Life Changes - Leaving London: Pros, cons, and how I knew when it was right for me (with Gemma)
- Adventure Solos
- Feb 1, 2024
- 2 min read
"I was still in love with London and I needed to fall out of love with it - it's a very difficult place to leave. I started asking myself what would have made me happier today. That was when I started to realise that I would have been happier if I had time to go for a walk or if I'd had time to cook dinner. Those were the sort of things that made me start to realise."
Gemma lived in London for around 15 years. She was torn between staying in her current job, career and home versus being closer to family and living a slower pace of life. In this relatable episode, she talks us through the decisions and circumstances that lead to her deciding when was the right time, and talks us through the pros and cons of a first year away out of city life.
Gemma has attended the Windermere Weekend by Adventure Solos and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Weekend.
You can listen to the episode on most podcast platforms, including (but not limited to):
Google Podcasts - (unfortunately Google they have deemed it 'adult content' so you have to log in!)
I hope you enjoy listening (and/or watching!),
Hosts Chris & Nat

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Really enjoyed this honest take on leaving London. It’s not an easy decision, especially when you’re attached to the lifestyle, but prioritizing a better work-life balance and personal happiness is so important. I like how the article highlights small things like having time to cook or go for a walk, which really matter in daily life. Stories like this can help others reflect on what truly makes them happy. For those exploring property options or planning a move, you can learn more about managing and maintaining properties effectively. Thanks for sharing such a relatable experience!
This really highlights how lifestyle and housing are deeply connected. Moving away from a city like London isn’t just an emotional decision, it’s often about affordability, space, and quality of life. Many people reach that point where the trade-off between proximity and livability becomes clear, especially after years of high rents or limited space. It’s interesting how real estate choices can ultimately shape (or reflect) major life transitions like this. Visit best places to live in london
Really relatable story leaving a city like London is never easy, especially after spending so many years there. The balance between career, lifestyle, and personal happiness really stood out. It also shows how important the right support is when making such big decisions, especially in areas like estate agency London where guidance can make the transition much smoother.
Leaving a city like London isn’t just a practical decision, it’s an emotional one too. I like how Gemma described needing to “fall out of love” with it, because that’s exactly how it feels for a lot of people. It’s often the small, everyday things; like having time to cook or go for a walk; that make you realise what you’re missing. It’s reassuring to hear an honest take on both the pros and cons, especially in that first year of adjustment, especially for those weighing things like career stability or options such as guaranteed rent in London while deciding their next move.
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