Ellisha Clapham spent nearly ten years in London before deciding to return to Yorkshire to be closer to her family. She asserts that her quality of life has significantly improved since relocating.
While many individuals dream of moving to London to pursue their ambitions or enhance their careers through the myriad opportunities the city offers, Clapham has shared her reasons for returning to the North after almost a decade in the bustling capital.
Clapham, who established E.S Collective, a public relations and talent management firm focusing on events and influencer marketing, initially seemed well-suited to thrive in London. However, she took to Instagram, where she has over 11,000 followers, to explain how she has flourished since her move back to Yorkshire. „Why I left London as a Northerner who lived there for nearly 10 years,“ she captioned the first image of her Instagram slideshow.
In her post, Clapham mentioned that after sharing her experience of moving back North, many fellow Northerners expressed feelings of having taken „five steps back“ by returning home. However, she disagrees with that sentiment. „I hear you,“ she wrote in her caption. „But moving back isn’t a downgrade; it just looks different. Different pace, different priorities, different opportunities.“ She then outlined seven key reasons why she does not miss her life in London and why she believes her decision to return North was the right one.
High Living Costs in London
Clapham began her list by addressing the exorbitant costs associated with living in London. „ILY (I love you) London, but the sheer cost of purely existing is a bit dramatic,“ she stated. She elaborated that more than half of her earnings were consumed by basic living expenses. „A night out with the girls would have me counting pennies for the rest of the month,“ she added. In contrast, she noted that living in the North allows her to have disposable income to enjoy life.
Housing Challenges
For her second point, Clapham expressed her dissatisfaction with the housing situation in London. She pointed out that residents often face a choice between „reasonable“ accommodations located an hour from central London or cramped, poorly decorated apartments shared with multiple flatmates. „In most Northern cities, you can actually afford a nice apartment in the city center with everything on your doorstep,“ she remarked, highlighting the stark difference in housing affordability.
Lack of Community in London
Clapham also emphasized the sense of community she found lacking in London. „It goes without saying that there’s a huge sense of community in the North,“ she noted. During her time in London, she often felt isolated. „I didn’t realize how much I missed chatting with strangers in the street or while waiting in line. I don’t think I ever even knew who my neighbors were when I lived in London,“ she reflected.
Opportunities in the North
While many people move to London for job prospects, Clapham argued that she found more opportunities in the North. „In London, you’re a small fish in a BIG pond,“ she explained. She felt that the smaller, more accessible circles in the North provided her with greater opportunities.
The Rush of London Life
Clapham noted that the fast-paced lifestyle in London took a toll on her well-being. „My nervous system was effed up 24/7,“ she admitted. She questioned the constant rush of Londoners, asking, „Why is everyone in such a hurry? There’s literally another tube in two minutes, guys?“ She appreciates the more relaxed lifestyle she has found since moving North.
Travel Times Across the City
Despite London being known for its extensive transport network, Clapham pointed out the significant travel times required to navigate the city. „If your friend moves to the other side of London, it will take you at least 1.5 to 2 hours to visit,“ she explained. In contrast, she noted that traveling from a Northern city to central London takes about the same amount of time, making the idea of living outside the capital feel less isolating. „It really isn’t that deep,“ she concluded.
The North’s Revival
Finally, Clapham highlighted the ongoing renaissance in the North, countering the perception that it lacks appeal. „The economy is booming, it’s home to some cool new brands, we even hosted the Brits,“ she noted. She expressed her gratitude for her time in London, describing her move from a small hometown as „the best thing“ she had ever done, as it allowed her to meet amazing people and gain valuable experiences. „That said, I am so much more grounded being closer to family and have 10x better quality of life here,“ she concluded.
Bildquelle: Foto von The Transport Enthusiast DC auf Unsplash
