Most notable are the ubiquitous Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans who arrive by the planeload, work permit in hand, to embark upon their compulsory 2 years in London. There are representatives from every European country and almost every South American or African nation, as well as a handful of Canadians and North Americans for good measure. With the exception of the latter two, they all appear to have the same intention - to earn their fortune, see Europe and then return home with enough money to never have to work again.

And what do all these people do when they get here? They moan. Incessantly.

I've never thought of myself as the patriotic type, but if there is one thing guaranteed to get my proud English back up, it's listening to some foreign transient trashing my country. In this context, I tend to regard the UK much as I do my boyfriend. This is my bloke/country and I have a huge sense of loyalty toward them both. And however much I may bitch and moan, it doesn't mean you can!

The top five topics of a foreign worker in London:
1 - The weather
2 - The general expense
3 - The living conditions
4 - The pay
5 - The people

The Weather
Now I'm sure a few people mentioned this fact prior to your arrival, but it rains a lot in London. Though if no one did, then a quick look in an atlas would've given you a rough idea (though really, its not that bad). So why then, do people feel it necessary to constantly complain about the weather when they are here? Let me just say, the weather is not an interesting topic of conversation and people who talk about it all the time are really, really dull.

The Expense
London is an expensive city. It's the capital of England and we have a strong currency. For a visitor from a country with a weaker currency, it will be very expensive. However, if you are living here and earning Pounds, you lose the right to complain about it. Wages are proportional to the living expenses. You didn't really think that you'd be able to earn all these Pounds yet still pay the same for rent, beer or food as you did in your home country?

The Living Conditions
Now you bring it this on yourselves. Choosing to live in a skanky house in one of the nastier suburbs and sharing your bedroom with other people, in order to save a few quid is beyond my comprehension. Living outside Central London can also mean losing 2 hours a day and £100 a month on travelling alone. All these factors considered, it's worth spending a little extra to live in a nicer place and at least have your own bedroom.

I've lived in an Aussie household - or 'Mini Melbourne' as it was affectionately known. For £70 a week I had the pleasure of a box room in a Zone 3 shithole, which came complete with rats, dodgy electrics and an even dodgier landlord. Not to mention the mandatory, constant stream of unknown backpackers fresh off the plane dossing in the lounge. Please understand, I adored my housemates, but in the end I had to leave, for the sake of my sanity.

The Pay
There is an abundance of employment opportunities across all sectors and skilled workers are in high demand. Your time in London could be spent gaining valuable experience and earning some serious Pounds. So, why do so many of you end up bar tending?! Certainly when you arrive it's tempting to take the first job you can for some quick cash, but I know people who've spent their entire 2 years here behind a bar. On average, a bar tender earns £4.50 per hour and tipping just doesn't happen. For a 40 hour week that makes £180, minus tax at 17.5% and national insurance, leaving you with under £150. Then there's rent at £50-infinity, bills, transport, food and general living expenses. You do the math, and then find a better alternative.

The People
London's residents are not a fair representation of English people. Most of them aren't even English. London has a huge transient population - aside from the tourists there are those with work permits, residency or ancestral visas, illegal immigrants and refugees making up for a huge proportion of the population at any time. Aside from the Cockneys, the English here are generally young and competitive. People come here after university to establish a career and make money.

People tend to stick to their own groups and rarely make an effort to make friends with people outside that circle. This all makes for one massive culture clash and it can seem a little aggressive and unforgiving at times. Remember, we are all responsible for the atmosphere and we can all try to make it more pleasant for everyone.

Just another city
Returning from 'doing Europe' on their 3 week Contiki tour, people rave about the wonderful cities in Europe and how depressing London is in comparison. There are indeed some amazing cities in Europe, but that perspective changes very quickly when you cease to be a visitor and begin to live in that city. When the tedium of everyday life sets in, such as work and paying the rent, you quickly forget about the things that originally drew you there. London, like Paris or Rome, is a very different place when you are just passing through.

Remember - you chose to come to London. You could have opted to live anywhere in the UK, where wages may be lower, but rent and general living expenses are far cheaper. You are choosing a lifestyle.

Whatever nationality you are, you'll find a whole community of your fellow countrymen living within this city. You have your own bars, clubs, shops and restaurants. You can read magazines and web sites dedicated to foreigners living in London. There are even specialized companies to arrange your visas, jobs and even claiming tax back - try that one if you're British. Long-term visitors just don't seem to appreciate just how much is on offer - most importantly, the simple fact that England welcomes you with open arms.

The irony is, as you all head to London - any Pom with an ounce of sense is trying to leave. Don't misunderstand me - I do love my country, I just don't want to live here. Patriotism is a funny thing. We all seem to think so highly of our own countries, yet we all choose to leave them at some point in search of something more - be that money, a better way of life or simply for the experience.

So, welcome to our country. Please try to enjoy it.

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Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Europe Insiders page.