I got the job!

[iphonedyou]

Hello everybody,

After an endless application process, with the initial application form, psychometric test, phone interview and assessment day, I got the job! Commercial manager (QS, obviously - everyone's a surveyor here, right?) It's a grad scheme (though the job is permanent), and I start September.

I'll be moving to London from little old Belfast, and I quite fancy living in Greenwich. Anyone have any advice on the area? I'll be room sharing as the funds won't cover my own place, sadly!

I can't wait to live in London! I know that'll be met with much derision but it's true! My cousin is over there and likes it Be nice while I'm young, anyway!

Just wanted to share! Any snippets of advice will be greatly appreciated!

[rhinochopig]

Well done. Time to start browsing the classifieds for a weekend toy?

[VinceFox]

Congrats, sounds like it's going to be an exciting time for you. Enjoy the success and change

[iphonedyou]

Thanks guys! Definitely an exciting time - it's a major change and a real opportunity given the economy in general and the surveying sector in particular.

Regarding weekend toy... I'll actually be selling my current car and going tube only! Am I naive!? With the family in Belfast, I don't envisage the need for a car at this stage, so long as I'm close to central London

[VinceFox]

You definitely wont have much use for a car in central london.

• Coughbiketestcough!

[rhinochopig]

iphonedyou said:

Thanks guys! Definitely an exciting time - it's a major change and a real opportunity given the economy in general and the surveying sector in particular.

Regarding weekend toy... I'll actually be selling my current car and going tube only! Am I naive!? With the family in Belfast, I don't envisage the need for a car at this stage, so long as I'm close to central London

Pointless having a car for commuting but there may be a time when you've had enough of London and want to go for a drive in the country. Hence weekend toy.

Just my opinion though as I love London for a weekend visit but couldn't live there.

[johnfm]

A good news story on PH..

Never!

It is good to hear some people still getting a break, a new job or something else uplifting.

You've put a little spring in my step this morning!

Don't forget commuting by boat from Greenwich peer - quite a fun boat ride compared to the dark and rammed tube...

[iphonedyou]

Thanks all!

A weekend toy would definitely be nice, but I think that's something I'll investigate after a few years, once the salary has gone up slightly!

John - glad I could help! There's a very big spring in my step this morning, I can tell you! I must look into the boat commute, that seems a fun thing to do for a change.

As for the bike test, Vince - I'm a danger on two legs, let alone two wheels hehe.

[anonymous-user]

Congrats on the job

RE Greenwich, its IMO one of the best places in London to live Zone 3 so reasonable travel and rents, can be in town in 30 mins and you have the A2 to take you out to Kent in 30 mins the other way

Check out Greenwich itself, also Blackheath, Maze Hill areas

Do not be fooled by East Greenwich (it may be west Greenwich actually) essentially developers have been trying to make out that Deptford is West/East Greenwich, it is not, do not live there

[iphonedyou]

Ah thanks! That is excellent advice, really appreciate that! I've seen Deptford, and had considered it, because it's also on the DLR. Any reason it's a no go? Greenwich really impressed me, in terms of amenities and, importantly, green space. I'm also a fan of Georgian architecture, and there are many beautiful examples there.

[anonymous-user]

iphonedyou said:

Ah thanks! That is excellent advice, really appreciate that! I've seen Deptford, and had considered it, because it's also on the DLR. Any reason it's a no go? Greenwich really impressed me, in terms of amenities and, importantly, green space. I'm also a fan of Georgian architecture, and there are many beautiful examples there.

Deptford is just a little bit rough IMO, it is tagged as up and coming but I don't think it is there

In that area you have Lewisham (ghetto), Woolwich (ghetto) and Eltham (Racist Ghetto) Greenwich and Blackheath are the jewels in the rough

Greenwich Town Centre is great very quirky some great places to drink and the park is fantastic as is the heath and Blackheath is again a lovely village and in the summer if you are on the heath or in the park you can feel like you aren't in London but you can see CW

For a guide we were renting a 1 bed flat at 800PCM in Blackheath, my friends live in Greenwich and pay appx 1400 for a 2 bed flat with a little garden

If you are looking in Greenwich look for places in the Ashburnham triangle (the EA's will know what you mean) its a lovely part of Greenwich with some really nice properties, its also handy having the O2 on your doorstep for gigs etc

With regard to the DLR from Greenwich or Blackheath most overground trains go to Lewisham where you can pick up the DLR and thats fine just don't leave the station

Dont rule out Maze Hill or Westcome Park, they are between Greenwich and Blackheath towards Charlton, again nice areas with good train links

If you aren into cycling at all, I used to ride my bike to work from Blackheath to Holborn and averaged 45 mins and its a really really easy ride, pretty much 1 road all the way in

Any more info you need or if you start looking at places feel free to PM I only lived there for 2 years but the OH is born and bred in the area

[johnnyboy101]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Kidbrooke is a bit rough aswell which is right next to blackheath, but you can't avoid that if you want to live in London. I would also say blackheath village shops are extremely poncey and overpriced but if your into art galleries and flower shops then you probably wont mind!

[C8PPO]

johnfm said:

Greenwich peer

Duke? Lord? Baroness?

Or another QS?

[OliPolo]

Well done! I moved to London(I'm guessing were of a similar age) for a job in January and absolutely love it.

I find loads of people saying that they could never live in London but if you like keeping busy there is always something going on! It's also refreshing to see someone not dead-set on moving to Clapham! I know a few people down in Blackheath who love it and Greenwich is in the same boat. As above I would avoid Deptford and DEFINITELY avoid Lewisham (It was grey and wet when I was there but I can't imagine the sun ever shines)

Enjoy and make the most of it!

Oli

[lazystudent]

Congrats matey- nothing like getting offered a job after a grueling round of interviews! I'll be starting work in London in September on a graduate scheme too (albeit in financial services- boo hiss). Any idea where exactly you'll be based? Greenwich is a little far out and you can get some great deals in central if you're willing to share!

ETA: I'm a student in London and have been for the last 2 1/2 years so I'm (hopefully) not talking completely out of my ass!

Edited by lazystudent on Monday 2nd April 15:51

[iphonedyou]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Thanks keyzer, that's some really good advice. It's great to know areas to avoid, as while I'm confident and outgoing, I don't want to be living in a ghetto. Enough to deal with starting a new job without worrying about getting mugged! Will bear Ashburnham triangle in mind, I'll need to talk to EA's so that's a good tip. I might very well PM you nearer the time - very kind of you to offer!

[iphonedyou]

lazystudent said:

Congrats matey- nothing like getting offered a job after a grueling round of interviews! I'll be starting work in London in September on a graduate scheme too (albeit in financial services- boo hiss). Any idea where exactly you'll be based? Greenwich is a little far out and you can get some great deals in central if you're willing to share!

ETA: I'm a student in London and have been for the last 2 1/2 years so I'm (hopefully) not talking completely out of my ass!

Edited by lazystudent on Monday 2nd April 15:51

Yeah I'll be at North Greenwich station pretty much, so to be honest Greenwich is super handy. Anything that lets me change at Canary Wharf is preferable though, as I'm only one stop away. I didn't mind the DLR commute when I was over on Wednesday, seems calm enough even right in the middle of rush hour. Where abouts would you suggest in central? I'm working on the assumption I will be sharing, and want to share with people in a similar situation.

You IB then? My cousin is at Goldmans. My grad scheme pales int insignificance, ha.

Oli - funny you mention Clapham. I love that area, but the budget won't stretch. Not while I'm by myself anyway - if the girlfriend comes over we could share, though.

Edited by iphonedyou on Monday 2nd April 16:01

[V8mate]

johnnyboy101 said:

Kidbrooke is a bit rough aswell which is right next to blackheath,

Rough? Rough? It's feckin Mogadishu reincarnate.

[iphonedyou]

V8mate said:

Rough? Rough? It's feckin Mogadishu reincarnate.

I suppose coming from Belfast you could argue I've little to fear. But like anything, you know your own city. And I live / work / go to university in nice bits!

[texasjohn]

Great news!

Bet you are over the moon! Anyway, I wish you the best of luck in your new job.