How long does it take before the commute becomes unbearable, prompting a return to the city for a shorter journey via public transport? The financial services sector has seen professionals who, after several years, harbor minimal to no regrets about their choices.
Mohammed Marikar, a wealth manager at RBC and an Imperial College alumnus in his late 30s, relocated from London to Wales in 2022. Despite previously enduring a 75-minute commute in London, Marikar now spends approximately three to four hours driving to and from the City.
This trend is not unique to Marikar. A technologist recounted his grueling 16-hour days, which included four hours of train travel, a 10-hour workday, and a 45-minute predawn walk to the station due to the lack of reliable taxis in rural areas. Concerns were raised about the toll such schedules take on individuals, with some likening it to a state of acute psychosis.
Traditionally, professionals in finance, predominantly men, have maintained city residences while their families reside in the countryside. However, as property prices soar and city accommodations dwindle, commutes have extended. Coupled with the erratic train services in the UK, many are beginning to question the sustainability of this lifestyle.
Reflecting on the impact on her well-being, a woman commuting two hours each way to Canary Wharf for a software engineering job expressed concerns about the long-term implications. Andrew Wilson, the communications director at Santander UK, acknowledged the fatigue induced by his commute from Edinburgh to London, necessitating early starts and late finishes.
Marikar’s routine involves waking up at 5 am in Wales on Tuesdays, arriving at his London office by 10 am, working until around 8 pm, and then lodging in the city until Thursday night before embarking on another 3.5-hour journey home. He opts for driving over trains due to their unreliability, finding solace in the weekends spent with his family in Wales.
However, the sustainability of such prolonged commutes is questionable, as highlighted by responses to a previous article citing issues such as sleep deprivation and health concerns. While some flaunted their city living arrangements, others warned against the pitfalls of sacrificing well-being for career demands.
In other news, Citi’s restructuring plans may impact thousands of non-revenue generating roles, although technology positions seem relatively secure for now. Recent filings indicate job cuts in certain divisions, hinting at potential shifts within the organization.
Elsewhere, industry updates include personnel changes at Citi, recruitment insights from Citadel’s Ken Griffin, and unique policies at firms like McKinsey & Co, Jefferies, and Bridgewater. Additionally, evolving trends suggest a growing interest in manual trades among Gen Z, offering lucrative prospects compared to previous years.
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