Deus ex Helvetica — Himmi Kari

I first really moved to London in 2019. Ostensibly a ‘London' girl’ having attended (don’t judge me) a school in Croydon, I actually grew up in Surrey. My childhood was so happily sheltered that I rarely went beyond my suburb, let alone into London proper. That’s why I consider 2019 the year I actually moved to London.

The subsequent six years in London were formative. During that time I worked as a doctor in the pandemic, finished a decade-long medical training program and became a GP, married my partner-now-husband, had one baby and am now expecting another. I feel I’ve made the most of things. But such a cram of life events, regardless of their worth and joy, can take their toll. Most people I talk to are feeling the effects of prolonged stress from the world lurching from disease to war to economic and political turmoil.

There are a variety of responses to such upheaval. As a family we tried a number of different approaches over this time but as I see it, there are only three options available:

Do nothing
Change the situation in situ
Change the situation completely e.g. move

In these six years I have tried the first two options, first by finishing my GP training and working within the limitations of a struggling NHS. After qualification I have tried a number of different roles all whilst remaining in London: I’ve continued to work as a GP but also worked in public health, medical education and pursued med tech opportunities. This time has been challenging as I’ve had to integrate my new jobs with existing family commitments and budgets. To a large degree, I’ve been successful.

However, with baby number two on the way and the longer term ramifications of child-rearing looming large (schools, childcare for two and associated quality of life/cost), our family have had to carefully consider whether we should continue to do this in London. Over time, option 3 has become the strongest option for us.

Which is why we’re moving to Switzerland.

Switzerland may seem like a random choice but there’s a reason for relocating to the land of milk and money. My husband is Swiss and by any measure, Switzerland is a good place to live. So, the moving van is booked and a candle has been lit for the end of August when we leave London for Basel.

We run the risk that Switzerland doesn’t hold all the solutions we’re hoping for, that there is no deus ex Helvetica that will make life better for our family. However, I’m a strong believer in making your own fate and that fortune favours those who try for better. That leaves me have one month to tie up a much loved life in London and get ready to emigrate. If I’m to follow the example of the efficiency-loving Swiss, I’d better get packing.