When ever I sit on a plane and take off to our next house sitting engagement, an overwhelming sense of gratitude washes over me. It is at these times that I truly have to pinch myself to realise that the house sitting lifestyle we are creating is real. And amazingly awesome. Sometimes tears of absolute joy will well up as we take off to our next destination and adventures. At the same time the experiences of the location I am leaving are also at the forefront of my mind and this blending of what has been and what has yet to come results in a state highly charged with emotional energy.
I no longer say goodbye to people or places but instead use the phrase, “until next time.” This leaves open the possibility of reconnecting with people and places at some stage in the future. Whilst it may be that we won’t return to a destination or see people, many who have become good friends, you never know what the future may bring – I’m willing to leave that to the universe! Saying goodbye usually makes me cry as well as it seems so final so it’s best that I skip off knowing that maybe one day things will reconnect.
One of the hardest things to do as a house sitter, I have found, is to say goodbye to the pets we have minded and often I will avoid a final pat or scratch. If I do engage with them as we depart I often fill with tears and quickly move on. On many occasions we have noticed changed behaviour of pets as they see us packing our bags and preparing for their owners return. This sense that they know something is changing demonstrates an innate ability as well as their loyalty and love for their carers and it truly is a privilege to take care of these precious animals, even for a short time.
Of course it’s not all happy happy joy joy. There are times of frustration when plans fall apart or that sense of disappointment and rejection when you don’t get selected for a particular sit. Not to mention the anxiety around where we will be living next week when we have no sit booked. And I am sure at some stage we may feel a little homesick, although as we now no longer have a permanent home, homesick for what will be interesting. No doubt it will be connected with family, friends and people rather than the physical building or a particular location.
So would we change anything? No way! The house sitting lifestyle is more than we had ever imagined. We initially were using it as a stepping stone to scout out a new location to settle down but now see the endless possibilities it can and no doubt will provide. And riding the emotions that go with it are part of the fun. In the meantime I always have tissues handy to wipe away any tears – happy or sad.
Your words certainly strike a chord with us as we also love this house sitting lifestyle and feel so sad to leave the beautiful pets under our love and care. But then we pick up pretty quickly as soon as the next bundle comes along. Best wishes to you both on your wonderful journey.
Hi Andrew,
So well said! And it hasn’t gone unnoticed how brave you are to admit your tears — a sentiment not many people will discuss.
Conrad and I adore the house sitting lifestyle, too, and find new ways of doing everything — from the Vegemite to spread on toast, to gardening practices, to learning solar power and collecting water, to the simple joys of dining with neighbors. We absorb everything new at each house sitting assignment, and are better for it. True, sometimes it takes us out of our comfort zone, (like the insanely narrow roads of the UK where we are right now), but at the end of the day we still find value in all that house sitting offers.
Thanks for your honest approach!
~Josie
Thanks Josie and yes, tears are part of the total experience. Enjoy those narrow roads and when you are used to them you will be able to tackle them in NZ where they have single lane bridges too.
Andrew,our 10 days in Noosaville is coming to an end. Loved being with Chilli, mad Tibetan spaniel. Full of spunk
Had our other Housesitting gig owners over for dinner tonight. So lovely as our paths are in a state of crossing. They are going and we are coming and vica Versa
Looking forward to overseas adventures next year with nervousness
We know it will work out but fear of unknown is still daunting
Yes, one thing about this lifestyle is that it all works out in the end. And it’s so great when paths cross with other owners and sitters – we’ve even met up with people on the other side of the world. Enjoy the journey and hopefully our paths will cross one day. Oh, and stay tuned as our conversation inspired me to write a blog post about international house sitting from an Australian perspective.
Lovely post. Well said and OH SO TRUE! It’s a privilege to take care of pets who quickly become our grand pets. While we do have a permanent residence in Canada, we’re rarely “home” and like you love the unexpected joys housesitting has provided. I’m grateful to learn I’m not the only one to wimp out when it comes to saying goodbye to new friends and their beloved pets. “Until next time” sums it up beautifully. Thank you.
You said so much in this collection of thoughts. I admire that you have jumped into the lifestyle with abandon. I house sit too and have met couples on my travels who have been doing this for years with no regret. I have a home base and usually spend a few months a year house sitting for a number of Ex-Pat friends in the Jungle Paradise of Ojochal, Costa Rica. I am Solo wherever I go, and my hair is gray to hint at my age.. so I do become attached to new friends and the pets I care for. I also treasure each new adventure and excursion. You describe exactly how it is to leave our animal friends.. I know they must feel abandoned. They cock their heads while I try to explain Lol!
You have put the experience into words. I hope you post more.. I look forward to it.
Andrew, I just found and read your article, it is so true and well written to convey the feelings of a true housesitter! I began for one reason and now 6+ years later have a different mindset and passion focus.
Here is to many more sits for us both
Love, NomadicWidow
Thanks Sharon & keep living the dream! I always think of your statement about running away from home when we ordered pancakes in Ajijic, Mexico. Looking forward to our paths crossing again.