To move or not? Please help!

[Nisnass]

Not an AIBU but I really need some advice.

I am thinking about moving to the UK around September/October this year but not sure if this is the right move for me.

Background:
38yrs old, divorced, no kids, very meagre savings, not been resident in the UK since 1999, and haven't worked full-time in a long time. I have a Bachelor's degree in International hospitality management with minor in HR and currently two thirds of my way through a Master's degree in Human Resource Management (4 subjects pending). I can get a Postgraduate Certificate for what I have complete so far so not all bad.

I haven't been able to secure a permanent full time job for 2 years now where I am based and so I have been supporting myself and paying for fees with a combination of temp jobs and savings. This is no longer feasible and I am at a stage where I need to make some hard decisions.

Moving to the UK, I am hoping to secure employment and be able to support myself, build up some savings/safety net and at some point complete my degree. I have zero family support in the UK.

Where would be the best place to move to that has a lower cost of living and the possibility of employment?

I would like to work in HR particularly HR analytics/Recruitment/Learning & Development but know getting any job to start with is what is necessary.

Feel a little overwhelmed and clueless as I am so out of touch with everything.

Thanks for reading.

would you consider a position like this? its based in brighton, however you might be better looking for something like this in Worthing and getting the train to brighton (which takes 20 minutes) or the bus (which takes 50 minutes). However, you do have to weigh it up because you will be leaving family behind, friends etc. good luck with whatever you choose!

I'd look more towards the North of the UK rather than South. Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, York are all great cities.

A lot of companies are relocating from London to Manchester to save money. You can live on the outskirts and travel in on a morning taking maybe half an hour on the tram

Living in any other city in the North you'd easily be able to commute in under half an hour

Good luck!

Does your course cover UK employment/HR laws?

Also worth noting that recruitment consultant posts are sales target driven roles and different to internal recruitment roles. Watch out what you apply for!

I second Manchester - I've lived here for six years and as @optimisticpessimist01 said, I'm seeing so many large organisations strengthen their physical presence here and/or relocate from London. Lots of regeneration in terms of housing, with some really nice affordable developments being built within easy reach of the city centre. There's a real buzz about the place too, it's a great place to live (although like any city it has its fair share of problems).

Oh thank you all for replying!
The Manchester suggestion seems somewhat serendipitous as a newly made friend is also going to move there later this year and only last week said move to Manchester with me!

@sleepis the job looks perfect, very similar to what I've been doing recently.
Leaving friends and family had been a way of life unfortunately as an ex-trailing spouse for 14yrs. I need some stability now, feel tired of the constant uncertainty and setting up afresh each time.

@usually, my course is more international best practice rather than UK labour law, though it is about to be CIPD accredited at level 7 and already is by AHRI. We also have some subjects approved by SHRM. I would need to train/brush up on UK labour laws etc once I'm a little settled.
Also, definitely not looking for a sales recruitment role but rather inhouse recruitment- writing job descriptions, person specifications, conducting needs analysis etc.

I'll be back with more questions on budgets, job hunting and how best to start the relocation process.

Thanks!

Have you thought of a law firm? Or outsourced HR firm? Might be a good route. Peninsula in Manchester, maybe? Or that type of company. Good luck. Xx

Does your course cover UK employment/HR laws?

I would say this is a really good question. Also how much management or practical HR experience do you have?

I work in HR and live in the midlands, where there is quite a low cost of living (compared to the south). There is quite a bit of work available. But it depends what kinds of salary you need.

Personally if I were you I’d start by looking at any areas of the country that take your fancy. (The further north you go will be cheaper.) But then have a look on the job boards to see what jobs you have the right skills and experience for, and what kinds of salaries they pay.

Good luck.