Medics Money podcast Ep 293: What happens to my NHS Pension if I take a career break...?
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Oct 14, 2025 A urology registrar shares his transformative year-long career break, traveling the world with his wife and dog. He discusses the financial logistics of renting their home and maintaining a car while abroad. Insights into managing work-life balance reveal the challenge of detaching from professional duties. Tips on traveling with a dog and visiting dog-friendly countries enrich the conversation, while the personal lessons learned highlight the balance between planning and spontaneity. Kai also reflects on returning to work and maintaining NHS pension contributions.
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Year-Long Motorhome Career Break
- Kai took a sanctioned year-long career break with his wife and dog and travelled the world in a motorhome.
- They rented their house out and documented the trip on Instagram to help others replicate it.
You Can't Flip Off Clinical Responsibility
- Kai realised he struggled to fully switch off from clinical responsibility and found abrupt retirement would be hard.
- He concluded he will need to taper work gradually rather than stopping suddenly when retiring.
Use Return-To-Training Support
- Do use deanery and trust support for returning clinicians because reorientation and courses are available.
- Take supervised reorientation days and paid courses to rebuild clinical fluency safely.