We quit our 9-5 jobs and are now living the dream in a caravan

Maria CassidyBBC Wales
News imageCamping Bible Sarah in their campervan. She is lying on top of blue blankets and duvet. She is looking out the back doors of the van where there is a view of a clifftop. Camping Bible
When they aren't working, the couple travel to other campsites in Wales and the rest of the UK

After a stressful day at work, many of us have considered packing it all in, buying a campervan, and just taking off.

But such thoughts tend to quickly fade as we get wrapped back up in adult responsibilities and the 9-5 grind.

For 29-year-olds Shane Williams, an estate agent, and Sarah Camden, who worked in a bank, they realised their jobs meant they weren't seeing each other very often.

So they quit work, and now live on a campsite in north Wales, where they cut grass, help with site maintenance and check in guests.

"My job involved a lot of driving so I wasn't arriving home until around six or seven each evening," said Shane.

"We were also living with our parents so we were only spending about two hours with each other."

Frustrated by this, Sarah decided to apply for a job working on a campsite near Wrexham that she saw advertised while scrolling online.

While they initially didn't take it seriously, just three weeks later, they had bought a mobile home and were packing their bags ready to leave their Hereford homes for a new life in Wales.

News imageCamping Bible A selfie of Shane and Sarah on a beach with their puppy, a cocker spaniel. Camping Bible
Shane and Sarah were working full-time when they came across a job advert for roles on a campsite

But it wasn't without its challenges, as Shane explained: "We did a bit of research on YouTube and a bit of googling.

"I had never set foot in a touring caravan before so I didn't know how to do little things like how to change the toilet."

Three years later, though, they think it's one of the best decisions they ever made.

While many contend with the rising costs of mortgages, rent, and household bills, they have a free pitch for their caravan, plus no water or electricity bills.

There are also the added benefits of a free golf membership and discounted drinks at the on-site bar.

The salary is also pretty decent compared to what they were on before.

They also work outside every day together, and have acres of land around them to walk their dog on their days off.

"We love being outside and going camping, we're living our dream," said Shane.

News imageCamping Bible Sarah wearing a black fleece, trousers and work boots. She is standing in front of a field and holding a cordless trimmer. Camping Bible
Sarah and Shane started work in the campsite in 2023, and help with maintenance on the grounds

They have also started sharing their adventures on social media.

On their days off, they travel around Wales, with Shane adding: "We bought a £20 tent for camping.

"We toured around the Llyn Peninsula and while we were there I recorded a lovely sunset. I posted it online and it got millions of views.

"So we continued posting on our page about the tour and then we had campsites messaging us inviting us to review their sites.

"We got a few days stay for free, but posting on social media allowed us to have another form of income."

News imageCamping Bible Sarah and Shane on a mountain summit. Camping Bible
Shane and Sarah said their jobs allow them to do the things they enjoy such as camping and travelling

While their social media followers have grown to more than 300,000, they have attracted some negative comments about their choice of lifestyle.

"We don't have children, a house or any dependents or commitments," said Sarah.

"So it's easy for us to make this decision. We're doing it how we want to do it."

They have no plans to ever return to the 9-5, and are even thinking about one day opening their own campsite.

Sarah added: "Usually with these types of roles, you do one season and then move on.

"We know that we'll be doing this for the rest of our lives.

"Even if we do decide to move campsites, that's the beauty of this role."