A DOCTOR, who made a whopping £4,500 a month, has revealed he has ditched his NHS salary to live full-time in a van.
Gary Grant, 47, became increasingly burnt out by his gruelling GP shifts, and after suffering from post-pandemic exhaustion decided he had had enough.
Gary ditched his home to live full time in a van[/caption]
He now travels the world[/caption]
Gary became burnt out by his GP job[/caption]
He sold almost everything he owned and used the money to leave his flat in Lytham St Annes, and fund full-time travel in a camper van.
The GP has so far travelled to an impressive 16 countries this year, and has taken to TikTok to share his reasons for quitting the rat race.
In one clip, the single dad of two, who shares custody of his six and four year old sons with his ex wife, revealed that his main reasons for moving away from the traditional 9-5 were freedom, to have more meaningful life experiences, and to live more authentically.
“I have very little to show off about nowadays”, he said.
“I have no time for people who are all show and are fake and are only interested in appearances.”
“I’Il just do me now. If I ever want to go back to work as a doctor I will do that.
“I’m living a life that is on my terms, and that, when we live in a world that we feel trapped all the time, is massive.”
In another clip, Gary, who has travelled to destinations such a Bali, France and Slovakia in his van revealed that rising costs in the UK were another factor in his decision.
“In the news today the council tax is going to go up, the price of things in the supermarket is going up, everywhere you go in Britain you are shafted”, he said.
Gary also revealed that before he left his job, he thought the stress of it was going to kill him.
He said: “Waiting times for hospitals after Covid skyrocketed so we ended up seeing really complicated things that specialists should be seeing, but we were left trying to deal with it.
“People’s mental health also took a hit and trying to help someone in 10 minutes it was very hard.
“In the morning I would think, ‘Right, come on I can do this’, but by the afternoon I would say to myself: ‘The stress of this is going to kill me’”.
Gary’s videos, posted under the username @doctorbinfire, have likely left many people impressed, as they have racked up thousands of views and comments on the video sharing platform.
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
TikTok users raced to the video’s comments sections to share their thoughts on his unconventional lifestyle.
One person said: “My dream is being able to travel but I don’t want do it in a van.”
A second person said: “You must have studied hard to be a doctor! Just goes to show that your personal happiness outweighs any job.”
A third added: “Oh the envy I can only dream of my freedom!
“Happy travelling……. My day will come eventually.”
The single dad now has so much more freedom[/caption]
He sold all of his possessions to go travelling[/caption]