Pandora White enjoys a lifestyle change through home and pet sitting in retirement

Posted on 26 March, 2020

Photo by Daniil Korbut on Unsplash

Pandora White is 72 years old and lives in London. She has been home and pet sitting since retiring from a career in publishing in 2018.

When she retired, Pandora looked into ways to boost her pension without the stress associated with a full time job. She loves to travel so when she came across Homesitters, a national home and pet sitting company, the role sounded ideal. Following an interview, she was employed by the company.

Home and pet sitting has been transformative for Pandora. She explains, “Before retiring, I led a completely different life. I’ve gone from being a busy business woman working in a central London office to spending time with animals, which has brought out a completely different side of me.”

“I really enjoy connecting with the animals, keeping them calm and happy whilst their owners are away. Their owners can always tell their animals have been happy when they come home which I find very gratifying.”

Pandora also loves the travel. She has completed a few assignments across London and has enjoyed exploring different parts of the city, in particular taking dog walks along the River Thames. She also likes to get out of London on home sits in the countryside.

She says, “I love to travel and really enjoy staying in the country getting lots of fresh air and taking long walks – it’s like a free Airbnb, but with a dog! I’ve stayed in some lovely homes and all the clients have been delightful and very accommodating, always making sure I have everything I need.”

Pandora is writing a book and uses her free time on assignments to write it. Normal life can be full of distractions but being away from home enables her to write without interruptions. Once she has completed her tasks for the day, she sits down and writes, usually with a dog or cat to keep her company.

Pandora also enjoys the benefits of being employed by Homesitters. She receives a modest remuneration which boosts her pension and goes towards her holidays. Being away from home, she saves money on heating and electricity too, but more important for Pandora is the fact she is insured by the company whilst on assignment.

Homesitters also arrange a preliminary meeting between clients and homesitters ahead of the booking to ensure everyone is happy with the arrangements, and Pandora likes having the flexibility to turn down assignments too. The company has processes in place that safeguard single homesitters too.

Pandora says, “Homesitters insist that people who are home sitting alone check in with the company every morning, so they know all is well. They usually call me while I’m on assignment too, to check I’m alright which I really appreciate. The team at the head office are very efficient and understanding and I really feel like they’re there for me if I should have a problem.

“The preliminary meeting with clients is very useful. I think it’s very important for the animals to meet you beforehand too. They smell your hand and then they remember you when you come to look after them. I’m just beginning to appreciate how amazing animals are!”

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