Working in Zurich

[ChrisMCoupe]

Not an especially frequent poster on this forum, but im a daily lurker and always find the PH massive most entertaining and occasionally imformative and useful

Im a freelance Java Developer in the finance industry, and with the contract market being both over-flooded and sparse in London currently, I have looked elsewhere. I have just been offered a very nice sounding contract in Zurich for an Investment Bank I have worked for previously, and am more than likely going to take it. Before doing so, I wouldn't mind hearing anyones opinions on both relocating abroad to work, or on Zurich/Switzerland itself as a place to live and work. Having never been there myself, it's rather daunting.

Thanks.

Edited by ChrisMCoupe on Monday 9th March 19:43

[JB Rugby]

There are quite a few information in the Switzerland forum. Take a look http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a...

[ChrisMCoupe]

Thanks. I've linked to this thread from the Switzerland forum, although as it's not heavily used like P&P I would still like anyones views and experiences if possible

[marcusjames]

Chris

I've been living near Zurich for 10 years. IM me if you'd like any advice etc

[SVX]

I worked in ZRH for nearly two years for the wealth management part of a certain large Swiss bank, absolutely loved it, more than happy to answer any questions, either on this thread, or via PM.

[Gaspode]

I spent 8 years working in Zurich, it's a great place, very safe, lots to do. Highly recommended. There are lots of pubs where the Brit ex-pats hang out. I used to go to the Noble Dubliner, (now renamed, I believe - I left in 2006).

[ChrisMCoupe]

Thanks for all your replies so far, i've yet to find anyone say anything bad about the place yet, so that's very reassuring

My main concerns so far are not the place itself but the process of finding somewhere out there to live, before I go, or do I get everything sorted once im out there. Also, do any of you know any nice areas to live outside of Zurich, I beleive the office I will be working in is situated not far from the airport.

[smilerbaker]

Gaspode said:

I spent 8 years working in Zurich, it's a great place, very safe, lots to do. Highly recommended. There are lots of pubs where the Brit ex-pats hang out. I used to go to the Noble Dubliner, (now renamed, I believe - I left in 2006).

Noble Dubliner is a dive, avoid at ALL costs

[abels]

smilerbaker said:

Gaspode said:

I spent 8 years working in Zurich, it's a great place, very safe, lots to do. Highly recommended. There are lots of pubs where the Brit ex-pats hang out. I used to go to the Noble Dubliner, (now renamed, I believe - I left in 2006).

Noble Dubliner is a dive, avoid at ALL costs

It's not as bad as it used to be. Well at least since it became Paddy Reillys. There are worse places such as the Bonnie Prince

[smilerbaker]

abels said:

smilerbaker said:

Gaspode said:

I spent 8 years working in Zurich, it's a great place, very safe, lots to do. Highly recommended. There are lots of pubs where the Brit ex-pats hang out. I used to go to the Noble Dubliner, (now renamed, I believe - I left in 2006).

Noble Dubliner is a dive, avoid at ALL costs

It's not as bad as it used to be. Well at least since it became Paddy Reillys. There are worse places such as the Bonnie Prince

not been to Bonnie Prince but paddys (noble) is about as far from a irish pub as you can get! the staff are the biggest bunch of miserable b****ds on the planet, arhhh I hate the place, just can't work out why everyone goes there.

[FarleyRusk]

ChrisMCoupe said:

Thanks for all your replies so far, i've yet to find anyone say anything bad about the place yet, so that's very reassuring

My main concerns so far are not the place itself but the process of finding somewhere out there to live, before I go, or do I get everything sorted once im out there. Also, do any of you know any nice areas to live outside of Zurich, I beleive the office I will be working in is situated not far from the airport.

Opfikon / Glattbrug? Easily reachable from the central station with the S-line (S-Bahn).

I worked for UBS in Zurich for 7 years, but left the bank and the land in 1999. Lived around the corner from the Oliver Twist in the Niederdorf and had the time of my life. If you can find a pad in Kreis1 (the old town) you'll not regret it!

Previously worked for the same outfit in London before I relocated, so they provided furnished accomodation for a few months until I found a place of my own. Why not ask them if they can recommend a letting agent for example?

[ChrisMCoupe]

Thanks for the replies, i've been given some useful links for accomodation both furnished and unfurnished. I will probably stay somewhere in Opifikon to begin with in a furnished apartment and look for somewhere perminant when I get out there.

FarleysRusk, I will also the working for UBS having previously worked for them in London, however I am a contractor, so no such luxeries im afraid.

If anyone out there fancies a beer sometime in April let me know Shame about the Irish bar, most are usually very friendly.