I was 40, single, & burnt out from my party life – I quit my 6 figure job & moved into a van – I’m poorer but happier
TURNING 40 is a huge milestone in many people’s lives - and prompted a colossal change for one woman who ended up quitting her job to live in a van.
By many people’s standards, Kaye Sutcliffe was living a thrilling life, living in London earning £500 a day and jetting off on numerous holidays around the world.
Speaking to Fabulous, she said: “That year I did twelve trips, it was all about living life to the fullest.
“But the ‘work hard, play hard’ lifestyle started to catch up with me.
“Single, no kids, and facing the big 4-0… let's just say a little voice whispered, ‘No more!’ “The constant hustle, the party-fuelled nights, and the nagging feeling of being ‘past my prime’ all added up.
“My skin, reflecting the inner turmoil, started breaking out. It was time for a change.”
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Kaye quit her high-flying digital marketing job and initially moved back to Manchester, where she was originally from.
She added: “I had worked my way up the ladder, but also knew that there was something more to life for me than the 9-5 and sitting at a desk all day.
“I ended up waitressing to get by, going from £500 a day to minimum wage, but feeling freer and happier with no pressure.”
Tired of paying rent and stuck in the grind, Kaye decided to switch up her lifestyle completely and moved into a van on the road.
Having previously qualified as a yoga teacher, she decided she would start teaching classes as she travelled, including festivals and online - and launched her Yoga on the Move business.
She shared: “Let's be honest, 40 hit me like a disco ball – all glitz on the outside, but a little dusty underneath.
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“Here's the thing: I'm a total risk-taker! No kids, renting a place, and a lifetime of travel under my belt – why not turn this dream into reality?
“For nine months, I kept telling everyone about my mobile yoga studio dream, half-expecting the perfect van to magically appear on my driveway.
“Finally, in May 2021, I decided to take action and jumped on Autotrader.”
Kaye eventually found her 1994 VW T4 - which she has nicknamed Eileen - and paid £7,700 for her.
She added: “She may not be the newest model on the road, but the size is perfect - tons of storage, a bathroom, a full kitchen with an oven, grill, and four burners – basically a home on wheels.
“We didn't need a major overhaul, just a touch of TLC to make her truly mine adding new wallpaper and a bathroom refresh too.”
Although it doesn’t have a shower, the adventurous said gyms can provide the perfect solution.
Kaye set off in her van and during her first summer she toured around the UK teaching yoga at numerous festivals - and recommended using Park4Night for wild camping spots.
Is it legal to live in a van?
IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.
However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.
There could also be restrictions on where you can park up and sleep in your van.
For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.
It could also be unsafe to spend the night in some locations (particularly at night time).
Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.
She then headed to Spain and took Eileen on a ferry to spend Christmas and New Year in Ibiza.
The yoga instructor also shared how she helps run a retreat in the North of England called JOY, (journey of you).
Kaye added: “Summer always finds me back in the UK, hitting the festival circuit and spreading the yoga love.
“But this year, after returning from a truly epic six-month trip through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, I'm feeling grateful for Eileen more than ever.
“This yoga nomad life, with Eileen as my trusty companion, is an absolute dream come true.”
Single, no kids, and facing the big 4-0… let's just say a little voice whispered, ‘No more!’ “The constant hustle, the party-fuelled nights, and the nagging feeling of being ‘past my prime’ all added up
Kaye Sutcliffe
Kaye, now 46, admitted that money has been tight at times, and a far cry from her hefty London wage.
She shared: “Sure, my income looks a lot different now.
“Gone are the days of raking in nearly £500 a day. But honestly, I wouldn't trade this freedom for anything.
“Van life has completely transformed my relationship with money.
“There have definitely been moments of ‘feast or famine’ – like the time I entered Morocco with a mere £50 in my bank account.
“Talk about a rock bottom moment! But guess what? I made it through, and that experience has only strengthened my resolve.”
Gone are the days of raking in nearly £500 a day. But honestly, I wouldn't trade this freedom for anything
Kaye Sutcliffe
But will she ever go back to living in a house?
Kaye shared: “Converting a bus into a mobile yoga haven that pops up at festivals during the summer - this is totally happening.
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“Long term, a big dream house in the countryside is definitely calling my name.
“Imagine a haven for all things well-being – regular retreats, workshops, and a space to connect with nature and fellow yogis.”