Seven things I learned while working in London

From September to December 2015, I had the opportunity to live and work in London, England. My office was located in the financial district at 30 St Mary Axe - The Gherkin - one of the most recognizable and iconic landmarks in the city. Moving from Toronto to London was a culture shock. On top of the obvious differences in architecture and language, I observed differences in many aspects of daily life, most notably diet, work culture and social norms.

1. People seem to maintain a better work-life balance.

   Lots of people work part-time; a 3-day work week is not uncommon. People also work a more reasonable number of hours, and start and finish their workdays at more reasonable times (e.g., 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm). Adjusting to this balance was difficult for me, given than I routinely worked 12-hour days at my job in Toronto.

2. Employers provide healthy snacks in the office.

   I was surprised and intrigued to see baskets of fruit placed by coffee stations and in common areas around the office. Apples, bananas, pears, Mandarin oranges... No muffins or doughnuts or Timbits. And it wasn't just in my office. Speaking with colleagues and new friends that worked in the financial district told me they had similar setups in their offices. Apparently many businesses in London (and throughout Europe) consider healthy snacks in the office as a benefit for both employee and employer - designed to incentivize people eat healthier and be happier and more productive at work.

3. Eating is way more civilized.

   Wow, people in London are polite and civilized! They use all the utensils at their place settings, and they use forks and knives for everything. Pizza, burgers, even eggs on toast! Have you ever seen someone eat chicken wings with a knife and fork? I felt a little embarrassed stabbing everything with the same fork, but old habits die hard.

4. You drink it all. And you do it standing up if you have to.

   Space is can be scarce in London compared to Toronto. When you go to the pub after work for a pint, you might end up standing outside, in the alley or on the street. Generally there are only a few tall tables to put your drinks on and there's no expectation of getting a table or sitting at the bar. Cold and rainy? It doesn't matter... having that pint and socializing with your friends and colleagues is more important, even if everyone is huddled under umbrellas.
   
   The pubs seemed to be packed all the time, and the drinking ethic is serious... you always finish your drink. No beer in the bottom of your glass when you're leaving. (And "drink" refers to beer. My manager explained to me, a little too late, that when I'm asked if I want a drink, they're asking if I want a beer with my meal. Not if I want a shot of whiskey on an empty stomach.)

5. There's a lot of beating around the bush.

   When someone says "if you wouldn't mind doing..." it really means "do it." The concept of having a choice in the matter is only an illusion. Perhaps because I'm from Toronto and I'm more used to our blunt style of communication, or maybe it's a personal thing - but I generally speak my mind. It took me a while to realize that questions and suggestions were actually instructions. Now I'm wondering what my former colleagues really meant when they told me "it's not the same without you!"

6. Office attire: Posh.
   

   Suit, bow-tie, pocket square and jacket for the men. Pencil skirts and Christian Louboutin heels for the women. Maybe it had something to do with working at The Gherkin, or in the City, but everyone looked great in their posh clothes. (Everyone seemed to be fit, too, which certainly helped them carry the look).

7. Going out to eat is shockingly expensive.
   

   When I first started going out to eat or get take-out, the prices looked to be similar to what you'd see on a menu in Toronto. Of course I knew they were priced in pounds and not Canadian dollars, but I didn't care. My credit card statement slapped me back into reality! A main course meal at a restaurant in Toronto is typically in the $15 range. But after conversion, in London they're $30! After that first statement, I started making my own meals.

I wasn't sure what to expect of living in London, and it turned out to be an amazing three months. It was a culture immersion, I learned a lot, and I would love to do it all over again.  But maybe somewhere new next time.