When I first came to London, I was captivated by the city’s energy. It was the city of dreams, where ambition met opportunity. A place where people from all corners of the world gathered to create, innovate, and carve out their futures. For me, as a young person, the possibilities felt endless. London wasn’t just a city; it was a promise. But now, as I reflect on my journey and look ahead, I can’t help but feel that the landscape has shifted, and not for the better.

For decades, London has been the beacon of opportunity in Europe. It wasn’t just the iconic landmarks or the vibrant cultural scene that drew young people like me — it was the promise of professional growth. When I arrived, I was filled with excitement and hope. It wasn’t uncommon to hear success stories of people starting from scratch and building careers in unexpected ways.

London’s open-minded job market was a breath of fresh air. Back then, the city seemed to understand that potential couldn’t always be measured by years of experience or academic achievements. If you were eager to learn, passionate, and willing to work hard, doors would open for you. Managers weren’t afraid to take chances on individuals with unconventional career paths or little experience. They invested in their teams, trained newcomers, and cultivated talent.

But the London I see now feels very different.

The job market today feels like a shadow of what it once was. As I scroll through job postings, I’m struck by the absurdity of the requirements. It’s not unusual to see entry-level roles demanding degrees, multiple years of experience, and a laundry list of skills. An assistant job—once considered an opportunity to learn and grow—now comes with expectations so high that it feels unattainable to most people, especially those transitioning careers or trying to break into a new field.

There’s a growing disconnect between what employers demand and what is realistic. How can a 24-year-old be expected to have four years of experience, a degree, and specialized skills for a role that, in many cases, pays barely enough to cover London’s soaring rents? It’s hard not to feel disheartened when the bar seems impossibly high.

Even more frustrating is the hypocrisy. Many of the decision-makers and leaders behind these hiring practices didn’t have to meet these same impossible standards. CEOs and executives who now demand degrees and extensive experience often boast about being self-taught or having worked their way up from nothing. They benefited from a more flexible system, but now seem intent on pulling the ladder up behind them.

One of the aspects of London that I once admired was how easy it was to change careers. People weren’t pigeonholed into one path. I’ve met former teachers who became software developers, artists who moved into marketing, and countless others who reinvented themselves. London’s openness to career change made it a place of reinvention—a place where you could dream bigger and take risks.

But that openness seems to be fading. Career changers now face barriers at every turn. Hiring managers seem reluctant to take a chance on anyone without direct experience, no matter how transferrable their skills might be. The emphasis on ticking boxes—specific degrees, certifications, or exact years of experience—has replaced a more holistic approach to evaluating candidates.

For those of us trying to pivot into new industries, this shift is particularly painful. It feels like the city that once celebrated potential has become rigid and unwelcoming. The focus on youth—candidates under 25—only adds to the pressure, making it seem as though opportunities diminish the moment you cross an arbitrary age threshold.

This shift in the job market is just one symptom of a broader change in London. The city I fell in love with—dynamic, inclusive, and full of possibility—feels increasingly out of reach. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and an increasingly competitive job market are making it harder for young people to thrive here. The vibrant, diverse London that once felt like the most exciting city in Europe now feels like it’s losing its spark.

There’s an irony in all of this. London’s reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation was built on the contributions of people who were given opportunities to grow and experiment. Yet now, the city seems intent on stifling that very spirit.

It’s not just about the job market—it’s about what this means for London’s future. A city that alienates its young people and makes it difficult for them to build fulfilling careers risks losing its edge. Talent will go elsewhere. And while London may continue to attract people with its name and reputation, the reality of living here may lead to disappointment for many.

As I navigate this landscape, I can’t help but feel a sense of fear for my future. I came to London with big expectations, believing that hard work and determination would be enough to succeed. But now, I find myself questioning that belief. What happens when opportunities become so limited that even the most driven individuals can’t break through?

The fear isn’t just personal—it’s systemic. What does it mean for a society when its young people feel disillusioned and stuck? How can we create a sustainable future if the barriers to entry are so high that only a privileged few can succeed?

To restore the London that once inspired me and so many others, we need to rethink our approach to employability and career development. Employers must move away from rigid requirements and focus on potential. Hiring managers need to remember that they, too, were once given a chance.

Policies should support career changers and lifelong learning. Training programs, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities could bridge the gap for those transitioning into new fields. By investing in people rather than just their credentials, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic job market.

Finally, we need to address the broader issues that are making London a less desirable place to live and work. Affordable housing, fair wages, and better support for young professionals are crucial if we want the city to remain a hub of talent and innovation.

London is still a city of immense potential, but it’s at a crossroads. The dreams and ambitions that brought me here are still alive, but they’ve been tempered by the realities of a changing job market and a city that feels increasingly inaccessible.

I hope that London can rediscover the openness and flexibility that once made it so special. I hope employers will remember the value of investing in people and taking chances on unconventional candidates. And most of all, I hope that the next generation of young people will find in London what I once did: a city that believes in their potential and gives them the chance to thrive.

For now, though, I remain hopeful—but cautious. London has changed, and so have I. But maybe, with enough effort and collective will, we can help the city reclaim its role as a place of opportunity, reinvention, and possibility for all.

by

Giulia Scarpelli

1st year Undergraduate Student

University of Westminster