Need to leave but nowhere to go

[Custardy2]

I've been putting off leaving my relationship because quite frankly I can't afford to leave. But now I have to go. I work in London in a career/job I love but I can't afford any rental housing within commutable distance. I'm nearly 40 and can't face a houseshare (some are also crazy expensive). Considering quitting my job and moving somewhere far away and cheaper so I can afford to rent my own place, but would also be taking a massive salary cut which would affect housing affordability anyway, and I would be miles away from the few friends I have. Is this a reasonable solution?

I'm so, so stressed about finding housing, any advice for coping is welcome. My max rent budget is 1000pm and I'm a keen runner so would like to live somewhere that has parks/safe spaces nearby, but I think I'll need to give that up too. I don't have any family to stay with.

What do you do? Is there no-where else in the country you could do it?

Could you stay for another few months and build up a bigger pot. Could you look for a London job that pay more?

Stevenage or Peterborough are both within that budget for flats. Both on direct routes to Kings Cross. The money saved may be taken up with travel though depending on how often you need to be in the office?

How about a live in part time care role? The Lady has these, if it was just to be in an elderly persons home for companionship overnight it may not interfere with your job.....and it would possibly be better than a houseshare..