NHS Therapist Ditches 9-to-5 to Travel the World with Kids After Realizing They Were Missing Out

Claire Cockayne, 41, and her partner Ben, 42, seemed to have the perfect life in the UK: thriving careers, a family home, and two lovely children. But despite their success, they felt a growing sense of emptiness—they were missing out on the precious moments of their children's childhood.

Claire, an occupational therapist, admitted to being consumed by "mom guilt" after missing school plays, sports days, and milestones due to work. The only quality time she had with her kids, Molly (7) and Benny (5), was at bedtime. The turning point came when Ben calculated that their children spent over 800 hours a year more in school than with them. That stark realization prompted a radical decision.

A Leap of Faith

Claire secured a 14-month career break from the NHS, and the couple took their kids out of school to embark on a round-the-world adventure. They've been home-schooling and "worldschooling" their children, turning the globe into a classroom.

"It was really difficult," Claire told NeedToKnow. "We were doing everything we were 'supposed' to do, but it often felt like we were missing the moments that really mattered."

The decision was also influenced by the loss of friends, which put life into perspective. "We kept asking ourselves, 'If not now, then when?'"

A New Way of Living

The family left the UK in June, renting out their home to cover expenses. They've diversified their income: Claire works remotely for a South Korean skincare firm, while Ben trades in financial markets. They also set up an online publication, Families Reimagined, to document their journey.

Despite the challenges of full-time travel, Claire says the benefits are immense. "They're happier, more relaxed, and so excited about every new experience," she said. The kids are learning about cultures, languages, and history firsthand, becoming more curious and confident.

Challenges and Rewards

Travelling full-time isn't always easy. "Plans don't always go as expected, and there are definitely challenging days," Claire admits. The lack of grandparent support is a hurdle, but relatives plan to join them for parts of the trip.

So far, they've explored Spain, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy, and are currently in Hungary. Next up: the US, Mexico, South America, and Asia, with Australia possibly on the horizon.

Claire reflects, "We get to explore together, play together, learn together and simply enjoy each other's company. One day they'll grow up, but they'll always have these memories. For us, that's priceless."