Side hustle hero: meet the retired couple turning homesitting into an adventure

For many people, retirement is a chance to slow down. For one couple, it became an opportunity to stay active, explore new places, care for animals, and earn a little extra income along the way.

What started as a simple opportunity spotted in an advert has grown into a rewarding retirement lifestyle built around homesitting. From caring for beloved pets to weathering power cuts and winter storms, Flora and John Cooke from Glasgow have discovered that homesitting offers far more than just a change of scenery.

We caught up with the Cookes to find out what homesitting in retirement is really like.

A new chapter begins

The couple first discovered homesitting after coming across an advert from Homesitters.

"Homesitting started for us when we saw an advert for Homesitters. It really appealed and felt like something we could do together.”

Unlike many people trying something new in retirement, they weren't daunted by the prospect of staying in strangers' homes and taking responsibility for their pets.

"We don’t recall being nervous. We’re both level-headed, calm people and not much fazes us."

Their first assignment proved to be the perfect introduction.

"Our first sit was a caretaking assignment for a large house that was up for sale so this was an easy assignment that broke us in gently."

Today, all of their assignments come through Homesitters, which manages the process from matching them with homeowners to arranging introductions.

"We get all our assignments through Homesitters - they offer us the sits and then arrange for us to meet the client and pets before the meeting too."

A retirement filled with variety

What began as an interesting opportunity quickly became a regular part of life.

"We loved our initial assignments and felt this was something we could do together, and over time it has naturally became part of our routine."

Far from slowing down, homesitting has helped them embrace a more active retirement.

"Homesitting keeps us busy. We really enjoy being with the animals and visiting various parts of Scotland."

It's the combination of companionship and variety that keeps them coming back.

"Being with the animals and the variety of locations we get to experience."

Among all the destinations they've visited, Scotland remains a particular favourite.

"We’ve particularly enjoyed visiting various parts of Scotland."

More than just extra income

While many side hustles are pursued primarily for financial reasons, this couple see homesitting differently.

"We don’t do this for the money and have never calculated the savings it brings, but when you spend five weeks on a sit over winter it helps with our bills."

They estimate that extended assignments reduce their household costs by around 10% to 15% each year.

"We would estimate that our household bills are reduced by approximately 10% to 15% annually as a result of being away from home."

The income they earn goes towards something they call their ‘treats fund’.

"While this isn't something we measure financially as we focus more on the experience, though it certainly supports our lifestyle. We use our pay from homesitters as part of our ‘treats fund ‘ we both enjoy a nice meal out with a good bottle of wine and our homesitting wages lets us enjoy this regularly and have real fun planning our next treat."

For retirees considering a side hustle of their own, they believe the benefits go well beyond money.

"We certainly enjoy it and our experience shows it keeps life active, varied, and engaging so I am sure it must appeal to others too."

The reality of homesitting

Although some people imagine homesitting is simply a free holiday, the couple are keen to challenge that perception.

"The misconception is that it is just like a holiday, and it isn’t. Homesitting is a responsible job and must be treated as such. We are very aware we are in someone’s home and it’s vital to be respectful of it and look after it with great care and attention."

Day-to-day responsibilities vary from assignment to assignment.

"The client sets out any tasks they wish us to attend to, but the most important job is keeping the animals to their normal routine. In the summer months there is usually a lot of plant watering."

And over the years, they've encountered their fair share of unexpected situations.

"Yes, over the years we’ve dealt with power cuts, fallen trees during huge storms, faulty alarms, and even the death and burial of pets. Homesitters are always contactable for advice."

Despite the challenges, one thing never changes, their affection for the animals they care for.

"All the animals we have cared for are amazing, and many of our sits are repeat assignments so we really get to know the pets."

Purpose, friendship and staying young at heart

Homesitting has brought unexpected rewards beyond travel and extra income. It has also helped them build lasting relationships.

"Yes and we’ve made friends with and met some lovely people over the years."

Most importantly, it has given them a renewed sense of purpose.

"It gives us a real sense of purpose and lots of variety in life."

They believe it has positively influenced both their physical and mental wellbeing.

"It keeps us active, engaged and interested in life."

Looking back, one of the biggest surprises has been how fulfilling the lifestyle has become.

"The variety and responsibility has been more rewarding than we expected."

Their outlook on retirement remains refreshingly positive.

"We are both young at heart and age is just a number and homesitting keeps us on our toes and interested in life."

And homesitting has reinforced that belief.

"Yes as it reinforces that age is just a number and there is still plenty to enjoy and contribute."

As for the future, they have no plans to stop any time soon.

"We hope to continue as long as we’re able."

For this enterprising couple, retirement isn't about winding down, it's about embracing new experiences, caring for animals, exploring Scotland, and proving that some of life's most rewarding adventures can begin after retirement.

Image: Flora and John Cooke