THE UK’s booming house-sitter market has made it a real job for thousands of people wanting a holiday and getting paid for it.
They provide a live-in home and pet-sitting service while owners are away, ensuring the security and maintenance of the property and looking after any furry friends.
In return, sitters like Peter Sinclair, get a basic salary and enjoy the pad they are looking after — and surrounding area. He explains more on the right.
Assignments vary from a few days to several weeks.
While dogs and cats are the most common pets, homesitters can also look after animals including poultry, horses, sheep, llamas, spiders and pot-bellied pigs.
Ben Irvine is the director of operations at Homesitters (homesitters.co.uk), one of the UK’s biggest.
He says: “With travel back to pre-pandemic levels, we are busier than ever and currently recruiting new homesitters.
“It’s a great role for animal lovers keen to explore new parts of the UK, meeting people and having new experiences.
“Although most don’t do it for the financial gain, it does provide a small income and people save on their own bills when on assignments too.”
Responsible homesitting agencies will carry out a DBS check on potential applicants and will make sure you are paid through PAYE.
Typically, the property minders receive their pay, travel to and from the house reimbursed, plus get a daily food allowance.
While there are no age restrictions, most agencies will insist on sitters being home-owners themselves and many clients request the same sitter year after year.
Ben adds: “Ideal candidates are responsible and reliable people, who are good listeners, readily available through the year, and sensitive to our clients’ requirements. Proven pet-care skills and an affinity with animals are a bonus.
“We encourage those interested in working for a friendly, supportive and award-winning home and pet-sitting company to apply.”
ANIMAL-LOVER Peter Sinclair found the perfect job when he retired as MD of his own training consultancy.
The 73-year-old started as a housesitter in 2014, following his wife Lorraine. He has been finding jobs for a decade through Homesitters.
Peter, of Birmingham, said: “As previous dog owners, we know the stress that comes with going on holiday and having to leave your beloved pets behind.
“By homesitting, we know we are helping people, giving them peace of mind that their pets are happy, and their home is safe and secure.
“Our clients have become friends, and the greetings we get from the pets we look after make it all the more rewarding and enjoyable. Whether it’s for two days or two weeks, it is a privilege and pleasure to be the guardian of animals of all shapes and sizes.
“Enabling clients to come home to a tidy, clean house and contented pets is what we aim to deliver.”
WITH hundreds of MPs expected to be out of a job today, coming to terms with a career setback is a vital skill for them to learn.
Fiona Harrold, author of Be Your Own Life Coach, shares her advice on bouncing back.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE SHOCK: Give yourself permission to process your feelings of disappointment, shock or anger.
Feel your emotions without racing to find a solution. Get moving. Take a walk as you breathe and you’ll be amazed how much better you feel, just doing that.
TALK IT OUT: Speak to a wise confidante. They don’t need to be a career coach, just a good friend who lets you get everything off your chest. It’s vital to feel heard.
GET FEEDBACK: Ask what happened, whether you were let go or missed out on the promotion you wanted. Look at feedback objectively, and see how you could improve. Don’t take it personally.
If you need to improve specific skills, get busy putting a course or coach in place to help you improve.
KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE: Every career goes through setbacks. Tina Brown, the successful ex-editor of Vanity Fair famously said: “Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It’s all about how you pick yourself up and keep going.”
MAKE IT A TURNING POINT: Harness the crisis and use the energy to change. Don’t let one incident define you – embrace it and move forward.
HOLIDAY park operator Haven is hiring for 2,000 posts at its 41 centres around the coast.
Jobs include lifeguards, hospitality roles and positions in the activities and leisure team.
There is full and part-time work available for different ages and levels of experience.
Luke Cullen, boss of the newest park in Skegness, said: “If you’d told me 20 years ago my ten-week summer job would lead to becoming a general manager I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Nola Ferguson, head of talent acquisition, added: “From school- leavers wanting to take their first steps on the career ladder to individuals looking for part-time employment, there is a perfect role available at Haven.”
See jobs.haven.com/summerjobs2024
CALLING all chocoholics – here’s a chance to apply for your dream job.
Mondelez International has opened applications to recruit 48 choc tasters in the research and development team at its Bournville site, the historic home of Cadbury.
Known as “sensory panellists”, the roles involve tasting brands such as Cadbury, Toblerone and Milka, and providing feedback to support product development. Successful applicants need to be passionate about chocolate and keen to try the next big thing in snacking.
Afsha Chugtai, of the consumer science team, said: “The tasters will play an invaluable role in helping to develop the perfect taste profiles.”
See tinyurl.com/mr2623f7.
