustain you while you search for a well-paid job in London?
I'd say if you have at least a year's worth of money for rent, bills and food, and are willing to work in the gig economy (in case you're unable to secure steady work) etc to suppliment this then go for it!
Rent is horrendously pricey but if you are willing to cycle, shop frugally and cook your own meals you can keep costs low and gain life experience many can only dream about; plus there will be no lingering sense of "what if" should it turn out to not be for you...
Your timing sounds spot on - having a full year's experience in reconciliations will actually put you in a decent position for finance roles here. The job market is competitive but not impossible, especially for someone willing to start in similar entry-level positions.
Apply for the YMS now since there's processing time involved. You're right that being in London helps enormously with interviews - most employers prefer face-to-face meetings for junior roles. Save enough for 3-4 months of expenses (around £6-8k including accommodation deposits).
The "stuck" feeling you're describing often means it's time to take the leap. Your background in economics plus that corporate experience will translate well to London's finance sector.
The cost of living can be a lot higher in London compared to other cities. Although jobs generally pay more in london, you might be better off looking to somewhere you can commute into London from. I made this cost of living comparison tool for this reason: https://ukcostofliving.org/
The advice about being in-country is true UK employers do prefer local applicants, especially at entry level. With a finance/reconciliation background you’d be competitive for graduate roles. September is a good time to arrive, hiring picks up after summer. Save enough for 2-3 months rent before you go, London is expensive to land in without a job.
If you don't have a job lined up then don't come here unless you've got about six months worth of cash to live off - you may be waiting months to find a suitable job. Very roughly, based on a room in a flatshare and some spending money, I'd say probably about £10k minimum.
Stuff like hospitality shifts are fairly easy to come by during peak times, but it isn't enough to live off.
Job market here is fucked, so just make sure if you do you have a lot of savings to live off. Also don’t fall for the £1800 clapham 8 person house shares, you can get rent in west london for like £650 a month
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CycleFeeling7337@reddit
I did the same at 23 and ended up staying 11 years in London. T
he "land first, look for a job from inside the UK" thing is real.
I sent CVs from Australia for two months and got nothing, then landed, stayed with friends for 2 weeks, and had two interviews within three weeks.
Recruiters take you a lot more seriously when you've got a UK number and an address. One thing nobody warned me about: save more than you think you need, because London eats through savings fast and the first flat deposit plus admin fees will sting.
Worried-Departure386@reddit
London is a 💩 and good luck getting job
flitzyfitz@reddit
You should try and look for finance grad schemes, and apply to them now as a lot will have already closed.Â
Grad jobs normally have people coming over internationally so should be more accepting of you currently being abroad.Â
Otherwise look at getting a grad job in  Aus in an international company, then asking or fighting to be sent over to the UK as part of your training, or as a secondment. It’d take a lot of risk off your plate, and you can get travel and accommodation paid for sometimes if you head on secondment.Â
RegionalRegent@reddit
I'd say it depends on two things: first is what your housing situation would be like in Australia should you need to return early? Would you be able to move in with anyone, even temporarily, while you regain your footing? Secondly is how much you have in savings to sustain you while you search for a well-paid job in London?
I'd say if you have at least a year's worth of money for rent, bills and food, and are willing to work in the gig economy (in case you're unable to secure steady work) etc to suppliment this then go for it!
Rent is horrendously pricey but if you are willing to cycle, shop frugally and cook your own meals you can keep costs low and gain life experience many can only dream about; plus there will be no lingering sense of "what if" should it turn out to not be for you...
OrchidPractical4254@reddit
DO NOT MOVE HERE 1ST!!! You'll bag a job on Linkedin.
SkyHairy1298@reddit
Your timing sounds spot on - having a full year's experience in reconciliations will actually put you in a decent position for finance roles here. The job market is competitive but not impossible, especially for someone willing to start in similar entry-level positions.
Apply for the YMS now since there's processing time involved. You're right that being in London helps enormously with interviews - most employers prefer face-to-face meetings for junior roles. Save enough for 3-4 months of expenses (around £6-8k including accommodation deposits).
The "stuck" feeling you're describing often means it's time to take the leap. Your background in economics plus that corporate experience will translate well to London's finance sector.
trijoe@reddit
The cost of living can be a lot higher in London compared to other cities. Although jobs generally pay more in london, you might be better off looking to somewhere you can commute into London from. I made this cost of living comparison tool for this reason: https://ukcostofliving.org/
Tiny_Major_7514@reddit
Get ready for all the 'you're an aussie in the uk? why did you move here?' questions. *Said from experience
belemiruk@reddit
The advice about being in-country is true UK employers do prefer local applicants, especially at entry level. With a finance/reconciliation background you’d be competitive for graduate roles. September is a good time to arrive, hiring picks up after summer. Save enough for 2-3 months rent before you go, London is expensive to land in without a job.
BulkyAccident@reddit
If you don't have a job lined up then don't come here unless you've got about six months worth of cash to live off - you may be waiting months to find a suitable job. Very roughly, based on a room in a flatshare and some spending money, I'd say probably about £10k minimum.
Stuff like hospitality shifts are fairly easy to come by during peak times, but it isn't enough to live off.
ilib2223@reddit
Job market here is fucked, so just make sure if you do you have a lot of savings to live off. Also don’t fall for the £1800 clapham 8 person house shares, you can get rent in west london for like £650 a month
minisaxophone@reddit
I know lots of Australians living in London who are having a great time. Exploring Europe and the Uk, working etc in large expat groups
However, lots of companies only hire citizens (which lots of Aussies are) so your career is more limited
Do it! You’ll have an amazing time, meet so many cool people and might even grow to enjoy the winters
Relevant_Swimming511@reddit
How long can you live of your savings?
I would try to get a job first as it is very hard atm
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