What kind of job did you get when you first got to the UK?

So I've applied for my NINO and am waiting on it to arrive but in the meantime, I've started looking around a job openings.

I am a Registered Nurse (US education/license) but can't work immediately (unfortunately requirements are a lot different).

Before I went into nursing I did office work, accounting, etc.

I am only wanting to work part time right now. I need enough money to basically pay my credit card bills and the never ending student loans.

What type of job (provided you didn't come over on a work visa/transfer) did you get?

It took a while but I was able to find a job in my field after about 6 months looking. We were prepared to have my husband cover my expenses if I'd lost the US job I worked remotely until I found the job here.

I'd guess any service industry type roles would be easy to get (server, grocery stores etc) but anything requiring experience or certification will be more challenging.

I mistakenly got a job in my local within a week of landing. Spent time pulling pints -- which, incidentally, makes a great story to tell during interviews -- while wrapping up some projects from America and looking for work, and secured a position in my field four weeks after that.

Certainly wouldn't work for everyone. But, for me, it was a cracking experience.

TBH, I think you'd be better off looking for something in your field or adjacent, it's actually not easy in the UK to get a part-time job in admin or service, unless you have recent experience in those areas. Maybe you could be a carer, they are always in demand.

First job was part time in a spar shop....way beneath my qualifications but hey! It was a start. 3 weeks later I was hired full time at HomeBase....then moved on to the Highland Council. Not what I ever pictured doing, but decent pay for here, and benefits.


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My first job in the UK was a receptionist in a tattoo studio while freelancing for various crewing companies as a lighting and sound tech.  I worked at the tattoo studio for nearly 3 years before I found a full time job in my field.  I enjoyed my time at the studio, and I'm still not sure how I managed to bag that job with absolutely no reception experience.

My first job in the UK was a receptionist in a tattoo studio while freelancing for various crewing companies as a lighting and sound tech.  I worked at the tattoo studio for nearly 3 years before I found a full time job in my field.  I enjoyed my time at the studio, and I'm still not sure how I managed to bag that job with absolutely no reception experience.

Your tattoos? 

My last job in the US was working as a service coordinator in a government-mandated program... it encompassed social work, education and early intervention.

When I first moved to the UK I got a job as a sales associate in a women's clothing store- just to tide me over and gain some UK experience.. hey, ya gotta start somewhere. After tons of applications, I was finally offered a job at a local college. Disappointingly, the job offer fell through due to budget cuts. So many who worked there were laid off, so I guess in a way it was a lucky break. Again, I needed something to tide me over so I got a temp job through an agency. I was an administrator at the FA (St. George's Park) for 3 months.

To say the job search here has been a struggle would be an understatement. I applied for tons of jobs, only a few interviews... and nothing. A couple months ago I started working as an independent contractor for a Chinese-American company. I work 100% remotely and I make my own schedule. And it's related to my background, too. I actually love it, and it's great because I can take my work with me wherever I go. I'm visiting my family back in Ohio for 6 weeks later this summer, and I'll still be working during that time! The one downside is that (like lots of self employment or independent contractor work) it's not the most reliable form of income. You really have to work at "building your business," so to speak.