A woman has shared how she quit her job and took a “micro retirement” in her mid-30s – spending £50,000 over two years to see the world.
Hayley Knight felt “overworked and burned out” by her busy lifestyle – juggling a career, city living and planning a wedding.
She and her husband Marcus longed to break free from their daily London routine.
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Despite being called “silly” by people who didn’t agree with their unconventional choice, the couple decided to take an early retirement – both aged just 33 and 32.
They have since travelled to Croatia, Florida, Mexico, Sri Lanka and even a full road trip around the Balkan islands [see full destination list below].
“It took a few months to prepare and organise,” Hayley, now aged 36, told Luxury Travel Daily.
“I had therapy to overcome my fears and doubts around it.
“Because I had spent so long working and my career had become my identity, it seemed like I was throwing everything away – especially in my 30s.
“People called us silly for giving up our careers so late in life.
“I sold most of my things and packed up my life – saying goodbye to everything I had ever known.
“I literally had just one box to my name stored in a friend’s loft.”
“But it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Marcus and Hayley set off in September 2021.
They were shocked by just how much they could do with the same budget.
While in the UK’s capital, they had paid an average of £2,00 per month just in rent and bills, their travel costs were the same and included accommodation, experiences and food.
From a well-being perspective, their new life was priceless in comparison.
But the process wasn’t always easy – but there were plenty of “pinch me moments”.
Hayley said: “My grandad and I used to watch documentaries about the Amazon – never in my life did I think I would actually visit it.
“I’ve snorkelled with turtles and stingrays, which I never thought I’d do as I’m terrified of the ocean.
“But now, I’m no longer afraid.
“Travelling put me out of my comfort zone in so many ways, as I was constantly being challenged.
“I’ve seen wild elephants, blue whales and monkeys while in Sri Lanka.
“There was one moment I had while walking through a park that it hit me I wasn’t working – and I threw my hands up in the air before bursting into tears with relief.
“Learning from other cultures and people is also so invigorating and inspiring.
“It’s things you wouldn’t ever learn in school or from books.”
The couple returned to UK soil in September 2023 and although they are now back at work, their nomad life hasn’t stopped.
The couple have visited new countries – and revisited old ones – with Hayley even taking six months to go solo travelling during summer last year. [see the full list of destinations below]
She decided to go alone, as after being in each other’s pockets for a number of years, the pair needed some space.
They are able to travel thanks to their flexible work – Hayley is self-employed and runs a digital PR business called BE YELLOW, while Marcus runs an AI agency.
Hayley said: “I’m not the same woman I was before I left.
“I am more confident and independent, and I see the world differently.
“Before, I was addicted to social media but now, I rarely use it.
“One of the biggest mindset changes is that I set boundaries – and I’m not afraid to say no.
“This was a huge problem previously, as it led to burnout, overwhelm and letting people down.
“I no longer make decisions out of fear.”
Hayley’s advice is to ignore nay-sayers – you don’t need millions to micro retire; just have a plan in place.
She added: “This time shouldn’t be seen as a holiday but a refresh, reflection and evaluation.
“Take time to understand what you want from a micro retirement and what is needed to achieve this; as it’s different for everyone.
“Each time was terrifying but there was always something better waiting for me on the other side.
“Saving for elderly retirement is still important, but young people need to be encouraged to enjoy their lives and travel while they’re healthy.
“Travel enriches life in so many ways and it’s good to take advantage of this while you don’t have any responsibilities.
“Society tells us that we need to get a job, settle down, buy a house, have children and wait until retirement to enjoy the fruits of our labour.
“But this is so outdated.
“As human beings, we aren’t supposed to live like this; we should be exploring, learning and connecting with the world.
“I will absolutely do a micro retirement again.
“When we came back, we were still financially stable – but knew we had to rebuild our savings up again.
“I also have no intention of having children or buying a house, so I have no responsibilities to worry about.
“I just want to continue travelling for as long as I can.
“Life is for living and the world is for exploring.”
FULL LIST OF DESTINATIONS VISITED:
- Croatia
- Turkey (twice)
- Florida
- Mexico
- Sri Lanka
- Balkan road trip (Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro)
- Albania
- Greece
- Bulgaria
- Costa Rica
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Brazil
- Chile
- Bolivia
- SINCE 2023:
- Portugal
- Sarajevo
- Croatia
- Florida
- Colombia
- Brazil
- SOLO TRAVELS:
- Spain
- Paris
- Portugal
- Turkey
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- Tenerife
- Bulgaria
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