A father left his high-paying job in the United States to move to Yorkshire, England, where he took a significant pay cut to be closer to family and embrace British culture. Tom Bateman, 35, and his wife Brittany, 36, decided to relocate with their four children after living in the US for 17 years.
Tom had a successful career in corporate marketing, earning over $200,000 (£150,000) annually. However, he felt confined by his achievements and yearned for British humor and wit. Seeking a change and wanting to be near relatives, he accepted a job teaching bike lessons for kids in Bradford, working for his father, Phil, at a salary of £30,000 per year.
The couple made the move back to England to experience a slower pace of life, willing to adjust to a lower income by selling their possessions in the US. Tom expressed that despite his career success, he felt constrained by financial commitments that hindered change. He desired to have a greater impact and strengthen family bonds.
Having met in York in 2007 and later marrying in California, Tom and Brittany had been shuttling between the UK and the US. After residing in Chicago and California, where Tom pursued his education and worked in corporate marketing, the family moved to Idaho in search of a more affordable lifestyle before deciding to return to England.
Tom’s longing for British traditions and nuances grew, particularly missing the cultural elements like humor and social cues that are unique to the UK. His desire to be closer to his family in England intensified over the years, influenced by personal tragedies and a renewed appreciation for familial connections.
Brittany, who homeschools their children, shared Tom’s excitement for the move, highlighting the charm of English countryside living with its footpaths, villages, and quaint shops. The family, along with their two doodle mixes, Charlie and Mabel, are eager to explore the Yorkshire Dales at a leisurely pace without the constraints of a short vacation.
As the relocation date nears, Tom reflects on whether the move will feel like another extended visit or a permanent change. While anticipating familiar comforts like Greggs and traditional British pub experiences, the couple looks forward to immersing themselves in the laid-back lifestyle of Yorkshire.