Popa, let’s rephrase Sam’s question with slightly different wording; a few weeks ago, even ‘early’ shabbos in Gateshead was at 8.30. Do you really not finish work before then?
In New York, 8.30 is about the time regular shabbos comes in anyway. So perhaps in NY making early shabbos is not a necessity, but like you said a luxury. However, in Gateshead basically everyone brings in early shabbos in the summer, since regular time is just too late.