Living in London for eleven years made me realise the differences between the Spanish and British lifestyle, and this one thing still hits me the hardest – and it’s not the weather.
When I was a teenager, my parents uprooted our lives, trading the sun-drenched streets of Barcelona for the grey drizzle of London —a thousand-mile pivot that changed everything.
The adjustment was brutally challenging. I spent the first few months paralyzed by homesickness, feeling completely out of place. Eleven years later, I’ve grown to love this city, but the learning curve never really ends. Certain London quirks still baffle me, and no, I’m not just talking about the famously bipolar weather.
The one thing I still can’t wrap my head around is the “after-work lifestyle.” Why do Britons — and even us immigrants — accept a schedule that seems to steal our day, leaving no time to enjoy the city we work so hard in? There’s a systemic reason for this, and I think everyone who commutes here will agree it’s the ultimate London tax.
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‘After work social? Commuting is long’
The one thing that has shocked me the most over the years has been how long it takes to get from one place to another. For example, commuting to work in central London can take up to an hour, depending on the area you live in. Even worse, the journey back home. During rush hour, it can take up to two hours.
It doesn’t apply to work, but also to making plans with friends or doing errands. A total of three hours of journey, “meet me in the middle”… and can we talk about how expensive public transport has become? It’s a £100 day spent, no joke.
Unless you live in central London or ten minutes away from your workplace, it’s impossible – and those with a Monday to Friday and a 9-5 schedule can relate to this. Getting home, shower, dinner, a little scroll on social media and being in bed by 10 pm is a sport.
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In the times I’ve had the opportunity to work remotely, I’ve noticed the difference. After work, I’ve been able to meet up with friends, go to a bar for a coffee or a drink, have dinner, and be back home before 9pm. In London, that’s impossible.
Nonetheless, I think it’s still crucial to make some time for yourself and breathe some fresh air, hang out with your work colleagues or friends, instead of getting into the habit of ‘work-home’. I think the trick is finding a balance between socialising with friends, prioritising your mental health and getting enough hours of sleep for your next working day.
Although it might feel draining at times, a laugh with your loved ones whilst catching up can brighten up your hard day at work!
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