Tobi

Germany
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Description
I have been traveling abroad regularly since 2013 to help people with their gardening and animals.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Intermediate
Russian: Intermediate
More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
Helping around the house
Languages
Able to teach about:
Gardening
Animal Care
More details about your skills
Gardening, animal care, house sitting
Age
34
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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16 Apr 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about permaculture and ...)

After reading Monika’s review, I feel it’s important to share my perspective. This is the first time I’ve ever written a public response. I also contacted the Workaway support team due to the seriousness of the situation - something I had never done before.

I stayed at Monika’s place for five weeks while she was away, looking after her house and… read more animals. Before she left, she provided a handwritten list of tasks, which I followed carefully - especially the daily care of the animals. In our communication, she mentioned I should “do a bit of gardening if the weather allows.” This sounded optional to me, and when we spoke in person, she added: “Do this if you have time.”

Tasks like cutting branches or repairing tools (e.g., a broken axe) were not discussed beforehand. I told her I wasn’t able to repair an axe, and she replied: “Then you don´t have to do it.”

I cared for the animals every single day, without a break - feeding two dogs, five cats, eight chickens and four peafowls. I also watered the plants and checked the greenhouse. The dogs had a varied diet: frozen meat, dry food, and fish (which was already available). During colder nights, I even let them sleep in my room to keep them warm. I walked them regularly and played with them daily.

During her time away, I sent Monika regular photos of the animals, and she never expressed concern about their condition. I even ordered meat once, which was delivered by her friend, who told me the animals were “healthy and lively.”

I was surprised to later read accusations that I underfed the animals. I did my best to keep them happy and healthy and received no warning or concern from Monika until her return.

She also claimed I didn’t clean the guesthouse. Before leaving, I swept the floor, emptied bins, and tidied up. I strongly disagree with claims that I left it in a terrible condition. After five weeks of daily tasks - largely alone - I believe I left the place in a reasonable state.

I left early in the morning to avoid confrontation, as I had experienced a lot of micromanagement and strong emotional reactions during my stay. On the day before my departure, I was accused of “losing a chicken” that later turned out to be completely fine - a good example of how small situations were often dramatized.

Regarding expenses: Monika kindly gave me money to cover groceries - about €140 for five weeks, which I appreciated. However, she insisted I provide a receipt for every item, which made me feel mistrusted. I kept most receipts, but one (about €30) was missing, which caused a disproportionate reaction from her. This added to the overall sense of strong control and lack of flexibility.

In general, I tried to do my best every day and take care of the place with commitment and responsibility. I was hoping for appreciation, but instead received criticism and accusations that I feel are unfair and untrue.

I share this not to argue, but to give future volunteers a fuller picture. Workaway is based on trust, clarity and mutual respect - sadly, that balance was missing in this case.

(Negative )

3 Apr 2025

Left by host (Learn about permaculture and ...) for Workawayer ()

I have invited Tobi to look after my small farm and animals for 5 weeks whilst I was travelling. We agreed on a 5 day familiarisation period together so that he can get to know the farm, the animals and the daily life here. I wrote a 5 pages long document listing exactly, what his tasks are at what time, and we also did everything together so that… read more I could see, whether he can do it and - if needed - correct mistakes. He is also German, so language was no issue.

I think it is usual with workaway that the host pays for the food, so we went shopping together and I left him money for shopping whilst I was gone. He arrived by train so I drove him to the supermarket.

I explained to him what I wanted him to do in the garden and he told me he cannot work with a chain saw and cannot climb a ladder. So I found other work for him to do in the garden as soon as he wass finished with feeding the animals.

While I was gone the communication was o.k., when he had questions or problems arose with the animals.

When I came back I noticed right away that the two dogs were very thin, the ribs were sticking out. The cats were o.k., but quite thin. I questioned him about that and he answered that he had only followed my feeding instructions. He hadn't even noticed that they were so thin. (During my absence I had already wondered, why he never ordered frozen meat. He got cross, when I had asked him twice about it. He wrote that there was still enough left.)

My peacock had plastic wrapped around both feet so tightly, that the plastic cut into the legs. He said he had not noticed that.

He hadn't worked in the garden at all and claimed I said gardening was "optional", although it was written black on white in the 5 pages document.

I told him very politely what I thought about all this, and he said then he would leave in two days. I asked him to clean the guesthouse before he leaves and at least work the last two days in the garden.

Today in the morning he had locked in one of the dogs in the guesthouse and had left very early so that he could avoid meeting me. He had sent me a personally insulting message, which I do not want to repeat here.

He left the guesthouse in a complete mess. A few examples: large bloodstains on pillow and duvet cover, the kitchen a total mess, dirty, open packages, the two-plate cooker is completely encrusted, the bins overflowing, a corner of the expensive, real carpet singed away by fire,... It will take me two wholes days to clean it. The carpet and the linen have to be thrown away.

So I cannot recommend Tobi to you, not even if you stay at home.

(Negative )

4 Feb 2025

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Tobi was my first workaway, and i appretiate he chosed me without any feedback. He helped me a lot with the dog, and houskeeping, It was a great feeling to come home from work with the dishwasher unpacked and the sink empty. He was very good at gardening and was open to learning how to use garden tools. And he helped me to pick up my post package… read more

(Excellent )

2 Feb 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Exchange foreign languages ...)

I had a wonderful 2.5-week stay with Szilvia, and I can highly recommend her as a host! She was incredibly flexible and even allowed me to arrive a few days earlier than we had initially planned. From the very beginning, she gave me a lot of freedom, which made my stay feel very comfortable and relaxed.

Although she is looking for volunteers to… read more

(Excellent )

12 May 2024

Left by host (Learn how to make living ...) for Workawayer ()

Tobi spent two weeks in my farm in the most busy gardening season. He got up very early to water the plants and mawn the grass. He also studied Polish language to communicate efficiently. Tobi was very serious with his tasks. He was helpful and reliable. I definitely recommend him as a volunteer.

(Excellent )

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16 Apr 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about permaculture and ...)

(Negative)

3 Apr 2025

Left by host (Learn about permaculture and ...) for Workawayer ()

(Negative)

4 Feb 2025

Left by host for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

2 Feb 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Exchange foreign languages ...)

(Excellent)

12 May 2024

Left by host (Learn how to make living ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

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