Working in ‘the city’ (wherever in the world you may be) always sounds more glamorous than it actually is. For us here in the UK, London is great. It’s full of endless places to eat, bars, corporate venues and so on. However, the difficulty of working in London is that everybody wants a piece, which in turn contributes to many different factors as to why it may be better to consider other options.

Torn between working in the city or staying closer to home? Here are 5 benefits from us here at Barrington James:

• No delays: There is nothing more frustrating than having to deal with a cancelled train, or a rail replacement bus. Working out of the city means you can often drive (or if you’re lucky, walk) into work.
• Cheaper: Commuting into the city is expensive. It is reported that British rail passengers spend six times more on train fares than our peers in Europe. An average monthly fare comes in at an astounding £387 per month, which equates to around a sixth of an individuals annual salary. Working out of the city means that you are spending less on travel, and keeping more change in your back pocket to spend on the things you enjoy. Also, doing anything in the city is expensive. Whether it’s a drink after work or a salad for lunch, it all adds up!
• Less travel time: It’s as simple as that. Why spend up to two hours commuting in to the city when you can go to and from work with ease. What would you rather take – an hour and a half commute to work in the city or a 20 minute drive with free parking? (we know what we would go for…)
• More space: Who likes standing on a cramped tube at 7:30 in the morning? Who likes queuing for forty-five minutes of their one hour lunch break? Who likes missing the train because there are too many people on there? The answer, no one. Out of the city there is a chance to relax at lunch rather than clock-watching.
• Great for your career: Everybody wants the city. Everybody wants London. We get it – the glamorous side of the city will always be appealing to individuals that are looking to build a career, but going to the city means you will be a smaller fish in an even bigger pond. Learn to walk before you can run, and build yourself up in a sustainable career that offers exactly the same, without the huge price tag.

Do you have any other benefits of not working in the city? We’d love to hear them. Tweet us @BarringtonJames