“I had a total breakdown”: why this millionaire now prefers to live in a van

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Caitlin Pyle (36) from Orlando, Florida lived the American Dream: $4 million, her own proofreading company, an 18-room villa and a man by her side. Everything seemed perfect. But after the divorce in April 2019, everything changed for the American.

Because what had initially been the young couple’s dream quickly turned into a nightmare for Caitlin. «We built the house for ourselves as a couple. We were looking forward to entertaining people and nurturing together. But now that I’m all alone in it, I’m devastated,” she told the New York Post.

In her twenties, Caitlin built a successful proofreading business. In her first year alone she earned $100,000, 88,000 francs. At the age of 31, she broke the $4 million mark. This allowed her to buy a house in Orlando with her ex. After the divorce in 2019, everything became too much for her. “I was struggling to pay my bills and only had my emergency fund as a last resort. I had a complete breakdown.”

“I have become so much more confident”

Her body could no longer withstand the pressure. Shortly afterwards, her doctor diagnosed her with chronic stress and burnout. Caitlin Pyle knew things couldn’t go on like this. And the multimillionaire made a decision: in April 2023, she sold her company and pocketed another $4 million. She then bought a Mercedes Sprinter for $88,000. Her idea: she wanted to be free and travel through the US in a van. But she didn’t leave that quickly. First the car had to be rebuilt. Cost: $102,000! The work lasted four months, then she hit the road.

Caitlin has visited a total of eight states so far, including Alabama, Florida and Nashville. «I have become so much more confident, I have made new friends. I even went on a date. “Life is about growth and I think I’m growing,” the American concludes. She tries out many new things and has also discovered her passion for mountain climbing. She rents out her old villa on Airbnb for $25,000 a month and works part-time as a life coach.

“I like to drive for three to four hours at a time and usually park in front of friends’ houses. I exercise, take a shower and use their WiFi for a while to do some work. “The next morning I continue driving,” she says, describing her new nomadic life. She is convinced that this lifestyle suits her much better. «I used to go on expensive vacations several times a year, but that was not enough. Now I live on $20-$30 a night and live the life I always wanted to live. I do all this for my inner child.”

Source: Blick