Exclusive:
An American who lived in London for seven years before moving back to the states, has revealed the things that she now realises the UK has that America does not
A corporate solicitor based in London move back to America for a job she couldn’t refuse – but now realises everything she misses about life in the UK.
Gloria Ho, 36, originally from California, spent seven years living in the London pursuing her dream career in corporate law. Now resettled back in the United States in Chicago, Gloria has revealed everything she misses about life in the UK and why it still holds a special place in her heart.
“In 2018, I was in the San Francisco office of my firm when I the opportunity to move over to London came up. I moved just before I turned 30 – at the time I felt it was right for a change. Looking back, I might’ve become a little bit anglicised from my time in London. Now that I’ve returned to the states, I’ve realised I’m a little more bothered about people not queuing, and I’ve become a massive tea fan,” she shared.
Unlike many Brits and Londoners in particular, Gloria also found love for the city’s underground newest tube line. She said: “I wonder how much of the Britishness will stick with me. I’ve definitely developed an appreciation for what the London life has to offer. Public transport is way better than in America – the Tube, and oh the Elizabeth Line I miss that for sure – I used to take it all the time.
“The whole history and tradition of the UK is something I loved. In every city you have cathedrals older than the US itself, and in America you’d have tourists flocking every weekend for something like that.”
Her life was very different in London compared the US. “The way I see it, in the US people are able to enjoy living in massive houses but the trade-off for being able to live in these houses is that isn’t much else going on – in such places, there’s a lot less to do. You don’t have the same level of culture as London for example. Back when I was living in California you could do some hiking, but you’d have to drive a long way to get to Yosemite,” she revealed.
“London just felt accessible. One or two tubes stops, and you’ve got access to all these museums, restaurants and all the culture you could want. And of course, I loved Tesco – they’re super convenient and just everywhere.
“I love London and if the right opportunity came up again, I’d return. My move back stateside was nothing to do with a dislike for the city, the draw of work and family made my decision. I don’t think if I weren’t trying to pursue a different career path, I would ever have left.”
Simon Hood, relocation expert and executive director of John Mason International, stated: “The UK, and London itself, remains an attractive destination for many abroad. The number of multinationals based in the London makes country-hopping for your job, like Gloria did, a lot easier than it would have been twenty or even ten years ago.
“While I’m not a Londoner myself – the ease of transport is understandably a sense of envy. The UK has always had strong international connectivity, with our massive communities of expats it’s no wonder seasoned professionals decide to forge their path here,” Simon added.