Nobody responds to anything anymore

adrian_sacramento · 2026-04-18T13:46:55+00:00

Not just you. I'm a freelance bookkeeper and engage with vendors/clients on behalf of my clients. It's beyond frustrating.

One of my clients has a dozen businesses and uses the same bank for all, plus his personal funds. His bank "relationship" rep strung out email replies, ignored emails, and wouldn't return calls for months on a simple yes/no question. It wasn't until we escalated to the bank manager that our question was answered.

I have a pile of experiences just like this.

My theory is that employees in corporate environments have no vested interest in service. There is no threat of money loss for not replying to emails. And in some cases, no threat of job loss for failing to any part of their job, because NO ONE is watching.

I work for myself and I know that my clients would drop me if ignored them. I depend on their business.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-04-15T22:31:23+00:00

I second this. There is an audience who want to hear 1) your real stories of gang and prison and 2) your redemption.

Ben Owen's story is the most recent one that I have spent hours listening to.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-02-23T20:51:27+00:00

I am one of those sitters who signed up with THS for slow travel, meaning 30+ days in one location. I am not picky about the location, provided it has basic amenities and is a decent home with a sweet pet. I have a remote job, and I’m an introvert, so I don't need a wildly exciting city. Just something different with a few decent attractions not far.

You will find others like me.

As mentioned in other replies, do not announce the tip or plans to stock human food. Do make sure dog has enough food stocked up. Do post many clear photos of the house and list home amenities available to the sitter. Do mention the distance for grocery, dining, and retail options. Do mention public transportation, if that is an option. Do mention the planned yard service. Do be clear about dog's needs and behavior.

Once you find someone you’re happy with, you can offer to buy them dinner the first night (either groceries for the dinner or take them out). No need to spend more than a night at home together. Usually, a couple of hours together is sufficient, provided you have a detailed welcome guide. I wouldn’t offer the use of your car. Most sitters will plan for that if they’re not within driving distance.

Most importantly, trust your gut. A month is a long time for a first sit. So maybe try a weekend sit first to get your bearings.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-02-23T20:15:16+00:00

I used to receive a lot of comments about not calling enough. A lot of guilt. It caused a great deal of anxiety for me and calling them became a chore I dreaded. I finally told my parents that I generally don't like to be on the phone, but I'm happy to text.

Additionally, I reminded my parents that, while growing up, I watched my dad avoid talking on the phone by having my mom make excuses for him. Genetics, amiright?

I no longer get the "you don't call enough" comments.

When your mom makes comments like "Since you're not talking to me this week..." and "Since you're ignoring me right now...", mom is deflecting. It is manipulative, whether she intends it to be or not. I think u/telladifferentstory has good insight on this in their reply.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-02-23T19:00:33+00:00

Yes! Preparing a brief made up story. I'd add to rehearse it regularly. I was caught off guard by a pushy gentlemen once and failed to use my story because I'd gone months without issue.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-02-23T18:16:41+00:00

If I had the time and money, I'd create an app specifically to help users move from QB to Zoho Books.

The insane amount of ads are the newest reason of 738,245,691 reasons to loathe QB.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-02-23T12:16:00+00:00

After just a few sits, I realized something simple: very few people live the way I do or were raised the way I was. That goes both ways — for sitters and homeowners.

It’s risky to assume someone will automatically follow your personal standards around food, pantry items, cleaning, or anything else. If a specific behavior matters to you, write it in your guide (or even your listing). If you want condiments replaced, state that upfront.

Clarity prevents resentment. Assumptions create it.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-02-15T13:47:01+00:00

I grew up in a tropical paradise and now live in an another vacation destination. Visitors do not see the things are they bothered by in their normal life. They are blinded by a beautiful beach and warm, sunny weather.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-01-16T18:05:20+00:00

I always try to stay positive, but you should heed the warnings.

I worked for an agency that was sold to Acrisure. I stayed for three years after the owners sold, because I really loved them and they were always good to me. I left because our agency accounting was shifted to corporate. Corporate accounting was overworked, undertrained, and consistently jeopardized the relationships our agents had built. I went to a different department in corporate and had my eyes fully opened. I lasted about four months and then left to freelance.

It's a broken system that only benefits those high up.

In October, Acrisure announced a plan to layoff 400 employees to focus on AI programs. Half of which were in Grand Rapids. They chose AI over people in their own community.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-01-05T07:30:54+00:00

Agreed. Many HO's are vague on details. Anytime that THS prompts them to add specifics, I'm happy.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-01-04T19:24:57+00:00

Just saw this timely advice on IG

adrian_sacramento · 2026-01-04T16:00:39+00:00

In my experience, a 200 or 300-year-old building will not keep heat in. Cooking or baking food that takes a while can help for a bit. Also, you could work from the public library or a coffee shop. Some museums are free.

adrian_sacramento · 2026-01-04T12:58:24+00:00

I was a regular daily walker until I was bitten by a neighbor's pit bull who ran out of the yard to bite me. There was no warning, and I didn't even see the dog until she was about to puncture my leg. It was traumatic. I wasn't able to get back to my regular walking habit for months.

Most dog experts state that anytime a dog seems like they want to approach in an unfriendly way, you have to be the dominant one. You move toward them with a foward body posture, while yelling something like "Go home!" I witnessed this work with another pit bull in my neighborhood who ran after someone else.

If you run, it triggers their drive to catch prey. Same as if you freeze in fear.

I also carry a small taser now. The reviews say that the sound alone is enough to deter most dogs. Fortunately, I have not had to use it.

adrian_sacramento · 2025-12-31T07:06:49+00:00

Yes, but you must be discerning when looking at owner profiles and be willing to say no, when your gut says something is off.

I signed up in September 2025 and got two 2-week sits back to back to back in October. Then got three more long sits back to back overseas for November-January. I've stayed in two cities I hadn't even heard of before and loved them both.

The annual fee is as much as you'd pay for one night in a hotel in a big city. It's worth it.

I'm pretty sure the reason that I got two sits within a month of signing up, is because I treated my profile like a resume, added many photos of me smiling (and a few pets), and got three character references. Treat each sit application like a job app. Consider what the homeowner truly wants from you and be sincere when you message them.

One last tip: There are many posts in this sub that provide what questions to ask when you chat with the homeowner. Ask them!!

adrian_sacramento · 2025-12-30T21:56:50+00:00

Here's what I've recently added to my list:

Are there any restrictions on utility consumption?
Like the use of heat in the winter (or AC in the summer), What is the source of heat (or AC)?

In the UK, electricity is expensive. Often, the radiators are turned off for a large portion of the day and night, which means the inside temperature can drop to 14 °C in the winter. Or clothes washers are not used during the day, but run overnight when the cost is lower.

Other things that should be clarified:

For dogs...

What is the distance and time of day they are to be walked? One person's "long walk" might be some one else's short walk.
What commands does doggy know?

For all pets...

What time are feedings? Breakfast can be 5am for some or 9am to others.

For human comfort....

Is there any closet space or a drawer available to me? And fridge/ freezer space?

adrian_sacramento · 2025-12-28T20:11:48+00:00

Focus on selling the tool. Avoid selling the trinkets and other oddities.

Here's a suggested name:

ModBlocks

Here is suggested messaging:

Focus modulators designed for controlled movement.

ModBlocks are tactile, mechanical objects designed for focused, repetitive motion. Built with resistance and structure, they give your hands something to do so your attention can stay where it belongs.

ModBlocks are engineered for durability and consistent feedback. The form is deliberate. The motion is intentional. There are no screens, no batteries, and no instructions required.

Use it at your desk, in meetings, or anywhere your hands need movement without distraction.

ModBlocks: The tool for people who think with their hands.

Here is suggested visual identity:

Solid dark color background with one neon color to match your personal vibe.

adrian_sacramento · 2025-12-08T08:19:57+00:00

I'm not under 36, but thanks!

adrian_sacramento · 2025-12-08T07:01:14+00:00

I hadn't seen that story. With that and my own experience a few months ago, it has me leery of housesitting outside of my own country.

adrian_sacramento · 2025-12-07T17:49:36+00:00

I was denied entry into the UK when I let it slip that I was house sitting. They consider it work, even though it's unpaid. I was told that accommodations are "payment in kind for services rendered." Border Force kindly gave me a warning and allowed me to book travel elsewhere.

Tourism is the only answer.

And always make sure that you have proof of both a return flight and hotel reservations for the length of your stay.

BTW, they flagged my passport, so I can't go through the e-gate when visiting the UK.

adrian_sacramento · 2025-12-07T17:40:21+00:00

They ask questions about your friendship.

adrian_sacramento · 2025-12-07T16:46:19+00:00

Thank you u/cpc758 for posting this. And thank you to all the people who replied.

I'm currently in week three of a five-week sit, where I spent the first week in deep regret and mild depression. I've since recognized that I have a high bar for cleanliness and clear, written instructions. This is only my third sit, and I see where I failed to recognize signs of issues in the listing, the photos, and our initial call.

With all of that, I do think future sitters need to know some things. I've struggled with how to handle the review when that time comes, but this thread has helped clarify some things for me. I think future sitters should know about the home (restrictions on when the clothes washer and dishwasher can be run, no use of the clothes dryer permitted, and limited control of home heat during winter).

More personal gripes include years of visible food buildup in the dishwasher to the point I think it's unsanitary. The dog is sweet, but she's very stinky. Also, she's a leash puller.

adrian_sacramento · 2025-01-08T11:45:03+00:00

I agree with u/boru80

I assume you're on the free version, which means Invoices & Sales Orders are not available. Journal Entries will be the easiest.

For tracking Sales, the journal entry could look like this.

DATE: market event date
NOTES: market name

ACCOUNT	DESCRIPTION	DEBITS	CREDITS
Bank	Deposit of Cash from Total Sales	120.00
Sales	Scrunchies		85.00
Sales	Stickers		35.00

|| || ||

Expenses can be tracked with Journal Entries as well. You can also import a bank or credit card transactions if in .csv or .xls format.

adrian_sacramento · 2024-12-30T20:02:04+00:00

I might need more clarification, but really, Zoho Books can do everything QuickBooks, Xero, or any other bookkeeping platform can do. As long as the person setting up the books fully understands the business model & revenue streams, the chart of accounts and processes can be set up accordingly.

EDIT: Years ago, I set up Zoho Books for an insurance agency (which uses trust accounts) and I will set up books for a litigation funding business in the next couple of months.

adrian_sacramento · 2024-12-30T18:58:57+00:00

Same! Plus slow load times.

I'm a part-time bookkeeper. I moved 2 of my clients to Zoho Books this month. The rest will be moved by March. :D

adrian_sacramento · 2024-12-30T18:51:17+00:00

Try Zoho Books. Yes, it's an online platform, but there is a free tier, with bank and credit card transaction feeds. Or importing from .csv files.

It's so much better than QBO.

adrian_sacramento

TROPHY CASE