To quit my job because I can't afford to go

[Megapops]

I have my dream job, I absolutely love it, and thought I was on a decent salary. Recently the organisation has asked staff to go into the London office 2-3 days a week. Not a problem.

But.. just broke up with my partner who I've been livng with for a few years and I'm obviously looking at moving out into my own place now. To rent a modest, 1 bed place within an hour/hour and a half commute to work is more than my monthly salary. And to rent a room in a houseshare costs around half my salary. Living further out means more expensive train fares too. I'm looking right outside London too. (Considering moving back into a houseshare, and it costing half my salary is also making me die a bit inside).

I dont know what I'm going to do? The only solution seems to be to quit my job and move somewhere else because I literally can't afford to go to work. Although rent doesn't seem much better anywhere! Any advice?

My friend does this - 1 bed flat on the docks £650 per month and pre-books tickets to London, it has saved him a packet.

🤫 🤣

Hello, I haven’t read all the replies you’ve had, but have you looked at rooms to rent on Airbnb? There are some that are very reasonable that would give you the chance to keep your own place? I hope you get sorted.

not sure if already suggested but Maidenhead/ Slough are ideal for Canary wharf. Some nice basement flats in slough, its not that bad!

How about a room somewhere like Chelmsford?

It was expensive for me on virtually minimum wage years ago, but probably not too bad if someone has an ok salary.

Ok some people might nag you to go out/drink but you can just say no. People don't mind someone quiet- better than someone who causes drama.

You can flat share in Stevenage from between 550 and 650pcw. It’s under 25 mins direct to King’s Cross

What about Folkestone with the high speed rail link? £695 for a 1 bed flat?

Move somewhere a lot cheaper while you are still young. Otherwise Ur always going to struggle for money.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/136812533

Orpington has good reliable fast trains to London Bridge/Charing Cross. Easy to connect to Canary Wharf.

Sorry I've been super busy with work/sorting life stuff over the last couple of days. Can't thank you all enough for all the suggestions and ideas! It's made me feel slightly less overwhelmed.

I was looking at Surrey area because I'm living in South London now and I have friends in Epsom and Reigate/Redhill. I'm also part of a sports club and some volunteering that I really enjoy and would like to stay a part of, but accepting I'll have to leave that behind and find new groups. Argh life is such hard work sometimes!

Have started looking into Stevenage and High Wycombe areas as some of you have suggested, as well as Reading/Maidenhead as it's on the Elizabeth Line which is good for my work.

Have you looked at chobham? Beautiful village and very close to london and rents reasonable compared to what you would get in London outskirts.

Have you looked into being a property custodian?

Ahh I've just read all your posts and realised you don't want Essex OP - although depending on the area you want to avoid, Colchester and Wivenhoe are good for commuting to canary wharf, and costs are definitely lower than Surrey.

Reading and Elizabeth line is a good shout too - and start priming your friends, if you can travel in for a day they can also come out to visit for a day 💙

Try Didcot or Cholsey

Gravesend 1 beds from £750/month. An hour into Cannon St, £30/day train.

this ^

you could have a studio flat for under £800 walking distance to the station

Stratford is pretty expensive nowadays

Ok. Most people pay around 35-50% of their salary in rent.

For that money I'm pretty sure you could get a studio in London (see the links above). I also found some in SE16

How do you spend your free time? Do you do London stuff (galleries, theatres etc). in which time stay centrally, ideally somewhere you can walk/ bus or cycle to work. A flat share really might be OK. So many people now live in them and you can try to get one with people with similar interests...

If you are more a of a homebody look further out but I do think South East makes more sense for a canary wharf location than South West. It is also cheaper and the Lizzie line has revolutionised travel to CW.

But the areas around Stratford are not so pricey and still on Jubilee, Elizabeth line and/or Central Line. Dc earns less than op and shares nearby with a friend, council tax is pretty low too.

This may sound obvious but have you checked a Railcard? Usually all the companies have good fares discount for commuters. Not only rail, buses too.

I suspect you will need to take on a second job or side hustle of some sort. Evening or weekend shifts at a pub, babysitting, ironing from home, whatever you can do.

Avoid Stevenage - we live near there and it's very rough!

Railcards are only useful after morning peak though.

@Megapops this is a good idea if your boss will let you go in after peak travel time.

Another vote for Tonbridge. You’ll be looking around £1100- £1200 for a decent one bed flat or two bed terrace near the station. There’s a fantastic commuter coach direct to Canary Wharf, far more reasonable than the train and very flexible ticket options to suit hybrid working.

There’s a big park, pool & leisure Centre, the High Street is okay for everyday basics and I’ve never felt unsafe round there plus far cheaper than neighbouring Sevenoaks or Tunbridge wells. I know it well so happy to answer any questions.