Working in Glasgow

Scotland's busiest city is home to an eclectic range of industry sectors, and as a result the job market is always a lively one. The population of the city stands at around 600,000 these days, but if you take in the whole of the Glasgow metropolitan area - which includes the likes of East Kilbride, Kilmarnock and Cumbernauld - the working population here on a daily bases stands at almost two million.

While this number is perhaps surprisingly large, it should be noted that the city's sizable infrastructure is able to cope with it. Glasgow was once one of the major industrial cities of the developed world, of course, but the days when the River Clyde was thronged with shipyards and engineering works are long gone now. Thankfully, the city has managed to complete a highly impressive recovery in recent times.

If you were wondering about which type of jobs were on the vacancy boards, the answer is just about anything and everything. The major employers in Glasgow tend to be found in the service sector, but there are many more to be found elsewhere. If you're looking for roles in retail or secretarial you may find them more easily than you first thought. Similarly, you should also find a number of roles in call centres and the like.

Another sector which is well-represented in the city is finance. For anyone who is living in Anniesland or any other neighbourhood which offers good commuter links to the centre of Glasgow, the proliferation of roles in the financial sector is a major benefit. There are estimated to be more than 50,000 people employed in Glasgow's financial and business service sectors, emphasising the city's position as a major centre for national and international economics.

Working under a skyline that takes the breath away

The centre of the city itself is an iconic area which plays host to a pleasing mix of traditional architectural styles and brand new office developments. Many people who are living in Glasgow have jobs which are based in ultra-modern offices offering a funky, fashionable work environment designed to reward and inspire. Many others, of course, are employed in some of the older, more iconic buildings which perhaps offer less pizzazz but more in the way of heritage.

It should be noted, however, that working life in Glasgow isn't just confined to the centre of the city. There are many locals who earn their living in the suburbs, for example, including Govan, Rutherglen and Hillhead. If you're currently looking for a vacancy in this wonderful city, make sure you don't restrict your search to the centre without looking elsewhere.

The vast majority of jobs will be located in and around the central business district, an area roughly bordered by the River Clyde, the High Street and the M8 motorway. It's conveniently laid out in a grid pattern, in a similar vein to New York, Barcelona and Toronto. Thanks to this layout, getting around is relatively easy, especially for newcomers to the metropolis.

While some people drive to their workplaces on a daily basis, it should be noted that Glasgow boasts an impressive public transport network. Travelling from one central location to another is easy thanks to the Subway, an underground rail loop that connects 15-strategically located stations, including Buchanan Street and St Enoch in the east and Partick and Kelvinhall to the west.

All trains lead to the centre of the city

The city has two overground railway terminals, Glasgow Central in Gordon Street and Glasgow Queen Street in Dundas Street. The stations are less than half a mile apart, and between them they handle more than 45 million passenger movements on an annual basis. They serve a large number of stations throughout Glasgow and into the surrounding suburbs and beyond.

While working in Glasgow brings with it an opportunity to savour the excitement and exhilaration of a major European metropolis, it's worth remembering that this is a city that offers plenty of opportunities to find peace and quiet amid the beauty of Mother Nature. There are several city parks to be found here, including the always impressive Kelvingrove Park. Scotland is home to some spectacular countryside, of course, and Loch Lomond is only 25 miles away from the very centre of Glasgow.

With so many flats and houses to rent in Glasgow, you may find it difficult to know which area would suit you best. The centre of the city itself is a good location, for example, for anyone who wants to be close to the celebrated cultural landmarks such as George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Necropolis.

If you're currently considering a job relocation to Glasgow or perhaps a change of career path to this wonderful city, be sure to contact Citylets first. We will be only too pleased to discuss aspects of everyday life in Scotland's brightest, busiest and brashest city.