London survival for the next six months

Navigating the Next Six Months in London: Seeking Practical Solutions

As a 36-year-old audio post professional from Australia currently residing in London, I find myself at a crossroads. Having lived here since January 2022 on an ancestry visa, the ongoing downturn in the TV and film industry has made it increasingly difficult to secure work. With my savings dwindling, I’ve set a timeline of six months to reassess my situation—either the industry will turn around, or I’ll be packing up my life and moving away.

The thought of taking a full-time job with minimum wage to get by is daunting. However, it’s crucial that I act swiftly to create a sustainable life here. At present, I’m budgeting as if I were earning between £23,000 to £25,000 annually, which has proven to be quite challenging. For context, I’m currently sharing a flat in Zone 2 for £1,025 (including bills), buying groceries from LIDL, and using my bike or public transportation to keep costs down. While this lifestyle is manageable for now, it’s certainly not one I wish to maintain for the long term. Plus, I’ve noticed that my financial situation has made dating somewhat challenging—though children are not on my agenda.

In terms of retraining, I’ve looked into the free boot camps offered by the UK government, but many have long waitlists. I’m hesitant to return to university, as I already hold an undergraduate degree and two postgraduate diplomas.

What I’m really looking for is some encouragement and actionable advice on how to navigate this tricky period. Here are some of the options I’m currently considering to lower my expenses:

• Living in a van: A more mobile lifestyle may help cut costs significantly.
• Working remotely from a low-cost country: Considering a temporary move to an affordable location like Morocco while keeping an eye on opportunities in London seems appealing.
• Relocating to an outer zone: Although moving might only save me around £200 on rent, the increased transport costs could offset that savings.
• House sitting: A flexible living arrangement could provide a viable solution, allowing me to reduce my expenses.

I appreciate any insights or encouragement you could share. I strive to hold on to my dream of living in London while recognizing the unsustainable nature of my current circumstances.

A Note of Perspective

I want to clarify for anyone skeptical of my situation: I was employed full-time in my field until recently, but I