Work from Anywhere: London, part 1

One of the most sought after reasons that people start a business, is freedom. And its allure can take many forms: no boss, no set schedule, and the ability to work from anywhere. But these days, even if you prefer to stay in a more structured, stable environment (e.g. working for a company) 25% of professional jobs in North America are fully remote, which grants a similar work from anywhere flexibility.

I’ve had the incredible fortune of living and working professionally in 5 cities and 2 countries. Five years ago, I moved to Nashville, US from London, UK. But when I initially moved to London, I made a fatal (very American) mistake: I assumed that same language = same culture. Au contraire, Pierre.

So as summer travel approaches and we all continue figuring out our new norm, I thought it may be fun to share different perspectives on working in London, over the next few weeks. Starting with: how mine really went down…

I had a tough transition into London life. Many of my friends – then and now – handled it with so much grace, embracing every new sight and exciting bit of it all. But I was not so graceful.

I remember one evening in particular when I screamed, cried, complained, then ended the evening with my tail between my legs, apologizing for the 6 months of my behavior leading up to that temper tantrum. My now-husband Dave sweetly responded to my apology with: “It’s okay. I know that this isn’t the real you. You’ll get back to normal eventually.”

Three realizations came from this: 1. Gah, nothing can rattle this guy! 2. You gotta love honest feedback. 3. I was not hiding my difficulties as well as I thought.

I needed a coping mechanism fast. Then one day soon after, this phrase alighted upon me: 

“It’s not bad. It’s just different.”

This simple perception shift changed everything.

So, I went to work fact-finding. I interviewed other expat friends from the US, Australia, and France. They explained 5 things that are different about working in London. Some big and some just silly and fun to notice…

When it’s someone’s birthday, the birthday boy or girl brings treats into work for everyone else.

It struck all of us as a quirky nuance. The way I see it, people are supposed to give me treats on my birthday – why would I bake a cake for someone else?  It’s a huge deal though – people love this tradition!

Coffee breaks aren’t actually breaks.

A French friend shared her surprise when colleagues would ask her to a coffee break, and they continued to talk about work during the break. In France or Australia, if you’re getting coffee with a colleague, you’re actually taking a break. No shop talk!

Leave work at work.

One time, I was in a meeting of British peers, and one of them made fun of me for sending an email on a Sunday. The group erupted with laughter, and I got that elementary school, goody two shoes lump in my throat. And don’t even think about working on your 2 week holiday. This is another requirement – foreign to Americans but actually quite conservative compared to other European countries. As Dave would constantly remind me: “We have such a better life here.”

People are (too) polite. Work from Anywhere

So polite that they won’t tell you the truth. Here’s a key phrase translation guide, should you ever find yourself working with a Brit:

• That’s interesting = What a stupid idea.
• Leave it with me = I’m ready to stop talking about this, so I am pretending to write down an action item, but do not expect a follow-up. Ever.
• It’s relatively straightforward = It’s complicated, and I don’t understand it either, so ‘leave it with me.’

Joking aside, this one is very tough for me. People are indirect, so it’s extremely difficult for (a) anyone to take ownership and (b) things to get done.

Socializing is a requirement to do business.

I’m from the Northeast. When I’m in a meeting – I’ll probably say hi to you :), jump right into our agenda topic, and get our work done. In London, socializing in many forms is critical. Beers after work (or during work – ha) and lots of small talk is standard. 

I really had to stop myself from being the bull in the British china shop. An assertive, “Let’s just get the work done” without getting to know my colleagues didn’t work. Also, I remember how some American friends were shocked when their new colleagues would insist on throwing them welcome drinks when they first arrived.

But here’s the interesting full-circle moment: Dave and I have now been in Nashville for 5 years. And ironically, Nashville is kind of a mix of American and British cultures. When people ask me if we like it and plan to stay, I sound like London Dave not so long ago… “Our life is so good here.” Work from anywhere