What kind of jobs can I get in London?

Question

I have your basic BA with no real experience other than teaching English (which I'm trying to break out of). Also will be arriving fairly broke.

Any tips on part time jobs while I job hunt for a "real" jobs as well as where to look for a flat? I'm unfamiliar with the layout of London.. where are the affordable yet safe residentials, and where is most of the work-place stuff? How much would you expect to pay for a half decent flat/studio (prefferedly not shared)?

Thanx!

Answer 1

to get a half way decent job you're going to need some experience, for instance if you want office work you'll need to be able to demonstrate that you've worked in an office before and know what you're doing ... if you have no experience then you're going to have to get some, even if it means doing voluntary work (every area has a volunteer bureau which would be a good place to look) ... most temp agencies would be the same ... about the only work you would get without any decent experience is stuff like working in McDonalds and other fast food restaurantsc which isn't going to pay much ... you say you've got experience of teaching English and there are many English schools for foreigners in London so would this be an option while you do find some way of getting experience for what you really want to do?

flats are extremely expensive in London ... a self contained flat in a half way decent area is going to cost in excess of £150 a week ... you can get cheaper options sharing and I'd recommend you look on the Loot and the GumTree websites to get some ideas ... as to good and bad areas this is tricky because most areas in London are very mixed with nicer areas not that far away from not so nice ... I'd suggest you start off looking for a flat share as often this doesn't tie you down so much, if you rented a self-contained flat you usually have to pay a deposit and get tied into some kind of lease ... this would give you the breathing space to start learning your way around London and find an area you like ... also be prepared to stay out from the centre (say in London Transport zones 3 or 4) and travel in as that's likely to be more affordable ... have you looked at the London Transport maps on their website - www.tfl.gov.uk - as they would give you a good starting point for finding your way around