In a way it makes sense, and maybe don't read it in the worst possible way.
I travel a lot for work, to nice places, and I used to love it. Whenever I'm away now, honestly the best part of my day is talking/texting with my boyfriend in the evening. Because of the constant travel and him being quite busy too, we don't see each other as much as 'normal' couples, but doesn't stop us talking every day and feeling really connected, a bit like what you've said about you and your man.
Thing is, I'm supposed to be productive and work looong days on these trips. My focus is off, I'd rather cancel any evening meeting and talk to him because it gives me joy. When I have time off, sometimes I go and do something nice and think, it would be amazing to do this with him. As a result my work output suffers. I'm homesick, not just for him, but he's a part of it. To the degree that I'm looking for a job that involves no travel. Again, not just because of the bloke, but I'm not enjoying it and am on thin ice in terms of performance reviews. It doesn't work.
I'm not saying that's the case, but...
- Feel too connected to back home - may mean that he's homesick and not really present in his daily job/ life at the moment, and trying to focus on job more, or potentially return to the UK
- Work wise I’m not in a good place at all - sounds like work isn't going well and he's distracted
- I need time out - sounds like he has realised your relationship, which at this point, let's be honest, isn't very real/ serious, is affecting his decision making re his future, and he needs it out of the equation to consider the more tangible factors
- I promise it’s not to do with you, I really just need time to be present here and where I am, hope you understand - see above
I could be completely off the mark, I don't know him or you.
He may be realising that although he doesn't know you well, he could have something much more enjoyable 'back home', but he also realises that it's not something to seriously hold on to yet, so he doesn't want to make decisions based on feelings/ your potential relationship. For you both, the relationship probably feels very real, but as you have only spent a limited amount of time together, it's understandable to be a little apprehensive on both sides to make any big decisions based on it.
Sounds like he wants to sort his work issues out with a clear head, and it really has nothing to do with you. It's not the most romantic, but it's sensible. He realises your relationship has made him float in the clouds a little bit and he needs his feet on the ground and focus.
Hear him out, really listen to him, and don't assume the worst. Sounds like your connection is real, and sometimes people just need a bit of space to figure themselves out.
As for me, we got a bit of space over the summer, I realised the job wasn't working for me, the travel wasn't working for me, boyfriend or no boyfriend, and we both realised our bond was important and valuable, but it was helpful to be able to step back and get some perspective before making big decisions.