u/Solid-Wonder5264

For those living in London, what salary do you think you realistically need to live comfortably excluding rent/mortgage?

I’m thinking specifically about a married person with children and being able to give your family a genuinely comfortable lifestyle, rather than just covering the basics.

For example:

• Putting the kids in a decent nursery when needed
• Taking them to activities, classes, soft play, swimming, etc.
• Going on family days out regularly
• Buying them nice clothes, toys and things they enjoy
• Having a decent car and being able to afford the running costs
• Food and household shopping without constantly worrying about the cost
• Eating out/takeaways occasionally
• Going on holidays
• Paying for unexpected expenses without it causing stress
• Still having a decent amount left over to save every month

Obviously this is excluding rent/mortgage, as I’m more interested in the salary needed for the actual cost of living and giving your family a good quality of life.

Would you say £40k, £50k, £60k, £70k, £80k+?

What salary would make you feel like you can comfortably provide for your family in London without constantly having to watch every penny?

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Assalamu Alaikum everyone,

I’m 30 years old and currently living in London. Married with a son and a kid on the way. I’ve been working in the construction/property industry since I was around 16/17, after finishing college.

My experience has mainly been in construction management, property management, and building surveying, and I’m currently working in building surveying. Although I don’t have a university degree, I have several years of practical, hands-on experience in the industry and have built my career through work rather than university. And I am currently working on my AssocRics, and have a HND. I don't know if this helps

At the time, I chose not to go to university because I had already started working and gaining experience, and I didn’t feel the need to pursue a degree.

However, I really want to make Hijrah, ideally to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi, and build my career there. The main thing holding me back is that I don’t have a degree.

Does anyone have experience or knowledge of moving to Saudi/UAE and getting a job in construction management, property management, building surveying, facilities/property, etc. without a degree?

Is my experience likely to be enough for an employer to sponsor me, or are degrees essentially a requirement for these types of roles and visas?

I’m honestly quite desperate to find a way forward and would really appreciate any advice, personal experiences, contacts, or suggestions on what I could do to make this possible.

JazakAllah Khair to anyone who takes the time to respond. 🤲