Top Reasons to Consider House and Pet Sitting as a Digital Nomad
For all you remote workers and digital nomads out there, house sitting and pet sitting might just be the best-kept secret to balancing work and play.
Forget about those cramped home offices or noisy coffee shops. Instead, envision yourself logging into Zoom calls from a cosy beach house, a cute cabin in the mountains, or even a chic city loft…all in exchange for just a few hours of your day, watering plants or looking after an energetic pup during your breaks - there are so many incredible opportunities for nomads to make a difference!
What are the Benefits of House and Pet Sitting as a Remote Worker?
1. Change of Scenery
Let's be real… staring at the same four walls day in and day out can get old fast. House sitting or pet sitting in a new location means fresh views, new experiences, and a much-needed change of pace. Through pet or house sitting, you can enjoy new routines and draw fresh inspiration from the change of scenery, whether you're exploring a new corner of your home country or venturing abroad.
2. Free Accomodation
One of the biggest perks of house and pet sitting? A free place to stay, while also doubling up as your office space! Whether it's a luxurious villa or a quaint country cottage, you get to blend in, live like a local, explore the local culture and hidden gems without breaking the bank.
3. Comfort and Reliability
Having a comfy and healthy work setup is super important. A stable Wi-Fi connection and the right amenities help you stay focused and stress-free. Busy places like cafes, or co-working spaces can be fun and great for socialising, but they come with lots of noise and interruptions that can mess with your concentration. While those spots are great for a temporary change of scenery, having a reliable and comfortable work base is key for digital nomads getting tasks done and keeping a good work-life balance.
4. Furry Friends
If you're an animal lover, this is a no-brainer. There’s countless reasons why pet sitting is the perfect side hustle for remote workers, as you'll have the joy of pets without the long-term commitment. Plus, who doesn't love a dog that doubles as a walking buddy or a cat that provides endless entertainment? Pet sitting while working remotely can give you great companionship when you're away from home, family and friends which can help to combat loneliness and stress.
5. Work-Life Balance
It's easier to find that perfect work-life balance when you're working remotely in a new, inspiring environment. Take a midday swim, explore the local area after hours, or enjoy your morning coffee with a view. It’s all about blending productivity with relaxation. Workations can improve both your mental and physical health as you reduce your stress escaping the rat race. Additionally, by saving long commute time, you find more opportunities to relax and explore, making the most of your flexible work schedule and location independence advantage.
Tips on How to Get Started
1. Do your Research
Find the perfect choice for you - whether it's house sitting or pet sitting - based on the level of responsibility you want. Prefer a low-key stay? Opt for house sitting. Enjoy having a dog or cat around? Pet sitting might be your best bet! If you’re still undecided, we have you covered with this blog breaking down the pros of pet sitting, so you can decide what's right for you.
2. Sit with Workaway
Use Workaway for house and pet sitting opportunities that matches your travel and work schedule. Simply log in and use the filters on the host list to narrow down your search and find your ideal host project. You can specify your preferred location, the type of tasks you're willing to take on. Whether you want a quiet retreat in the countryside or an exciting stay in a bustling city, we got it all. Just tailor your search to fit your needs and start planning your next digital nomad adventure!
3. Communicate with Hosts
Once you've found your ideal pet or house sitting gig, it's time to connect with your host. Start by having a detailed conversation to ensure you understand exactly what they’re seeking from their sitters. You can give your host a call and discuss key points such as, responsibilities, expectations, house rules, emergency procedures, and local/insider recommendations.
4. Stay Organised
Make sure you have a reliable internet connection when working remotely and keep a schedule to balance work responsibilities with downtime. Set healthy boundaries, ensure you are also exploring and getting your exercise for your mental health!
5. Live Like a Local through Slow Travel
Instead of rushing from place to place, take your time to soak in the local vibe and make real connections. One awesome way to do this is slow travelling through Workaway, where you can trade a bit of your time for a deeper cultural experience. Apart from house or pet sitting (including some long term house sitting opportunities!), there are also plenty of other great projects that only need about two hours of help a day, so you can still get your remote work done while enjoying a richer, more authentic travel experience. It's the perfect way to mix work with adventure and truly live the nomad life.
6. Plan Your Trip
Once you've landed a gig, plan your workation. Make sure you have all the essentials for both work and leisure. Pack your laptop, comfy clothes, and don’t forget treats for your new furry friends! Not sure where to go? Take a look at our favourite cheap destinations that are perfect for digital nomads.
About Stephanie De Jesus
Stephanie was born on an island and raised with a British/Portuguese multicultural background. From a young age, she learned how to embrace different languages, traditions, and cultures. After quitting her job in finance, Stephanie embarked on her first backpacking journey through Southeast Asia.
With an infectious zest for life and an unwavering spirit of adventure, she continues to step outside her comfort zone, living in Amsterdam, hosting canal cruise tours, completing an exchange semester in Chile, doing a ski season in Austria, volunteering at a surf hostel in Portugal and contributing to communities in developing countries like Kenya to make a positive impact.
When she is not exploring the world, Stephanie can be found practising new hobbies, such as rock climbing, roller skating, and skiing.
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