Recently, we chatted with Els. She has just completed two house sits in Greece and is hooked on house sitting. Below, you’ll learn how Els got her start and where she will be heading next!
Tell us a little bit about yourself—who you are, where you are from, and whether you do it full-time or sporadically.
My name is Els. I was born in the Netherlands 54 years ago. I have three grown-up, independent kids. In 1993, I graduated from the Royal Military Academy and worked briefly as an officer in the medical corps.
I have had dogs most of my life. I have also had chickens, cats, birds, a hamster, and a rabbit.
The army allowed me to study Healthcare Management at the University, which I did. Long story short, after my three kids were born, I decided to follow my heart and become a professional massage therapist.
I specialize in oncology and terminally ill people. I am passionate about this, so I volunteered in a hospital on an oncology ward for two days a week, in addition to my massage practice.
That’s my passion, helping terminally ill, dying people; it’s beautiful, rewarding work. After my divorce in 2019, I lost my office and had to find a paid job to pay the bills and to survive.
I started working in the same hospital as a surgery planner. February 2022, I couldn’t do it anymore. I was utterly exhausted, so I quit my job and followed my heart.
On the first of April, I drove to Greece with my car. I worked in Corfu, Santorini, and Kos for food and boarding. I traveled the mainland, visited beautiful places, and since June 2022
I’m mostly house-sitting in Lipsi, a small island in the Aegean Sea, Greece.
Why did you do petsitting? What is the primary motivation?
It gives me the opportunity to keep travelling and be free and at the same time I help other people, the animals, I keep the house safe, tidy and inhabited. I love animals and a life without them is hard to imagine…
How many housesits have you had and where?
´ve done two different housesits in Lipsi Island Greece. I’m asked by friends of my current hosts to take care of their house on another island in May.
How did you find out about housesitting?
I was asked by people I know to take care of their new house. The owners wanted the first inhabitant to give it good energy.
They thought I would be the perfect woman to do that—it was a beautiful gift! I helped them prepare the house for the summer rental and cleaned well, as they had problems finding a cleaner.
What’s been the biggest adventure so far?
I am leaving everything behind and starting a new life, not knowing where it will take me. I don’t know where I will be after the 15th of May. It’s freedom in a way, but it is also a bit scary sometimes if I allow my mind to take over, worrying about money, what to do, etc.
So, the biggest adventure is about letting go of the illusion of being in control.
How do you decide on a destination?
Well, mainly, it’s following my heart, things that just pop up. Now, I have a strong pull towards the Southwest of France, les Pays de Cathars. So, I’m looking for a place there for summer or autumn.
How much luggage do you travel with?
I’m traveling in my car and it full of camping equipment. It enables me to be free to move around. Camping saves me a lot of money when I’m traveling and also allows me to stay in my place when I’m volunteering and the accommodation is not nice, clean or too crowded.
Pros of House Sitting?
It enables me to travel, live, and do what I must now: learn a lot about myself and heal myself.
I experience different ways of life and living. I love to meet and interact with new people. I stay on a tiny island, integrated into a small community. Life is so different from the busy life in The Netherlands.
I like that. Life is simple but beautiful here: the sea, animals, nature, and friends. What more do we need?
Living with animals and caring for them is a joy for me. I also love to help people by giving them massages.
Cons of House Sitting?
I don’t know yet…. but I can imagine if the demands or expectations of sitters and hosts are out of alignment.
Was it hard for you to secure your first housesitting gig? How many applications did you have to send before you got accepted for your first assignment?
It was thrown into my lap. I didn’t need to apply.
Did you ever have any unusual pets to take care of or responsibilities that were out of the norm?
No, just cats and one house I had to care for and inhabit.
Where to next (when you can)
I’m also thinking about driving from Greece through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, towards Italy and then France or first towards the Netherlands through Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. I’ll see what comes and then decide. So I’m open to all the beauty that comes my way!
Having said that, if another option anywhere in the world is presented to me and it makes my heart sing, I’m open for it!
Want to try house-sitting in Greece?
Have we got you excited about house-sitting? We love sharing house-sitting experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys.
So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
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