Is it Time to Leave London? A Millenials Perspective

I started writing this post late last year, and I was in a very different headspace. While the underlying sentiment remains, my perspective has shifted.  I’m increasingly aware that my relationship with London is coming to a natural end. Originally, I felt angry and disappointed. Now, I see it as a fulfilling chapter closing gracefully. Either way, it’s probably time to break up with the UK.

This isn’t the first time I’ve considered escaping my homeland. I tasted freedom when I moved out for university, and spreading my wings made me never want to return to my family home. It felt like every floorboard and cupboard was filled with restrictions and anguish. I realized that environment wasn’t a place where I could thrive. I started to think a move to the United States was the only way this new version of myself could flourish. Part of me is glad I didn’t achieve that goal. Running away never solves anything, and that’s exactly what I was doing. More importantly, I’ve realized that what I was truly seeking was a change of lifestyle, and moving to another Westernized country wouldn’t have provided that.

I caught the travel bug early, eager to see what else the world offered. However, envisioning myself living anywhere but the UK just wasn’t an option. Giving up the convenience the city offered seemed impossible. Stellar transport, 24-hour establishments, a buzzing nightlife – what more could a single girl ask for?  But when I look further down the line, aspiring to more permanent, foundational elements that come with getting older – like buying a house, having children, being able to take regular breaks, or simply having flexibility – I realize the West often snatches these things away.

The thought of leaving the only place I’ve ever truly known fills me with a mix of fear and anxiety. I often wake up pondering the possibility of losing everything. While that’s a possibility anywhere, there’s a certain comfort in knowing that if it happened here, I’d know the blueprint to getting back on my feet. I’d be reluctant to ask for help (pride gets in the way), but I’m familiar with the system’s loopholes, and if I’m not, I know where to find the information I need. More importantly, there are significant financial implications to consider when making such a big move.

My grandparents moved to the UK, specifically London, to give us greater opportunities than the Caribbean offered at the time, such as access to free healthcare and education. While I appreciate their decision, I struggle with the concept of permanency. We millennials understand the myth of hard work in the West; it doesn’t automatically translate into a better life.

I’m a cautious person, carefully considering my decisions to avoid major mistakes. One reason I haven’t left sooner is the fear that I might be romanticizing life elsewhere. I believe in the saying, “The grass is greener where you water it,” meaning you can build something great anywhere. I needed to determine if my desire to leave was simply a result of seeing curated highlights on social media, or if diversifying my options at home could truly bring the satisfaction I craved.

My conclusion? London just isn’t the city of hope it once was. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but conditions have changed drastically since my childhood, and it’s heartbreaking. Yes, the UK is fantastic for its diverse community. The mix of cultures in one place is unparalleled, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the world without leaving. I haven’t found anywhere else quite like it.

Nevertheless, I’m ready to let go of the idea of “all I know.” Growth comes from immersing ourselves in new experiences. Home is where the heart is, and honestly, being a city dweller just doesn’t provide the same warmth it once did.

So, like the advice you’d give a friend about a partner who just isn’t right, it’s time to move on. If you, like me, feel that where you are isn’t speaking to your spirit, have the courage to explore somewhere new. Embrace the possibility of a place that will ignite the passion you feel is currently being stifled. It’s time to activate that inner spark.