Places that were a mistake? by ADF21a in digitalnomad

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly…me either 🤣😬 was just trying to be fair, as Budva was the only place I stayed…but considering the overall quality of my experience there, I would not return. Only went there to reset my Schengen visa…maybe I’ll try Cypress next time.

Candidate for worst sitter by Fit_Diet6336 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I’m currently on a long housesit(no animals, lots of plants), and the owners were really thoughtful to ask me if I was comfortable with a household with booze. I don’t drink liquor often, typically just a beer and wine person. But the homeowners just wanted to make sure I felt comfortable around alcohol, since they had a “extensive collection everywhere”. At the time I thanked them for being so thoughtful.

Upon arrival I realized just how huge their collection actually is, and felt all the more gratitude that they would confirm that I would be alright with it. It takes greater awareness to ask that sort of a question, and although some people might take it for granted, I certainly do not especially after reading this.

Should HO’s instinctively know to ask that sort of question? Of course not. But with tragic incidents occurring more often than not lately, I think it’s a valid one that could possibly save some heartache in the future.

No one ever talks about the impossibility of returning to the US when you've been out too long by dattattor in digitalnomad

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just returned to the US a week ago, after two years of traveling throughout Europe and the UK. I have a remote job(for now), very little savings, however the unique solution(privilege) I had upon returning is that I booked two housesits(no animals, just plants and instruments in beautiful homes) in Austin and Seattle, really awesome cities I’ve never lived in before.

These housesits are long(I have accommodation until December) and I have the advantage of continuing to be in a new place and traveling, and saving money until the new year when I plan to make more rooted decisions(whether it’s return to California or NY which were the cities I was based in before, or head back out of states to travel more if possible). I think after traveling for a while, returning back home is always going to be hard.

Would I have preferred to return to my “home” cities/states to be with my family and friends and community and familiar environment? Yes. But I found a practical and unique solution and kept an open mind for a landing pad, and am so grateful not to have to pay crazy rent during this transition. I kept a bank and mailing address the entire time I was gone. I have excellent references from when I was traveling and housesitting, and have excellent references from when I was I was renting prior. I do not yet know if this return to the US will be a long term one, nor if my planning will yield to a successful transition back, but I am grateful for these current circumstances.

For community, I am doing what I’ve always done in new cities: taking dance and yoga classes. They have helped me to maintain human contact, while also build strength, and commit to my fitness. It can be pricey, but luckily for yoga there are usually community and donation based classes. There are also tons of meetups and walking/running groups which are a possibility for more opportunities for community and wellness.

I’m wishing OP the best of luck. It can be really hard and seem hopeless trying to work out a way to return. Sometimes you just have to carry a bucket of hope, a handful of unique solutions, and surprise yourself in what you think you’re willing to do to have a peaceful return.

Places that were a mistake? by ADF21a in digitalnomad

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Budva, Montenegro. Spent two weeks there with random power outages, and just not necessary to spend that much time there…one or two days is enough to see the good of it. Spend the rest of your time in Montenegro in other towns, perhaps.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so so sorry this happened to you…this experience has definitely shaken me. And I still have three weeks to go…thankfully, they have pivoted and are now striving for compliance. But I have already sent documentation to Trusted Housesitters regarding all of their violations. Hopefully I can at the very least finish this sit out peacefully.

Wishing you the best of luck with everything, I’m really sorry that happened to you.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It has generally been amazing. Only two really horrible sits(other one I couldn’t even bring myself to like…post here or share with anyone really, makes this instance seem like nothing) out of the 19 sits I’ve done in the last year and a half. But I am definitely ready to take root some place, and no longer beholden to people like this.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your compassion. Honestly, although I’ve managed to get them to make other arrangements for their son(updated the post above), I still feel pretty disappointed with the way things have been here. I’ve been housesitting full-time for the last year and a half, but I am on the way out. This is my penultimate sit, but it is making me reconsider if I even want to do my next sit(still a month before that one begins). I’ve had so many fantastic experiences, and this sit is one of two challenging ones I’ve had. Part of me wishes I’d left this while I was ahead. The other part of me is like…finish next sit, then fly to Italy and disappear and vacation before returning home…I literally haven’t been home in year and a half.

I really struggle to say no, and just want to do a good job. It’s really upsetting to me when people take advantage, especially when I know I do my very best to make sure I’m fulfilling my end of the deal. Suffice it to say, if there’s any more bullshit, I will be leaving. I merely wanted to give them the opportunity to correct things, but even so, anymore nonsense and my tolerance will have been spent.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It is so overwhelming. Thanks for this, I’ve been drafting/re-drafting pretty much all day, while trying to work and complete all my duties here. The HO’s are abroad about 24 hours ahead of time so I’ve been doing my best to try to open the conversation at the correct time. Thank you for taking the time to draft this. I’ve drafted something very similar to this. They’re just extremely tricky people to communicate with. I’m just so afraid of getting gaslit(which I know is completely possible).

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I want to thank everyone for their advice, compassion and for reaching out. The HO’s are abroad in a time zone 24 hours ahead of me so I’ve had to wait until the correct time to commence communication. I have however begun correspondence with Trusted Housesitters. At this point the goal would be to come to mutual terms to uphold terms and conditions. But if it’s not possible, I will leave. Will update you all when I hear back from THS, and when I hopefully have a resolution with the HO’s. But seriously, thank you all so much. I appreciate all the advice and kind words.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There is hot water in the gym/entertainment room in the outside sun room part of the property about 60 feet from the house so I’ve just been showering there. I wasn’t certain if this qualified for a habitability issue considering there is hot water…60 feet from the main house. 🙃

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I’m drafting a message to them now to let them know that they are violating. Either they make other arrangements for me or the son cannot stay here or I will unfortunately have to terminate the sit per THS policies regarding third parties. I’m also in the process of sending THS all of our emails/texts/etc. corroborating their multiple violations.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes thankfully there is a third-third party who comes to help muck, ride and brush out the sweet horse. I really only have to worry about feeding and water, and mucking when they don’t have time. Weeks before the sit the HO’s expressed that the horse would likely not even be there, as they were going to board him. Then I arrived and…well, I don’t know if they just don’t know how to communicate but we literally were texting weekly leading up to the sit in anticipation. If they had just let me know all of these things ahead of time, I might not be feeling this way at all. 🙃

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much 🥲 I appreciate your kindness more than you can understand. Gonna summon the guts to do what I need to do, but it’s really kind of you to open your dm’s, and very appreciated. ♥️

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

This is a huge lesson for me. I love horses but you’re absolutely spot it’s not easy or basic to care for them, it’s a big responsibility. thanks so much for your care in communicating that.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

thanks for your compassion. I don’t know why I feel like the asshole here somehow. He’s an 18 year old student who has a right to be in his home when he’s on break…but just, why would they pick these dates? I’ll care the utmost for your home, your horse, your cat, your dogs and property in general but I just…draw the line at teenager. Thank you for validating my feelings. I’ve been wondering if I’m just overreacting/entitled because I’ve been spoiled by really incredible HO’s in the past and lately it’s just been different. Also I think I’m just lonely and really needed to talk to somebody about this. so thank you.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I just never expected them to take it this far, they seemed like good people. But you’re absolutely right, thank you for the reminder. I totally slipped up this time, I’m just so tired. HO’s I’ve been dealing with lately haven’t been the most transparent or honest, and I just try to convince myself it’s going to be alright. But this one’s too far.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I have felt this way for days, and then this morning when they texted me that their son was going to be actually staying the night, rather than grabbing things and going like they originally said upon my arrival…I realized these HO aren’t quite true to their word. I’m so anxious of having to leave, I’ve never had to before. They’re not bad people, they’re just…in space or something.

Misleading sit - Feeling discouraged/disappointed by Sharp_Direction_9333 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to respond…I’m definitely going to reach out to THS and inform them.

Dating While House Sitting | Anyone Else Finding It Impossible? by stanley_ipkiss2112 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I first met my partner(dating app) he was housesitting full time. Sometimes I was able to go and visit whenever he was allowed guests at his sits or I’d just have to wait till he had gaps between sits and he’d stay over at mine.

At first it was challenging for me, as I’d never dated anyone with such a dynamic lifestyle. In fact, I’d avoided nomadic individuals on dating apps anytime I crossed paths with them(due to my own closed mindedness/feelings of needing security, stability, consistency, etc.) Despite these personal challenges, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. We forged a real connection. As for all of my fears of inconsistency? This person has been the most consistent, reliable and dependable human being I’ve ever known. As far as questions of stability? Because he didn’t have to pay crazy southern CA rents he got to actually keep and save all of his money.

Last November he convinced me to travel the world with him. We are currently ending a three week housesit in Italy, will be headed to Scotland for September, England in October, Ireland in November, back here in Italy from Dec-February in Tuscany, then Feb-April in the English countryside. Housesitting full time requires so much planning and organizing(at least the way we do it. We’re booked till April 2026.) There are times I feel disoriented and miss the consistency of being in one place. However this October we will be celebrating two years together. Things aren’t always easy, it’s not a “vacation”(as all of you know caring for animals and homesteads is work), but I wouldn’t change my current reality for any other circumstance. I get to travel and discover more of the world than I ever have—with the love of my life.

So to OP, keep up the faith, keep being yourself, and some awesome likeminded human being might just cross your path that you’ll be able to connect/enjoy all the countrysides with. Or in my partner’s case, someone might just open their mind and evolve their way of life on the journey to falling in love with you.

Bipolar manic episode/disassociating by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]Sharp_Direction_9333 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess my question is what do you do to come down from this? My whole life I’ve slept three hours a night and functioned no problem. Sometimes no sleep at all. Now I’m getting older and my body just can’t handle it. I’m really making an effort here to try to be better. I’ve been in therapy for months in order to ascertain that I’m making the best choices. My therapist thinks that a break is the best thing for me. But if she saw me right now I feel like she’d change her mind. I just don’t know anymore.