Very intrigued about how to become a home cook for America’s Test Kitchen. Didn’t know you could do that. Info please! Thanks!
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Hey Sue! Go to AmericasTestKitchen.com and scroll down close to the bottom. There will be a question to the effect “Would you like to get involved as a home cook and test recipes?” … I did and they approved me. I get 1-2 recipes monthly and have to make each dish as written, no substitutions. It’s fun!
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Thanks so much for the info. Our daughter wants to do this! It should be fun!
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Hi, I just discovered THS about a week ago. I can’t believe I had not discovered it sooner. A lightbulb went off in me and suddenly I knew that this will be a way that I can not only afford to travel, but have a destination and purpose as well. And solo traveling will feel safer. I don’t enjoy being a tourist. I’d rather stay somewhere that I can discover people, pets, and community. I am so excited to discover where I can go and how I can be of help. The following day I signed up, I got a sit right near home. It was great. I am just dreaming of destinations, places to hike, animals to love, and experiences I could not have imagined. This forum is great! I am taking notes of how to effectively feed myself in new places, something I realized can be challenging.
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Hi everyone,
Thanks for the topic - it is so nice to read about your stories.
I have been house and pet sitting for 18 years. I used to own a pet sitting and dog walking company, and now I that I have retired from my day job, I am on THS so I can combine love of travel and pets. As a mature single woman, it is nice to house sit where I get to have the company of a sweet pup or cat.
I have been on THS for a year, and I am presently enjoying a fabulous house sit in Alberta with a very sweet, active pup. This is my first time using the forum and hope to connect with many of you all over the world. I look forward to reading your stories of your travels and the pets you care for, and learn a thing or two.
Hobbies…I have many. Travel is at the top; hiking, especially with a dog; dancing; duplicate bridge; writing a cook book, and eating the test results. I also look for meetups as a way to meet locals.
My preference is for longer sits, so I can slowly explore new places, and work online as a business English and pronunciation tutor. I love them because long sits build great friendships with the homeowners. The only downside to long sits is saying goodbye to the sweet pets at the end of the sit.
Moderation note: removed link to 3rd party website
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Hi @juls,
Welcome to the Forum!
Juls, it’s fantastic to see that you’ve already completed your first sit and I’m glad to see that our community is helping you.
Are there any locations in particular that you’d like to explore/sit in the future?
Hi @oldy,
Welcome to the forum!
With so much experience as a sitter I’m sure you’ll have so much to offer our community, especially members who are newer to sitting like @Juls.
What would be your top tips?
I hope you’re having a fantastic day!
Hi all!
We are a couple in our 40s and started our housesitting adventure in 2022. I’m Polish but moved to London in my 20s, where I met my partner. It was actually his idea to join Trusted Housesitters - he had travelled a lot around the world using TH when he was younger and always tried to persuade me to do it together one day.
I’ve always loved to travel, see new places, explore, and meet new people, but my busy work schedule didn’t allow me the chance to do it for longer periods. I often had this feeling of missing out, and it wasn’t really satisfied.
Well, he convinced me 
and here we are, a few years later I really love our lifestyle now. We travelled to Canada for our first sit, then to the Caribbean and Central America and last year we explored more of the UK and other European countries.
It opened my eyes and changed my mindset. We’ve met so many interesting people, taken care of lovely pets, seen amazing wildlife, and discovered hidden gems.
We’re both into photography, are avid scuba divers and big foodies too! I’m really looking forward to more adventures 
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Hey Oldy! I’m a wordsmith and consultant to in-revenue CEOs seeking expansion funding. How did you become a business English and pronunciation tutor/consultant?
Hi @Juls, welcome to the world of house sitting. I hope you love it as much as I have.
Mark, a community manager suggested I reach out to see if you have any questions. I am happy to answer any questions you may have…or just to chat 
Have a nice evening,
Dee
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Hi Juls,
Your excitement really shines through!
I am hoping to host a regular, online Zoom Meetup for Solo single sitters, as a way to make friends and support each other.
There are so many benefits to Housesitting, but occasionally it can get a little lonely.
Especially over the holidays and weekends when people are busy with their families.
So please message me directly if you would like to chat.
All the best on your amazing Housesitting journey.
Vanessa
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Hi, Terrie here and I’m a pet parent. I was a part of this great community a few years ago and have rejoined now we’re established in our retirement home in Maine. I’m looking forward to having big gardens and canning vegetables and fruits. I’m channeling my grandmother (who taught me many sustainable ways in the 70’s) spending summers on the farm 
. I’m a displaced Cajun cook and have enjoyed living 25+ years in Midwest and 11+ years in NE. I’m not an experienced Forum member but have used it as a tremendous resource for utilizing wording/explanations for sits and my Welcome Guide.
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Welcome @2tswhite 
it’s great to see you return!
We’d love to know more about canning, and about Cajun cooking!
If you have any questions about anything Forum related, please just let me know.
Hi everyone!
I am a pet parent and I came to the forum to find out about the community and see what everyone does to find the right sitter for your pets!
I really enjoy walking, gardening, yoga and travelling!
I grew up in Zambia and I have also lived in Dubai and Australia!
If anyone has advice on finding the right person to sit my pets, making sure my listing is appealing I would be grateful to hear them.
Thank you,
Kora
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Hey InternationalSitters, I was a wordsmith in a previous life - part of which was related to taxation legislation.
So how did I become a pronunciation coach. I am a sound nerd. I speak a number of languages and have always been fascinated with sound and why we produce different vocalizations. For example most Brazilian Portuguese R sounds match the British R. American and Canadian R are similar to the Southern Brazilian R.
The evolution is a combination of previous work experience, education and life experience.
Are you interested in becoming a pronunciation coach?
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A post was split to a new topic: Newbie Needs Advice
Pronunciation coach may be a challenge for me, unless it’s in person. I have clarity issues even with hearing aids so remote work is most likely out.
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Hi! I’m new here, though I’ve been watching the site for ages 
I’ve got four sits lined up already, and have found this forum really useful! I work part time running my own teaching practice, and this whole pet-sitting thing is an amazing way to get to cuddle animals and travel. Can’t believe it’s taken me so long to start!
Thanks to everyone who posts - it’s so handy to read about your experiences x
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Hi all. Just an update on my first post. Our house is up for rent and we’re keen to start our 6 months + of house sitting. It’s still quite nerve wracking that we’re temporarily giving up our home to look after other peoples but also very exciting. Do other peoples friends and family think they’re mad? Our kids are excited for us. Our parents think we’re mad and our friends and colleagues are mixed. 
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Hello THS community!
I’m a (returning) sitter and past pet parent that’s had sitters.
Have been on THS for the last 10 years nearly, on and off being in the UK, Aus and NZ.
Reconnecting on the Forum as I’m getting back into sitting for remote work opportunities and getting in some travel whilst saving and building up an online private practice as a qualified online therapist.
My experience in transitioning from ways living and working (9-to-5 corporate and gathering stuff to purpose driven work and minimalism) are things I’d be happy to share. I believe there’s a lot of wisdom shared here from other peoples experience on THS, with what’s worked well in the collaboration of pet care and sitting arrangements, so thanks all for the contributions!
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