You definitely aren’t alone, I promise you that. I have had several less than pleasant experiences throughout my time as a sitter and I committed to taking a break from it for a while as I’d become a bit disenchanted with it all.
I have encountered HOs who are so appreciative and a real pleasure to deal with and unfortunately there are those who seem to regard a sitter as unpaid staff.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my time of doing this is that if something feels even remotely off at any stage during the communication prior to taking on the sit, it’s best not to proceed. Even if there are many aspects of the sit which seem tempting, we still do need to be liaising on a regular basis with the HOs throughout the sit. Therefore, it’s crucial that there’s a mutual feeling of goodwill and respect established on both sides beforehand as opposed to it being an employer and employee scenario.
I can understand how an experience such as this can really knock your confidence and I’ve certainly been there. My advice would be to be very discerning during the conversation you have with any HO in future. Usually, there’s a giveaway in their attitude be that good or not so good that is usually a fairly accurate indicator of what they may be like to deal with. I like to think of myself as a good judge of character but I do still get it wrong from time to time and that’s usually when I’ve ignored that initial gut feeling.
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@Chatsetchiens
Thank you for your post, it felt like you were speaking directly to me!
Yes, a good feeling towards the owners is essential. And yes, you can test that before the sit, through video calls and messages. Before my one bad sit, there were several bad signs that I chose to ignore. Never again!
I lived the same situation, maybe with the same HO, and I preferred not to leave a review. For the HO it’s already the 2th time not to be reviewed, so I think this will be an alarm bell for the future sitters. Luckily THS is full of wonderful HO!
Hello @Marina and it’s nice to see you again on the Forum.
For reference as a member you can also add your TrustedHousesitters profile on to your Forum profile by following the attached link, should you wish. This will then enable others to offer you helpful advice and feedback.
If you are unsure how to do this, or if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to ask, we are all more than happy to help.
I have attached a thread below, it would be great if you could join in with this as we think you could offer great feedback and your input would be a great addition.
I had a problem once, she treated me badly by phone (about a stupid thing, cat’s food)I told her I was not her servant and “please find somebody to come here, I will be leaving tomorrow…” She immediately apologized and since then I was her favourite sitter… Not a disgusting word anymore.
@artgirl so sorry you had an awful sit, I can’t imagine feeling that way after going above and beyond for someone else. It sounds like it has really nothing to do with you and it is the HO’s own issues that are being taken out on you.
We are both HO and HS (but yet to sit). We have had a uncomfortable experience with a HS and I found TH customer service support excellent in handling the situation. TH also is then aware of the actions and can educate the party on the TH rules and expectations. TH also could look through all of our communications in the message part of the app and see our conversations. As a HO from that experience I was not sure if I wanted to do another but the TH customer service was so helpful and clear that we were not in the wrong we decided to try again and the next HS we had were absolutely wonderful, have come back again and still keep in contact (calling to wish me a happy Mother’s Day). So don’t throw in the towel, but do alert TH customer service of your experience so they can be aware.
OMG, when I read this comment from artgirl
I firstly felt bad for her and secondly freaked out, as being on the edge of welcoming my first Housesitters. I’m working hard to prepare for them and want badly to make sure they’re happy, comfortable and pleased they accepted my invitation. I just hope everything I’m doing gets us all there.
Hi @Max2 and congratulations on welcoming your first sitters!
You sound like a wonderful homeowner and I’m sure everything will be just fine
I have attached a thread you should find helpful
I have attached a thread below, it would be great if you could join in with this as we think you could offer great feedback and your input would be a great addition
@artgirl, Ok, I’m a newbie but a HO not a sitter. Poor you….actually we’ve just had friends house sit for us for the first time. They offered and we accepted. We’re just so damned grateful for lovely people to look after not just our cats but our home how on earth could someone be horrid? Take a deep breath, most people are nice. Ensure you have photographic evidence just in case something bites you on the bum down the line and move on. They’re not worth it. x
I cleaned my house thoroughly, made them a huge curry, left wine choc & stuff. They ate the curry and left the chocs (there is a god) and the wine. I was just exhausted when we went away!
We are fairly new to housesitters, but not to humanity. There are varied people in the world and unfortunately we run into both the best and the worst and most situation. We had an incredibly positive for sit but I know that all people can’t be as wonderful as the people we just sat for.
Don’t let this discourage you, keep seeking new and positive experiences to replace this negative one in your head.
Was there anything in the original post that gave you any pause? It’s scary to think that there are some awful sits like that out there but just like when you read other forums, some people are just knuckleheads. But it’s the great ones that keep us going. Don’t let this one knock you down or keep you from trying again.
@Susana: Thanks so much for sharing this anecdote. I’m not sure I would do the same in your situation, but maybe I should! Also, it reminds me of a friend who met his wife that way.
x
