I was quite happy in Glasgow.
Close to beautiful Scotland, living next to the Pollok Country Park, a 25 minute commute to work!
I was sure I was going to settle in Glasgow and live happily thereafter; but life is no fairy tale.
I had a "permanent" job, working around a "niche" banking application, until disaster struck, something called a "strategic decision" killed my fairy tale. The client decided to give my project to another vendor, and I was once again looking for another source of income.
The fairy tale, didn't end there, not yet. An earlier client calls me asking me to re-join them in the same team I used to work in! Of course, I did say "Yes", but it never happened.. :-(
Tip 1: Avoid Milton Keynes Central
Close to beautiful Scotland, living next to the Pollok Country Park, a 25 minute commute to work!
I was sure I was going to settle in Glasgow and live happily thereafter; but life is no fairy tale.
I had a "permanent" job, working around a "niche" banking application, until disaster struck, something called a "strategic decision" killed my fairy tale. The client decided to give my project to another vendor, and I was once again looking for another source of income.
The fairy tale, didn't end there, not yet. An earlier client calls me asking me to re-join them in the same team I used to work in! Of course, I did say "Yes", but it never happened.. :-(
Tip 1: Avoid Milton Keynes Central
Fortunately, I live close to Wolverton station. I get the more spacious London Midwestern train, avoiding the cramped standing space in Virgin trains. I also get to avoid the traffic and crowd at Milton Keynes Central.
Tip 2: Avoid the Northern Line underground from Euston station. The trains are dirty, cramped, low roof, and overcrowded in the morning. It took me a couple of months to realise there is a much better alternative. One morning, after waiting for 45 minutes for a train I could get into, I took my smartphone, opened Google Maps, and checked for alternatives. A 5 minute walk to Euston Square station got me a brighter, colourful, and spacious train to Moorgate!
I have never used Northern Line in the mornings since. I do use it in evening to get to my 5:16 pm train from Euston. Even then I sometimes miss my 5:16 pm train if the Northern line is too crowded to get in.
Tip 3: At Moorgate, reaching the Northern Line southbound platform is a long circuitous route. There are a couple of direct ways which are shorter and easier
1) Take the steps. 72 steps down to the platform; its easier than it seems.
2) When it's not closed, take the escalator down through the National rail platforms. This is also the fastest way out, if you do take the Northern line in the morning!
Tip 3: At Moorgate, reaching the Northern Line southbound platform is a long circuitous route. There are a couple of direct ways which are shorter and easier
1) Take the steps. 72 steps down to the platform; its easier than it seems.
2) When it's not closed, take the escalator down through the National rail platforms. This is also the fastest way out, if you do take the Northern line in the morning!
Tip 4: Buses are sloooowww!, really slow. Travelling within London by bus is pretty much useless; you may actually save time by walking. The underground trains are always preferable over buses.
