Is this a good offer?

Folks

I've been offered a transfer to the UK, paying 54,000 GBP and car allowance (nominally valued at about 4,000 GBP / year).

I'd likely be residing within 20 miles of Reading; and based on the research I've done, it looks like rent plus 'council tax' will run about 1250 GBP.

Once I factor in taxes, national inurance, and rent, I figure I'll be left with about 1600 GBP per month to live on (Groceries, gasoline, utilities, etc).

My question is, is it reasonable to expect a decent standard othe of living? I'm troubled by the lack of disposable income vis-a-vis my situation in Canada. Note: My income will be supporting a family of four, with 2 young kids <= 3 years old.

And please, no flame responses

Hi & welcome to the forum.

Dont know what kind of job or level you'd be at compared to what you are doing here, but generally outside of London a £54k salary + a £4k car allowance in the UK would be considered to be half decent.

£1600 left for expenses after rental housing & council tax - I'd say you'd be good even with a couple of small children.

On the basis you know what the other expenses will be out of the £1600 - were you thinking that you'd need to also put £XXX away each month

You'd be working with folks that likely earn a lot less & manage OK - then others that would earn more than you & have a lot less housing & other expenses

Maybe its me, but £1250/mth for accommodation may be a bit on the high side. If you take the position [if it were me] I'd relook at other quality rentals that could save you a couple hundred pounds a month

The UK [living there] is different than Canada, your standad of living is what you make it - generally expats living in the UK almost always whinge & try to compare 'its not like back home- we did this that and the other different' - try not to do this.

In Canada we tend to worry way too much about money [the government & media do that to us], in Europe they have a social blanket. If your move is about trying to stash away money from your disposable income - then yes, you may or may not be able to do that - only you can budget those things.

IMO, as long as you muck in & knuckle down, enjoy the experience, take it for what it is - you & your family should be fine.

Try to imagine what its like for a new immigrant to Canada coming from the UK, Australia, SA or NZ - the worries of adjustment along with 'shall my standard of living be OK'.

As long as you dont get home sick - just make the move to the UK as though you are taking a job or making a move across the other side of Canada from where you live now. Hey its only a 6 -7 hour flight back across the atlantic (point to point)

Enjoy the experience, the kids will fit it easy - its a chance opportunity that may not come your way again, or you may have multiple moves to different countries in your working career ... I'd had four moves during the 70's & 80's - to Bermuda, OZ, NZ & the US [minimum of 2 years in one place then back to Canada first for a while then onto another country] & yes we had children with us at those times.

Hope this helps

Awesome answer Portico. I haven't been to the UK yet but that's what I'd imagine telling myself when I decide to go.

If you don't mind, kkaneff79, what is it you'll be doing over there? That sounds like an extremely good salary compared to a lot of other jobs over there, and very much over the average yearly salary.