Shane Williams and Sarah Camden, both 29, left their demanding jobs in 2023 to embrace full-time caravan living, gaining more freedom and saving significantly each month.
Previously, the former estate agent and bank worker returned home after 5 p.m. daily, logging a combined 90 hours weekly with minimal time together. Facing steep rents near £1,000 monthly, they relocated from Hereford to Wrexham three years ago to manage a campsite, slashing expenses and hours.
New Roles and Lifestyle Shift
They now handle 40 hours over five days, tackling grass mowing, guest check-ins, and site maintenance. Shane explains: “We were sick of getting home at 5pm at night doing our normal jobs. We had two hours of seeing each other and have to do it all over again whereas now we get to work with each other every day.”
Earning £1,900 monthly each, they receive a free camping pitch, water, electricity, pool access, and discounted bar drinks. Despite a pay cut, disposable income rises, funding four holidays in 2025 alone.
Starting with a gifted caravan, they upgraded to a £7,000 model and £13,000 campervan for off-duty trips. Shane notes: “If we’re being strict with ourselves, we can save £1,000 each per month. There’s £2,000 per month to be saved. But we live like kings – we don’t limit ourselves or say ‘we can’t afford to do that or this.’ We do go round travelling in our van now we have the free time for that.”
They dine out frequently, exceeding average spending, and cherish outdoor time.
Promotions, Sabbatical, and Challenges
Last year, promotions to head wardens boosted pay by £400 monthly. They then took a four-month sabbatical for social media content and campervan travel, returning to original roles in 2026.
Off-season brings cold, damp conditions in the caravan, but summer offers constant outdoor enjoyment. Reduced hours allowed them to adopt puppy Sunnie.
Monthly Expenses Breakdown
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Free |
| Water | Free |
| Electricity | Free |
| Gas | £16 |
| Car insurance | £60 |
| Fuel | £200 |
| Campervan insurance | £56 |
| Food shopping | £280 |
| Road tax | £30 |
| Total | £642 |
Shane adds: “We’ve escaped the normal nine-to-five life. We get two days off a week. The way our rota works once a month we also get four days off in a row.”
Future Plans
Aiming to buy a house for rental income, they seek a long-term safety net while others cover the mortgage. Sarah reflects: “It’s nice to have a job role that has a different way of life. You get used to being at home and never in the open whereas here we’re closer to being outdoors all the time.”
