27 Feb Living in London: Restarting My Career, Studies and New Friendships

If we were meant to stay in a place, we’d have roots, not feet- Rachel Wolchin

I knew I would live outside my hometown from a very young age. My first weekend with my friends in Lagos, I knew I had to move there after school; and I did. I salute myself for my intuition and bravery to be able to pack up my bags and go after everything I want even if it requires me to physically leave my comfort zone.

…With all this bravery, I landed in the city of London and five months in I have gone through an enormous amount of emotions that have changed my perception of life, relationships and society.

Read Goodbye, Hello!

Studying in London

Currently doing my post-graduate in Marketing at the University of East London and it has been one of the most challenging journies I have embarked on. I have cried (don’t laugh), read to exhaustion, reached new social levels of human interaction and of course enjoyed myself. I am almost halfway through my degree and I can’t wait for it to be over.

I hear a lot of comparisons between the UK educational system and Nigeria or hell, anywhere else and whilst I agree that this is a little more sophisticated than what we have back home, I do not believe it is far-fetched from my personal experience. Attending Babcock University prepped me for pretty much anywhere academically and socially, so I see no struggle in adapting to the system here.

However, I would say this though, you have to read, actively. There are no exams so one would think “Yay, that’s cool, easy stuff” but baby, are they going to drain you with journals and articles to read AND reference?

Restarting My Career

Now, this is an area where I am struggling with a little bit. I got into the workforce in 2017 as a Social Media Manager and got my first job in film as a Writer’s Assistant in 2020 and 2024 I am working volunteer jobs in London.

An insane trajectory wouldn’t you say?

Transitioning into the industry here and the workforce in general (I work in both creative and tech spaces) has been a little challenging because I have no UK experience.

How am I navigating it then?

As I said, I have volunteer jobs, one as an Assistant Director at the South London Theatre and the other as a Social Media Manager for a tech community.

For me, and I remember saying this to my friend Blessing, I rather relocate to a country where my skills and compensation match than continue with the rat race in Nollywood.

In the past month, I have attended at least five creative events where I was able to make some friends, network with some professionals and even get job referrals. Yes, I reached peak exhaustion at the end of January but was it worth it? absolutely.

I have since directed and edited a short film and just last week a new opportunity opened up to produce a festival.

I’ve learned that a strong network is the ultimate shortcut to everything you want to achieve – Melitta Campbell

Having a strong community of friends/acquaintances helped me reach the status I did in Lagos, however, my system had some loops (I am not social)., which I am working on.

My goal at the end of the second quarter is to have one paying job that would be instrumental in gaining full-time work and also to shoot a narrative documentary short.

New Friendships

Yay probably my most anxious bit but I am excited for my journey so far. I have met three new girlies who I like but our schedules haven’t allowed much room to have a date since the first time we met.

I particularly have a likeness for Kornelia, she’s a Theatre Director and University Lecturer, and I think she’s adorable, supportive and sweet. My first work referral came from her and I would also cherish her for that.

Then there’s Glory, who is studying Law. We met at our Student Ambassador interview and naturally gravitated towards each other, she is an absolute fun gal.

My girl Mala, my sweet Indian sister haha I refer to her as my school best friend and I adore our connection.

I hope to form close friendships with them and hopefully make even more new friendships (which is something I lacked while in Nigeria) because I want to have dinner parties and travels with my girlies.

Please pray for me because this is a serious concern and I plan on showing up to receive the kind of love I seek.

Living in London has been an enthralling experience and I am challenging myself to be more audacious with everything in my life. There’s a way I want to live, There’s a way I want my life to come across and I know the work I have to do to achieve it.

I hope you enjoyed this and maybe in some way feel inspired to go after what you want every day. I love you for reading and I will see you next month!

Catch up on January’s update here.