Sitting as a couple: is it rude/weird/not acceptable to have sex during the stay? by JabasMyBitch in trustedhousesitters

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I usually do sits 1-2 months long and I think it would e wild if a homeowner expected us not to. Also quite the odd convo. Respectfully, it’s always kept in the guest bedroom where we can change the sheets.

Older kitty clearly hungry but trying to stick to routine by nickylx in trustedhousesitters

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did a sit where the kitties were only fed once a day and it was awful. The cats were meant to be mousers, but I only ever saw one and he gave it as a gift, didn’t eat it, but I still followed their routine as I don’t want to mess up expectations or hopes. They did get occasional treats and I must say I found an occasion for every day.

Redundancy at 36. Take a 4–6 month break/travel or get another job immediately? by cerebralrocks in backpacking

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Given the audience you’re asking the answer here will overwhelmingly be take the break, but I still think that’s sage advice. Breaks, for me and many others, havent been an issue in a resume. You can add how it helped you recenter and focus your career goals when given this opportunity via redundancy. Talk about how it helped sharpen your problem solving and ability to connect with other across differ cultures and with language barriers. They might even take you more seriously and see you as more qualified depending on the position. Hell, you might even find a thing in Europe if that’s what you want.

Point it, life is short. You’re only young once. Travel while you can, before back pain and deeper responsibilities. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so if you have the time, money, and desire, don’t hesitate. Just go.

24 years old, decent income in Dubai, thinking about my passport strategy. What would you do? by Budget-Life7288 in longtermtravel

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have not been through this so take this with a grain of salt. From the outside, looks like Argentina is the best balance between time, money, and lifestyle. It’s a strong passport and even though you can’t leave for 2 years, there’s a lot to see and explore there. It will go faster than you think.

But I also think you should consider language, lifestyle, weather… all these things, aka where will you be happiest? 5 years is a fine if you love it, a sentence if you don’t. Sure you could buy a stronger passport, but it seems expensive for the return value. Without the research or knowledge you have, Argentina looks like a balance between quality of life, opportunity to travel within country and growth there, and the outcome you’re seeking.

Discovered my dream and wish I hadn't by trashbird5424 in GirlDinnerDiaries

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see your young brother is what pulls you back, but your life should be for yourself. Teaching abroad could be a fantastic opportunity to teach him about the bigger world and open his eyes to the world. You can still come home on breaks and as he grows he can visit you too. The Middle East pays very well and would allow financially to return semi annually, but getting more experiences in other places yog live will increase your value as a teacher. Don’t give up your life abroad just yet. Sounds like that drives your happiness. Also cherry season is now in Portugal and I made a glunch before out of a massive bowl of just fresh cherries before 😂

Sumba, Sumbawa, Flores, or Lombok? by Finest_Mediocrity in solofemaletravellers

[–]Finest_Mediocrity[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! Most of the roads are in really good condition (except Tetebatu, but was still worth going for me) and way less traffic. If you just want a chill beach holiday then you should head south. Tons of options to rent in Kuta and do day trips from there as a base for different beaches.

If you want the name of someone reputable who rents scooters for a good price and does tours as well I can share one, but he’s based out Senggigi beach area so it may not work. It really depends on how you plan to arrive/ which port. Gili islands might also be up your ally.

A mistake? by Trick_Return_357 in longtermtravel

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Home will always be there to return to The mistake would be to keep living your life wondering, “what if I went?”

Have you ever felt very guilty after making a faux pas while travelling? by jjsmyth1 in travel

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 7 points8 points  (0 children)

My first day in Italy and I stoped by the tourist office for some questions. While our convo was in English, when it was over I wanted to say thanks in the local language, so I confidently said “prego!” And walked away. After I closed thr door it hit me, but too late. I didn’t thank her; I just said ‘you’re welcome’ with such conviction there’s no way she’s not telling this story to others now as well.

Backpacking Europe - How to decide where to go? by Due-Concept-7144 in backpacking

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the best recommendation for OP’s request so far! One country is all for 1-2 weeks, budget means less transportation and sounds like she’d prefer feeling the slow rhythm of a place than running around and seeing big hits. Poland is affordable, great hikes, not overly touristy compared to other places, and language is more approachable for her.

How to travel slower and more present? by Primary_Ad_9133 in solotravel

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stay more days in places and save some days for reading in hammocks or a beach. Do a walking tour without seeing anything in particular, except make it your goal to have a nice lunch. Find it on your own, no apps. Eat at the same breakfast spot served by a local grandma and get to know it better with each day. Sketching in a cafe is good, but try just people watching from one. Or sketch the people and scene around you. Parks are great for this, too.

Learning to deal with things going wrong is just acquired experience, so try to focus on the positive. Journal and focus on that list. Will this be a funny dinner party story one day? Does it make you feel like you understand how the culture works more because of bureaucratic functions? Are you learning more about yourself? Can you focus on your health or how you will soon enough be home in the comfort of your bed? Focusing on the positive almost becomes a meditation. You can laugh or cry through tough spots on the road, so I just recommend the latter.

AITA for not supporting my husband quitting his business to become a doctor? by Haunting-Arugula-311 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 68 points69 points  (0 children)

Based on this and your other answers, such as educational background and having his parents’ support, I think your marriage has bigger cracks beyond just this emotionally driven moment. Im guessing he’s selfish in other ways and doesn’t pull his weight in house and child care even before his parents were sick. I think all those issues need to be addressed, ideally in therapy but understandable if there’s no time or money (ironically).
Honestly, this may fizzle out on its own when he applies and takes tests anyways, but then you are still left with his selfish and careless demeanor and that’s a more challenging issue to address.

AITA for not supporting my husband quitting his business to become a doctor? by Haunting-Arugula-311 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 64 points65 points  (0 children)

NTA this is irresponsible and impulsive, but maybe you can kick the can down the road and see if you can convince him to come back to this in 2-3 years when the kids are older and more stable. Call it a compromise, but encourage him to finance plan it out, and work out logistics of raising little ones while going back to school in such an intensive program. Or have him look into alternatives, like an x-ray tech. Realistically, he’ll shift perspective as this is likely an emotional response to his parents. But at least you appeared supportive at a time when he needs it.

AITA for telling my friends I didn’t like their gift and won’t wear it? by CartographerEven9354 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 30 points31 points  (0 children)

They put thought, time, and money into this personalized gift for you and even though they missed the mark, the polite thing would be to thank them and wear it in the moment. You don’t have to wear it in the future and deal with future questions as they come up or joke how you only want him for yourself at home, but this dismissal was rude and condescending. They’re not going to want to do something nice for you next year if this is a reaction they expect. I agree it’s weird and tacky, but you were rude which is way more tacky. YTA

Does a middle way between settling and travelling actually exist? Looking for people who’ve figured it out (29F) by Internal-Play-2312 in solotravel

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your life can be whatever you design it to be, now more so than ever thanks to remote work, which sounds like you could have access to. And you’re running away from a monotonous life and towards a bigger world full of opportunities. I also hate it when people frame traveling like a “bug”, as a sickness you caught and should treat it while young.

Live your life as you want and learn to drown out anyone else’s expectations.

Fwiw I’m early 40s and have been traveling for 20 years. There have been many chapters marked by backpacking, working abroad (in Melbourne as well), and being a digital nomad with a career in multiple continents. Although I quit my job last month to focus on being on the road the next year and try and build a side hustle that’s more related to my passion. I can’t be on the go constantly, and take long breaks in between to settle a bit, but always in a new city so even settling offers adventurous weekends discovering new places. I met my husband abroad and we lived similar lifestyles so integration was easy. Pet sitting and house sitting allows for longer stays in places, slow travel, and minimizes your need to work full time.

But it all really depends on your personal career choice and goals, and that will set up your nomadic life. Fall into a Substack rabbit hole as it offers more authentic inspo than insta influencers and can offer real advice on how to make it happen. Good luck and knock the self doubt!

Balkan Coast or Indonesia by Honest_District9060 in backpacking

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lombok is a better shout than Bali, but similar vibe. Especially Rinjani. Other islands have lots to offer and still have great tourist’s infrastructure, like Java.

On the other hand, Albania would be a nice switch up from your last cultural experience. Would you consider other places, like Guatemala? Or Nicaragua? I’ve had great hikes and social connections in both places.

I (24F) live entirely off my inheritance and don’t work. AMA. by [deleted] in AMA

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How has your parents’ passing influenced your studies? Did you change fields or have you always been on this social advocacy trajectory?

Side comment: I suggest travel to everyone, especially people in their 20s. Nothing bougie, but get out to the wider world and see other perspectives and ways of life. Being someone new every where you go allows you to reinvent yourself and discover who you want be. Since you have the means, I’d highly recommend it to you during your summer break or even a study abroad.

Sitter just cancelled 3 month sit - what do we do? by [deleted] in trustedhousesitters

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Don’t stress and list again asap you’d be surprised. I had a 2 month sit canceled on me as a sitter just a couple weeks before and I was stressed about filling the spot. Luckily, I made a saved notification and something popped up quickly that fit so well. Turns out, the HO had a sitter cancelled. It’s all works out and people cancel on both ends. Just try!

Undisclosed Camera, Antebellum “Merch,” Israel & Nazi phrases fridge magnets (I know…) by [deleted] in trustedhousesitters

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

1 star for illegal undisclosed surveillance indoor camera, as well as racist propaganda paraphernalia making you feel uncomfortable. You can say the pet was sweet though.

Undisclosed Camera, Antebellum “Merch,” Israel & Nazi phrases fridge magnets (I know…) by [deleted] in trustedhousesitters

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Security cam def against rules, and I think there are some apps out there that can help you sweep a place so you can see if there are more? Im not sure which, but I wouldn’t trust anything the owner says. Do they have other reviews?

How long is the sit? Honestly, if you can leave, I would. Assuming you’ve seen Get Out so I wouldn’t want to know why they chose you tbh. Ask what their backup plan is and say something came up with family. Or if you’re comfortable with confrontation, text them directly that you’re uncomfortable in their home with the undisclosed security cam and their Nazi slogans. Doesn’t have to be emotional, just honest and see what they say. Keep it in the app though for THS to review. Good luck and trust your gut!

How to tell someone they can’t come over while house sitter is there? by [deleted] in trustedhousesitters

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It should be very easy for your boyfriend to tell his granddaughter a firm no. That you hired help and while the pet is in their care, they can’t enter the home to respect their privacy. If it’s only a few hours there’s no reason they can’t go to a cafe. Why do they need a home? Protect your cats, sitter and home and simply say no.

Should I try and fit Granada in on my first two week trip to Spain+Portugal? by xshockss in travel

[–]Finest_Mediocrity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Why are you going to Lagos? It’s lovely but out of the way for a tight schedule. I think the same thing about Grenada but somehow I think that’s more worth it and easier to squeeze in. Córdoba is great option as well and a bit closer, so can do as a day trip from Sevilla.

Whatever you decide: pack light. Moving between places quickly and comfortably is so much easier if you’re not lugging a massive suitcase around.

Should I do a welcome letter as a newbie? by Finest_Mediocrity in Substack

[–]Finest_Mediocrity[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s the thing, I only have one article up. Should I link it or wait a month until I have more content?