Google London or Google Zurich

Toptal
LHRZRH

Go to company page Toptal

LHRZRH
Aug 11, 2021 21 Comments

Hello!

I got very lucky and cleared the Google interviews. Now I'm in the team match phase and need to decide between London and Zurich.

We are a family of three and I'd be coming in as an L4 SWE.
None of us speak German. In Switzerland, we would not need a visa, in the UK we do.

In the case of London, I'm worried about the commute time and the quality of schools and housing. It also seems that the TC in London is not as good as in Zurich. As for Zurich, I'm worried about the language barrier and loneliness.

Tbh, I am not excited at all about moving. Just thinking about it makes my stomach hurt. Am I being silly?

Anyway, given the two cities, which one would you pick and why?

TC: idk yet - will share it once I get the offer
#engineering #swe

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TOP 21 Comments
  • New
    qquest

    New

    qquest
    I lived in both places.

    They are both expensive. Possibly rent is cheaper in Zurich while property prices are cheaper in London, if you consider comparable districts.

    Zurich is much cleaner, schools are better, crime doesn't exist. You don't have ignorant brexiters on benefits looking at you as the immigrant stealing the job of their uneducated children. It is also much more boring and limited. The two main things to do are sport and nature. Restaurants and coffee places offering are limited. Museums and cultural events in general are non existent in Zurich, compared to London.

    Swiss German is not an issue as most speak English and it is full of expats.

    Commuting in Zurich is a pleasant and short experience compared to London.

    What is the TC for the two locations?

    What is your lifestyle? How old is your kid? Do you want to stay there forever? Are you in Europe now? These are all questions that can help to make the right choice.
    Aug 11, 2021 4
    • New
      qquest

      New

      qquest
      With these comps you will be fine in both locations. Your net and savings will be higher in Zurich, I am almost sure about it.

      Is Google paying for the mandatory private medical insurance in Switzerland? Because that would cost at least 650 CHF for a family of 3, monthly.

      Given your lifestyle I think Zurich might be a better choice. Have you ever visited these cities? A weekend in each would help you realise how is life there.
      Aug 11, 2021
    • Google

      Go to company page Google

      When I lived in Switzerland I met British people go to Switzerland during weekend to ski all the time, either via bus or flight. Given that your lifestyle is more nature oriented, I would say Zurich is for sure a better choice.
      Aug 11, 2021
  • TC or GTFO
    Aug 11, 2021 4
  • New
    BFEA

    New

    BFEA
    I also lived in both. For a family I absolutely vote for Zurich. Also consider long term taxation prospects. It's very different.
    Aug 11, 2021 2
    • New
      qquest

      New

      qquest
      Right. I forgot about taxes. Actually better I don't think about it, otherwise I will cry again.

      In the UK there is mentality that it is fine to underpay the working class and let the middle class pay for their benefits (instead of forcing corporations to provide liveable wages).
      Aug 11, 2021
    • New
      BFEA

      New

      BFEA
      Precisely.
      Aug 11, 2021
  • Red Hat
    hVpg44

    Go to company page Red Hat

    hVpg44
    Imo, if you have a family, Zurich is wayy wayy better than any other EU cities my many folds.
    For all the good reasons.

    Btw, what's your current TC/company and YOE?.
    Thanks
    Aug 11, 2021 2
  • LinkedIn / Eng
    koniuk

    Go to company page LinkedIn Eng

    koniuk
    Google will pay significantly more in Zurich.
    In general, London is good if you are young or single or interested in culture/events/food etc
    If you don't go out that much, care more about savings or are more into nature/skiing etc. then Zurich would be better.
    Aug 11, 2021 0