A retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, have shared how they make money and discover more of the UK through home-sitting. They embarked on this journey in 2017 to keep themselves active in their retirement.
Home-sitting entails taking care of someone’s residence while they are away, including tending to their pets. Barbara, a former administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a retired police officer, now engage in approximately one home-sit per month, allowing them to be away from home for nearly half of the year.
Expressing her satisfaction with this lifestyle choice, Barbara mentioned, “After retiring, we didn’t want to sit around. Home-sitting really fit the bill.” The couple, residing in Perthshire, Scotland, has found that home-sitting not only provides them with additional income but also helps them save on utility bills, especially during the colder months.
During a two-week assignment without pets, home-sitters earn a minimum of £333.06, while caring for two dogs and a cat garners £367.92 for the same duration. The responsibilities involve around one hour and 45 minutes of daily duties, with a daily food allowance included. Additionally, travel expenses are reimbursed for both the initial meeting and assignments.
Reflecting on their experiences, Lawrence shared, “We’ve explored numerous Scottish locations that we may have never visited otherwise. The variety of animals we’ve cared for and the flexibility of this role make it truly special.” Barbara emphasized their commitment to ensuring the well-being and comfort of the animals under their care.
After almost a decade of home-sitting, the couple has established regular repeat assignments, with one family welcoming them back since their initial involvement in 2017. Barbara expressed their contentment, stating, “We’ve never regretted our decision. Home-sitting has given us a lifestyle we genuinely cherish.”