In theory I could live anywhere, in reality I'm broke..

[Dreamingofwarmerweather]

I need to leave an abusive situation. I have savings but no job. I also have a very yappy little rescue dog. I am a beautician but I don't think that is going to be a reliable income in the near future, unfortunately, so I'm going to treat that as a possible second income. I used to work as a P.A. so I am currently updating my skills with additional legal P.A. skills. Where in the U.K. would you move to that is not really rough, has affordable flats/houses to rent and job opportunities? Am I looking for the impossible?

I would move to near family because, leaving your sort of situation, it would be nice to have supportive family nearby.

What’s affordable to you? Are you safe? Could you leave now and go and stay with friends or family? Maybe post in the relationships section and change the title to ‘leaving an abusive situation’, there are loads of really knowledgeable posters who will be able to give you lots of tips and advice. I wish you lots of luck and hope you can leave ASAP

Unfortunately, my family background probably belongs in the stately homes thread - probably why I tend to put up with a lot of negative behaviour. I am safe at the moment - I have contacts for a refuge if I need it - hopefully not. Thank you - I will take your advice. I'm a newbie so not sure of the best places to post for advice.

Where are you friends? Where are there jobs? Can you stay with some friends whilst you get to know an area.

I went where houses were cheap (I was south east) and then after 10 years I felt well enough to come back to the south west, where I grew up and I have to say I bloody love it. I love being 4 miles from a beautiful city and in your shoes I would go somewhere like Exeter if I had no links.

Hmmm you want someone reasonable but also where you can find work. I just moved out of London to Folkestone, don't really recommend you do the same because there is not that much work around here and the commute to London is expensive. I did notice that stevenage has a very reasonable commute to London and not expensive to live in, so hopefully you could always find work if you lived there.

Huddersfield. Not excessively rough, not particularly expensive and easy commute to Leeds, Manchester or Sheffield at a push for PA work.

Its worth looking in London - even with the cost of the commute, PA jobs can pay well enough that you're still ahead of your costs if you look somewhere like Basildon or Stevenage for housing. Bedford's worth a look too if you want to work anywhere near Euston Road/Russel Square area.

You'll see jobs available in Oxford but the house prices here are mad - if you do look around this area then look for jobs in Oxford or Swindon, and housing in Swindon, Abingdon or Kidlington.

Norwich is lovely and there are jobs to be had.

Can you approach it from the other direction - look for a job, see where pops up with appropriate sounding vacancies and then investigate the area?

Where do you live (roughly) at the moment?

East Mids - northants, Leicester, notts. Comparatively cheap but lots of opportunities

I think it depends where you live now really, though I understand why one wouldn't wish to disclose that online. How will anyone know what offers good prospects or lower prices without knowing what you pay now.

Are you planning to rent? You will struggle anywhere sadly if you have a dog. Without stable employment and income or a job you've had a few months at least past your probation it may also be difficult to secure a rental or mortgage too so I think perhaps staying with someone you know or renting as a private lodger might be less challenging since you obviously need to get out asap.

Can you live with a friend until a bit more is clear job wise? Where would you like to be ideally?

Are you getting any support with your situation of abuse? Womens aid might be able to offer some advice. Very sorry to hear it OP and well done for making the moves to get out, it is so hard.

The north east - Teesside is cheap you just need to picky about where to live.

I’d head to Cardiff area or Newcastle

What are you looking fo in a city?

Where do you see yourself long term? Near the sea? In a city?

Treat this as a perfect opportunity to lay your roots exactly where you want to be. Personally I'd always head North, you'll get better value for money.

Do you need your own place? If you can be a lodger (assuming they will take your dog) there are affordable places everywhere, even London.

Nottingham. Lots of opportunity for work and relatively good value housing.

Ramsbottom in Lancashire. Close to Manchester for work, beautiful village with plenty going on and you get a lot for your money.

Thank you for all of your advice