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Following the marriage ended, I naively thought vacations being a solo mother could be straightforward. Quickly discovered they proved either outrageously costly, or appeared exclusively designed for “traditional” households, or else were far too cheap that I came home even more knackered than before I’d left.

Early Vacation Attempts

The initial attempt, tenting with friends, went well up until the moment came to dismantle the tent. Hours of struggling with the tent under the sun later, I developed a dislike for the outdoors. Subsequently, an adventurous trip for single-parent families. Rappelling and caving were brilliant, but sleeping in a bunkbed wrecked my spine. We tried a low-cost all-inclusive in Tenerife, but the hordes of nuclear families were overwhelming, and poolside conversations with other women died down because I wasn’t come with a handy partner for their own spouses to talk to. An excursion to Majorca with a friend and her children was wonderful, but the expense was staggering.

Discovering House-Sitting

Then, the previous fall, a friend asked if we’d look after her dogs within the county while she attended to a wedding. For one peaceful weekend, we walked along the shore, and settled by the fire at night. That led to pet-sitting for her associate in Dorset, which proceeded well. Inspired, I paid an yearly £99 membership to register on a house-sitting website, through which, in exchange for looking after people’s animals, you stay in their homes without cost. In just a couple of days, I’d arranged a ten-day pet-sit in Sussex, caring for a labrador called Buzz while his owners were abroad.

Our daily strolls provided the opportunity to explore stunning nature spots.

It was the initial assignment for strangers, but all anxiety vanished the moment we arrived the beautiful spacious house and encountered the gentle Buzz, who lived for belly scratches. Each day's canine strolls offered us the possibility to explore magnificent scenic areas, and, after we came home, we were able to relax outdoors for meaningful conversations about our favourite “Ghosts” characters from the television series. There were any pricey tourist traps to wander around – rather, we perused bookshops, treated ourselves to nail care, and went on kayak trips. I experienced more carefree and more joyful than I had in years, and noticed the connection alongside my child Polly deepen daily. I’m not afraid to admit that I wept with happiness. Life seemed possible once more.

Could Pet-Sitting Right for You?

House-sitting isn’t suitable for all. Some people prefer zero duties on holiday other than selecting their upcoming beverage, are not fond of pets, or perhaps find it strange about sleeping in a stranger’s bed, clearing their dishwasher, and taking out the trash. However the gentle pace of ordinary life, with work stripped out and fresh locations to investigate, suits me for me.

It keeps myself from descending into total idleness, a state that makes me experience restless and oddly hollow. And, monetarily, house-sitting acts as a lifeline for a solo mother. A 10-day getaway in a comparable house in the same area we stayed would set me back about £2,500 on Airbnb.

An Alternative Outlook

As for residing in a another person’s house, I discovered it nourishing. Even though pet-sitting is a exchange, it’s also an act of faith between unfamiliar people and animals, that has brought out my best self – my patient, loving and measured side, overflowing with gratitude for the individuals and locations we encounter. I have lined up another short break off, looking after a sighthound within verdant Surrey, and, next year, I’d like to attempt house-sitting abroad. Thanks to a bit of creative planning, we can experience the globe from the comfort of home – it just turns out to be someone else’s.