A FORMER teacher has revealed how she was able to quit her job to travel round the UK in a van.
Hundreds of people have given up the traditional way of life to try something new, including TikToker @vanlifevallis who now lives life on the road.
2
2
Prior to the big move, the TikToker was working as a teacher and putting half of her £24k annual salary towards her future home.
However, as someone who’s ”always been into non-traditional living”, the teacher realised that success, to her, doesn’t necessarily mean owning a home.
Sharing a bit more about her van life, Sophie recently took to TikTok where she said she’s ”been accused of having an OnlyFans” to afford life on the road.
In the video, the young woman claimed she is ”not a trust fund kid” and that she doesn’t get any financial support from her family.
”I have not had a super lucky break or a fantastic job that has just paid me to go travelling.
”I was a teacher for three years and before that, I’ve just worked since 16, maybe 15.
”Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money.”
At the time, in her mind, the route to security was ”having a lot of money in the bank” and the main aim was to buy a house.
When she started teaching, her annual salary was £24,000 – and determined to own a house, Sophie put 50% of her income into her savings.
During her first year of teaching, Sophie also applied for a mortgage – however, she was disappointed when she was offered £50k.
”I’ve anticipated like four, four-and-a-half, five times of what I earn, which is what most people say.
”Wasn’t gonna be in a lovely house but it was gonna be a house, a two-bed house for myself.
”Then, that wasn’t gonna happen anymore and I just thought to myself, ‘I’m spending my whole life living for tomorrow.
”I’m literally spending my whole live saving up, not doing what I want to do because I care about what might happen.”
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 to 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 stop in certain locations, particularly at night-time.
Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.
After the bubble had burst and Sophie realised she didn’t want to live this way, the former teacher continued saving – this time, to travel around the UK in a van.
”I have always been someone who’s been into non-traditional living.
”I was saving tiny homes at 14, I’ve always admired houseboats.
”When the van life started coming up, I just thought, ‘That’s it – that’s it for me’.”
For now, Sophie relies solely on her savings and no longer works – however, once the money runs out, she’ll be ”praying for a miracle to live this life long-term”.
The TikToker also reminded how life can change in an instant – and you may never see the day you’ve been waiting for.
”I know it’s a bit morbid but I always consider what happens if I don’t make it to retirement. Saving for a day that never comes,” Sophie said in the comments.
‘Van life gives you freedom’
Posted less than 24 hours ago, the inspiring video has already taken the internet by storm, winning the former teacher close to 80k views.
Close to 200 social media users flooded to comments, where many praised Sophie for her message and new way of life.
One said: ”Love this idea. I’m seriously thinking of going off-grid and selling up.”
”Well done you! Van life is amazing, cheap and gives you freedom,” another chimed in.
”The only thing you can’t guarantee in life is tomorrow so live for today,” someone else wrote.
