Need advice on working in UK

[circa1762]

Hello,

I'm an American who's always wanted to live in London.  Recently I decided to stop dreaming about it and actually try to make it a reality.  I know I need a potential employer who's willing to apply for a visa for me.  My question is: I have more than 10 years experience in retail management--which is not the most impressive profession, I know.  So, what do you think my chances are of finding employment and qualifying for a visa?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[twiglet4frog]

i know this might sound a bit silly, but it is hard to tell from a few lines of a question, but...

have u stayed over in london for a couple of weeks holiday to get a feel for what the place is like and the prices of say houses etc. You probably have already, but sometimes having a stay here with a view to living here rather than as a tourist enjoying the sights is a bit of a back to reality type of thing! Also, have u considered living north of london and commuting in as prices of houses etc drop the further north u go as a general rule.

As for who will employ you, well try having a look at retail places that you have in america that we might have over here and enquire whether there are job prospects in britain for that chain etc

[circa1762]

Twiglet, to answer your question....I've spent quite a bit of time in London since I spent a semester there in college a looooooonnnng time ago (and just came back from a three-week stay).  I'm also a survivor of 10 years in midtown Manhattan so the price of accomodation doesn't scare me a bit.  My concern is that my "skills" are not enough to qualify for a visa.  But as far as looking for an American company to transfer me over, I have thought of that, and I wonder if my chances would be any better....

[WoWo]

There are plenty of retail management jobs in london, what I don't know is the situation with regards to a visa. Have you looked on the UK job sites?