NewStats: 3,265,480 , 8,186,873 topics. Date: Sunday, 15 June 2025 at 07:53 AM 6h5n4o

fatima04:
Lidl price is just there joor. There pampers and baby wipes is just too dry and they have the driest brioche bread ever.

Tesco brioche the best and then Aldi for others.

Haven't been to Iceland yet as it's too far

Aldi brioche

Freeze007,

I have a few epileptic colleagues who come to work everyday as their seizures are well controlled with medication,I don't know if your lady is able to consider this or if she is so disabled that she's completely unable to work.

If she's able to work and earns 18k or thereabouts,she can sponsor you.


It's nice you've suddenly woken up and decided to be a father but this life in the UK you seem to be angling for may not be as you want.Saddled with debt,non working parents,on benefits etc

If it is indeed about your child,you need to be on the right footing.

A job first of all then start paying child maintenance/ then mending the relationship between your lady,you and your child.

It's irable that you think you can move in and live happily ever after but unfortunately life doesn't work that way.She may not even be what you want and you may not be what she wants.

You mustn't live together to be the best father to your child.

Anyway,forget this epistle and find a job first,maybe tier 2 visa.
Good luck.

Mamatukwas:


So far so good oh... I like the peace and quiet especially for my kids but I wish there were more black people in this zone... To think I order yam and plantain from london

Current goal is to conquer this car matter then move on to other things. Pls which one is KSS area? The south etc? I know google might be able to tell me but pls enlighten me what people mean when they say all these North, south etc... I only know England, Scotland, Wales and N.Ireland

For black presence you'll need to move to glasgow.My area i think we are just 3-4 blacks living in different parts,jam by mistake kind of thing and yet too busy to socialise. I usually import my naija pals kids to play with mine or export them to play at theirs ie if you are looking for african flava.

There are african stoes in glasgow naa,why are you getting yam and plantain from london

KSS- Kent surrey sussex.. I think while in scotland and i say im going down south,means im going to england. North england is yorkshire,harrogate and co. South is London and home counties?I'm not very versed in england matter,i hope those who live there can enlighten us.

from wikipedia : North–South divide in the United Kingdom. In Great Britain, the term North–South divide refers to the economic and cultural differences between Southern England and the rest of Great Britain (Northern England, The Midlands, Wales and Scotland). The divide cuts through the English Midlands.

DaveChapelle:
how do you get by longterm leases? 12 months

Long term?Max for me is 6 months o.I nor dey find forever rental

Ralphlauren:


congratulations. that's another migrant family leaving for England. you see why sturgeon keeps screaming that Scotland needs more immigrants?

start the house hunting as soon as you relocate. you will be surprised that it getting a house that ticks all your boxes might not be that easy to come by. if you can put than more than 10% of the mortgage deposit, please do - it will reduce your monthly repayments. shop around for a good deal (consider using a broker) and also consider going for at least 3years fixed deal (nobody knows what's going to happen after brexit - interest rate might go up). rent a basic apartment as this will make you uncomfortable and give you the push to buy your own home asap.

finally, I know we Nigerians hate the phrase 'life insurance' but for a mortgage that size, if you do not have a policy already, consider getting one (with critical illness cover) or get another life insurance policy (if you have one already) that's guarantees a payout that covers the entire outstanding amount of the mortgage.

Thanks Sir,
Yes oo another migrant family moving,I love scotland but i'm getting tired of SNP moaning,i will return when i'm old and have made all the money

We have marked out 75-80 for deposit then about 30 for stamp duty,solicitor and keep building up.I'm now finding it hard to empty just cos of buying house but it has to be done. Rent in england is very high so i'm mega inspired to buy quicker.Ordinary fees plus rent for a basic house plus that deposit you pay is heading to 5k. Moving costs nko? I'm in pain and will remain in pain monthly till we purchase that house.

Husband already has life insurance plus income protection ..we got it off a financial service company but i haven't ed because i think it's costly(hundreds pcm),pension is with them too,the children's investment ISA as well,i don't know if it's a good idea.

I'm set to do mine,any pointing in the right direction will be appreciated.I have said we are useless with money planning stuff


*Modified*


I will also add the dilemma of choice : Very good area with good state schools knowing that being in catchment means paying a deadly for house then build up cash to help kids later in life OR Buying in an ok place and paying for school after P7 ..So many arguments for/against independent education. My kids are young and one is already only interested in playing 24/7,Not showing einstein signals and may not be hot housed into grammar.Maybe would benefit from smaller classes .This same child i put in a council swim class but just wasn't thriving/concentrating at all with 5 other kids present.We went private with a one on one teacher and have seen massive improvement.Sensitive,loving,kind and very gentle child was the end of year report,i am quite worried about so many things.Ability to stand up for self etc
I wonder if anyone had all these traits as a child and turned out rugged? This world is hard for sme sme people.


It would be great if these discussions are had as we on here are Nigerian and understand where im coming from? Sorry if i'm digressing.

Aphrodite007:


You are very kind. Thanks for the advice. But my mumu button never spoil yet. I read that I can influence his score positively- I guess I’ll have to make this sacrifice for a “greater good” of improving his score. It’s teally not about the bills or FLR, it’s just about wanting a t . Im really hurt by this but As far as I don’t lose my job (work in a bank), I think I can cope.

Thanks. I’ll still ask around to know if there’s a way around the score thing or to find out how low my score will go. I don’t even know the score sef that I’m worried about

Not about mumu button,it's about long term repercussions and planning ahead. You'll need good credit for a lot of things,in my humble opinion it would be wiser to keep finances separate so you both don't spoil things for your future,job,mortgage etc.

If things stay great for you,it's the family as a whole that benefits. Different s doesn't mean love is less,you both have to play smart for now till you get what you want

Aphrodite007:


Great plan. Wish you the best. Please update us.

But that house for 500-600 should better have heaven under it o! Ha!

I wish!!! Make we dey go,who knows the decisions we will take sef.

@fatima04

Congrats Fatimaaaa
Fantastic news!!! Do and splurge on work clothes..Asos,zara,m&s,next have affordable clothing.
I nor dey primark abeg,wash and rinse one time and it's gone.Eg I used to get my childrens pyjamas from there but every second na tear tear. I now do their pyjamas in h&m,m&s,Tu for sainsbury and they've not failed me,last longer and wash better.
I don't see the point in buying 100 nonsense things ,that you will end up replacing.

Office politics,i don't know mann.

Usual chat..Hello Jane, how was your weekend? classic answer 'Great,i went to loch lomond with my bf and we watched the birds and played a little golf then went to tea in that posh corner,we met up with his mother(kill me now) *brittle laugh*..

How was yours Fatima? You can't just say fine and shut up.Fine? eheeeee? what next?(that's how they'll be looking at you..how can you just say fine?what happened to make it fine?

Normal reply is ' Good too,we took the kids to watch peppa pig live in manchester...*insert fake laugh**it was great. Or ' I spent the weekend at home trying to get some sleep,did my cleaning and some cooking' etc etc

Prepare to hear life history immediately you meet someone & be prepared to be asked everything,i mean EVERYTHING! People aren't that hidey hidey about anything ,money o,relationship o.It's not like naija everything shrouded in secrecy..It's not being done for you to be best friends,it's just normal gist.

You will learn how to moan about the weather,weather discussion is a serious matter & usual opening to start long chat

There are some naija opinions you will have to learn to keep to yourself eg same sex relationships,trans,divorce,cohabitation,smoking,drinking and vomitting etc.You will meet all sorts of people in your work place & learn that everyone is a person free to love however they choose.
Everything you spat at in naija will start appearing normal to you.

You will also learn fast that someone you talked with for 1 hour the day before can see you next day ,keep straight face and you without blinking.Don't take it personal,you sef will learn the art of air kissing,staccato laughs & straight face the next day.

You may have to attend office teas,office christmas parties etc to show you are a team player and also to network.Good luck with that,i have managed to escape a lot so far as my job is fast paced.


People who work in office spaces will come soon to say more..enjoy!!

fatima04:

Did not move to Scotland oo, settled for the midlands and its been good so far.

Moving is another thing I dread in this country o. All the update and all.

Take it easy on ursef oo, why the change dough. U sounded very settled kids and all up north

My job o!!! DH too earning way way better,even if the cost of living is higher down south there will still be extra left.

The clampdown here with ir35 no be here so we have to follow the £££

I'm trying to take it easy,infact i ranted on the other thread,lol. If the demands of the job are worse than my current one,i will go part time.It's not even like what i'm paid is sweet enough

I'm glad you are finding your new abode nice..i'm dreading the move& the disruption but i'm excited..After this one the next one will be to my own home by the end of the year God willing.I don taya

fatima04:


Better rest oo, we want ur good contribution

Shebi i ranted on the other thread sef...i nearly quit my job from stress. I will copy and paste it here.

Fatima04,
How far?Did you finally move scot?

Mamatukwas how's it going?

@all
We are moving down south in a few months!! So scared and excited! I love this place but we have to go with the cheese.I hear things are more expensive especially in the KSS area but we will be fine..fingers crossed.

Still haven't bought the house because of this move.The houses i'm seeing around the area are from 5-6 huns for 4 bed I pity myself.

Have learnt from old mistakes,have very good credit history,using the credit card for payments and always pay back etc etc.

Since it's a new area we've never been to,we plan to rent first and then buy in 3-6 months.

I think everyone on here has contributed well from their own experiences,giving invaluable advice.

Every opinion should be welcomed,it's left for the reader to take the one they like and discard the rest.

The beauty of this thread is the varied economic strata represented and that is the reality of life,some are rich,some middle,some poor.

I'm always interested in reading especially from those more well off than me so i can double my hustle if possible & learn from them.

Many have invested well,many know about financial markets etc

My own is to be inspired as the only way for me and my family is up!


I will not rest shaa till combined income in my home is 20k or more after taxes ..

@killingmesoftly

A good income is relative..all depends on lifestyle choices.

I know people earning 20-22k pcm before taxes mostly sole earners with wives who don't work.

3k may seem a lot to some but there are people earning double and triple , quadruple of that & still not satisfied.

Important thing is to do what you can and be happy..there will always be someone who outearns you.

Make sure you are living within your means,keep expenditure way less than incoming,mix with people who inspire and challenge you to be better.

I've not seen mentions of importance of extracurriculars for the kids..i cannot stress on how important this is.Swimming classes,dance classes,football,karate,tennis,music you name it i'm sure there's a class for it somewhere.

Find out what interests the children have and let them enrol in at least one of them.

Councils usually run cheap classes for children,it's quite useful to keep them busy.

Also broadening horizons for the children is great,visits to the museum,zoo,parks,overy inexpensive but serve to educate in a fun filled way.There are even places to pick fruits,farms that offer cheap riding and petting classes with ponies for a day..sea world to learn about sea life etc


I won't even go into how important it is to go on holidays.Once a year?Doesn't have to be very expensive,there are places you can book within the uk that are amazing and you can book a year ahead sef while saving.

Time out to chill is very very important.I will write more as i .

NB I don't count going to nigeria as a holiday.It is usually very very stressful for me

LagosismyHome:


This depends on what you are earning .... I have twins and their nursery bill is over 2k a month..... Except you are earning well it better to be housewife oo until they are old enough for reception / primary .

Nursery of 3 is not beans and has to be more than your income to be worth it. Finding aupair might help as that cheaper than nursery for 3 kids

Problem is getting your foot in the door..by the time you wait and wait till the kids are grown,your options may not be as viable.
A lot of restraints for women,you have to brace up if you are going to get ahead.It is all very difficult,no choices are easy

I started work when my second was 3 months,even premmie but i had to take that opportunity.It was hell,work is still hell sef.
I nearly quit last week because my rota was so bad that i wouldn't see my children 7-10 days in a row.I leave when they are asleep and come home when they are asleep.

I was questioning my choice of career,others are raising their kids themselves,i'm busy at work helping people,who is caring for mine??If not for DH i would have quit and damned the consequences.We are usually a close bunch but this money money thing seems to be consuming us even though we earn way above average combined income.It seems the more you earn you have a certain lifestyle you cannot compromise.

We are moving to england and hoping to start afresh and decide what our priorities are.More time for us,more time for the kids.My new job for the next 3 years starts in august.If the rota is nonsense again,i go part time.

I have a fixed goal to finish training in 6 years but i'm willing to add an additional year if it means i get to spend more time with the kids & DH.
My greatest fear is overburdening DH,he is the higher earner,don't want to put him under too much pressure.

Sacrifices have to be made inorder to maintain a certain standard but after a while you start to wonder when the sacrifice is now detrimental to you and your family and then act accordingly.

If you and your spouse don't cooperate ehhh your own don be for here.

holiday loading,career woman/mother/spouse is not a joke

Gracefav:
The 25k is before tax, though locum jobs & extra shits excluded. The husband will also have to take up any available job just to augment.

That is quite low..are you starting an FY1 job? Is this money plus banding assuming you have to do night shifts?
If it is plus banding you are getting a bad deal and you should be able to negotiate your pay especially if you have experience in Nigeria.
I will look for my FY1 payslip and see if it's the same or less?
Are you getting free accommodation? Is this the MIT thing?

For the locum thing what does your contract say? Are you only allowed to do a set number of hours for locum? You need to know all this info.People who land from Naija are usually given a bad deal and worked like horses.

You need to certify what level you are coming in at? A foundation doctor or a registrar? If a registrar that pay is minuscule and when you start the work your eyes will open.

Google pay rate for whatever level you are coming in at ,that should give you an idea.

If you are going to be on a normal rota also working night shifts ,long days on call then you should be banded most times the banding is 40-50% of the stated salary especially if you are coming into medicine.

Do your homework first please o before you are taken for a rough ride.

Are you getting hospital accommodation?

By the time tax, NI,pension are deducted you may be skint.

Gracefav:
Please good people, I'd love to hear from you guys based on experience. Can an annual pay of 25k cater for a family of 3-4 in the UK?, can such earner be considered as an average person in the UK probably living an average life, considering the cost of living and tax?.

NB: Precisely Northern Ireland

It depends on many things..before tax or after tax?
Either ways you will have to be very careful with expenditure as bills can pile up before you blink an eye.

If you rent a cheap area,low council tax, shop in a cheap grocery store, buy non expensive clothing,run a low cost car,budget properly,cheap child care, you will do alright,you won't be swimming in luxury at all.

Is this one person or two people's.income?

Geetrix:
@imnotconfused Well, i have decided to keep on with my life, until i it

The topic of this thread
What did you apply for? GP alone or other specialties?
Did they have a particular score for the SJT?
Did you reach the interview stage ?That's another kettle of fish altogether.
Sorry i'm asking so many questions.
You can start reading the oxford handbook of clinical medicine,most of the answers are inside there i believe,then mix with online practice questions.
You still have a bit of time before the next one comes along and by then you may even choose another specialty.
I'll also say you have to start beefing up your portfolio in preparation for the next one,do audits,it will strengthen your application,you know you will need to fill that alternative competence of certification thing.

Mamatukwas:


Thank you so much. You've been far from useless honestly, in fact you've managed to capture the reality of a lot of things... I wish I'd spoken to you earlier, had to find out the schooling thing through trial and error.

I will check out Mumsnet and start to check the area for suitable roles. Is it ok if I send you a pm?

Thanks again.

Yes you can send a pm,will reply when i can.

Geetrix:


SJT things oh

mention me in a dead thread if you want to talk about it..just incase i have some ideas,don't want to derail this one.

Mamatukwas:
Hello All!

New migrant alert here. This thread has been great, thanks a lot to all who have contributed.

Pls my perspective is slightly different. I'm a Tier5 dependent (Wife) and we all moved with our 3 children. It has honestly been unbelievably expensive and we still have not settled in a house we like.. have been doing short stay which is very expensive.

Anyhoo, we are North and even though I honestly won't be able to work for at least a year or two coz I have small children, I want to invest the time wisely doing courses etc that will allow me be immediately relevant when I'm ready. So for those with knowledge pls help your sister... which areas are perpetually hot in the U.K. especially the Scotland area. Pls note that - I have over 10 years experience in Entrepreneurial endeavors/Business management. - No ion for IT or Medical fields plus Hubby na d medic. - For now considering Social work or Project Mgt or Event Mgt (Events coz I have a ion there) but I don't know if it pays this side.

I honestly have never not contributed to the household purse and I dey pity Oga as I'm seeing how the money is vanishing.. won't even mind ideas on what I can do online at home from now to earn in the U.K. Pls oh my peeps give me ideas based on your wealth of knowledge. Many thanks.

Cc: @Ralphlauren @dupsyhoo @imconfused and all the other greats on the thread including OP.

Regards.

Hello Mamatukwas,
Welcome!! I hope you are settling in.

To be honest,it all depends on you and the agreement between both of you.If he came in as a medic,i doubt he will be earning very well except he is working locums round the clock,there used to be a 20 hour restriction on locuming when my husband came in newly on tier 2

Your finances will be under a lot of pressure till you both settle in properly and he decides to do locums full time or train and become a specialist.If he chooses to train,it will take at least 3-4 years to stabilize as training jobs don't pay very well either,maximum 3,200 which he can supplement with some hours of locuming if he has the power.

If he has a lot of experience in Nigeria,he can gather all the evidence and ask them to review his salary for a bump up because they normally start at the bottom for new entrants to the NHS. All this is if he is employed straight by the NHS,if it is agency that's another kettle of fish.

From all i've said,your husband will be under too much pressure for the next 3-5 years bearing the burden alone.You can see that finding a job is not easy so it's never too early to start testing the waters.

First,the ages of your children matter.If anyone is between 3-5,they are entitled to a place in the council nursery free for a few hours a week.If you need a full day,you pay but its not usually much.I pay £128 three full days for one of my kids,and i live in an expensive area by scottish standards.

You need to apply to the council.Depending on the month they were born,may start primary at 4 or at 5.5 years. You have to check the council website for the scottish gov policy per school starting and see where your children fall in.If under 3,it's private nursery and that's where it gets expensive.

Another thing you may say is they are too small,nursery will be too costly for three of them compared to the earning for you,it may even gobble up all your salary but the key is getting a foot in and start building up your cv,even if it's once/twice a week or something.

There's a website called mumsnet where there's a lot of discussions about women and the workforce and they usually advice to always get working no matter how little as the competition is much and it is difficult to get in after a break.I'm not saying this would be the case with you at all o!!

What matters is that you calculate well well and have a feasible plan.3 kids is not easy but you can send them somewhere for one or two days at least even if it's for your sanity.If you and your spouse are happy for you to be a stay at home mum,that is very okay as well,you'll just have to be very careful with cash.

Unfortunately,i'm not business oriented,i have no clue about making money.All i can do is work and earn a salary.Pele,i am useless to you at this point,lol.

Geetrix my colleague how far?
How did it go?
I'm unable to with my usual moniker..