Paul and I love Signal Point (here I am trying to keep up with him, as per usual)...
Traveling from place to place is great if you can swing it. Everyone tells me this, then asks me how we pull it off. So, I am going to explain it. Keep in mind that this is simply what works for us, and if you really want to live a similar lifestyle, I am sure you can get creative and find something that works just as well for you.
We didn’t commit to becoming “Caretaking Couple” until Paul’s house was sold. That was the first big step for us. Some people own a house and do what we are doing, but it wouldn’t have made sense in our situation. So, we sold the house and one of the cars and just about all of our earthly possessions.
Paul had already transitioned from commuting to Denver each day to working from home. All he really needed to maintain his job was his laptop and a reliable wireless connection. I had a small bath and body products biz as well as bartending and seasonal jobs while in CO, so the income issue was more tricky for me.
Last fall, I sold Mountain Girl Organics and decided to focus on ways to make a living online. This little blog is simply a labor of love at this point (although it has great potential in my humble opinion) so I needed something more. I wanted something I could do from anywhere (versus getting a new bartending gig every few months), something I could take with me.
I recently found what works for me and have become a full-time Beachbody Coach. The main benefits for me are that I am able to do this from anywhere with a wireless connection, it provides extra motivation for me to keep on track with my own exercise and nutrition goals while helping others with theirs, and I get paid to do it.
I have only been at this for a couple of months and I don’t make nearly as much money as Paul (yet) but right now I am making up for that difference by finding us incredible sits all over the US and saving us thousands of dollars a month. In other words, we are partners, and it all evens out.
Signal Point...this spot is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Tennessee".
That is not to say that you must have a partner to do what we are doing. I went from sit to sit in Southern California while I was in my early twenties. I was limited to that vicinity because I commuted to work and school, but there were plenty of people literally begging for my services in a fifty or so mile radius.
There are so many possibilities…so many opportunities…all over the world. People say to me all the time, “Yes, but ____”. Drives me a little nuts. Seriously, there are all kinds of opportunities for all types of people in all types of situations….all over the world. Trust me on this one.
Finding said opportunities can be tricky…but that is all part of the fun. Nowadays, there are even house and pet sitting sites you can subscribe to in order to find sits or sitters (it was all word of mouth when I started out). I’ve actually made most of our recent contacts virtually. Example: If I find a blog or a facebook post or an article or whatever online, I go out of my way to contact the person/people behind it and establish a rapport with them.
I like to feature people on my blog that are interesting and living a similar lifestyle. Friends feature me on their blogs every so often, as well…here I am in two recent posts; Linda’s blog (Evergreen, CO) and Raj’s blog (San Francisco, CA). This is a great way to cross promote. I leave comments on other people’s blogs, and I always answer e-mails/facebook messages, etc. that come in. It is all about give and take.
Wherever we go, we meet people who want to know more about what we do. Obviously, I love talking about this stuff. I make sure people know about our blog and that they can correspond with me via various social media platforms (just click on your symbol of choice at the top of this page!). The more open the lines of communication, the better the odds are for finding that perfect sit for you.
Our friend Peg lives in Tennessee. She brought us pickles. I love pickles! Thank you, Peg XOX
I hope this post has been helpful…it seems I am getting this question more than all others these days. So many people are realizing their dreams by earning an online income from the road, and you can too. We’d love to hear from you so please share what is on your mind by leaving a comment here. Oh, and be sure to go to our facebook page and “like” us. You never know when we might decide to run another prize drawing… ; )
Valynne,
Another brilliant post! While Jeremy and I am at the beginning of our house sitting adventure, I agree that certain items had to be taken care of first–at least for us. Getting rid of the house (and accompanying mortgage!) and building a location-independent business that allows at least one of the partners (in our case, we are fortunate that it supports both of us) to work from anywhere is the key, I think.
I do so love how you call out the “yeah, buts.” There is nothing more sacrilegious than bashing ones own dreams before they have a chance to get off the ground.
Maureen, I am so excited for our next sit in the Pacific Northwest. Let’s have a cuppa when we get there, for sure! Sounds like you two will be joining the ranks of professional sitters in no time.
I used to “yes, but” all of the time…”my name is Valynne, and I am a recovering yes-butter : )”. So many of us have so many more choices than we think we have…
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment; I love meeting new friends here in cyberspace!
Not to add to driving you crazy, as you mentioned, but my animals are my “yeah, buts….” Alas, it seems that people looking for caretakers aren’t so into Great Danes and chickens running around their houses – go figure. But I am so glad this works for you, as it just *is* so you! xoxoxoxoxo (ad infinitum).
Great Danes and chickens aren’t typically resume enhancers when it comes to this line of work LOL..and besides, I really like your house : ) There ARE some sits out there for peeps like you, though…sometimes ranchers or vineyard owners, people with property that simply requires a presence etc. have separate quarters for sitters/caretakers and children/pets are welcome. Not typical, but not unheard of either…
Thank you for your lovely and thoughtful care package – I am very excited about your new venture and am going to write back now with all kinds of (hopefully) helpful ideas. In the meantime I hope you are all staying warm! XOX
That you would even step onto that bridge is a testament to your courage; I couldn’t do it!
Thanks so much for your kind hospitality, I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Please tell Paul he can cook for me any time 🙂
If our situation ever changes significantly enough, caretaking is the lifestyle I’d like to try. Our pets are young, so until they mature enough to be trustworth, we will learn from you and bide our time.
Thanks for blazing the trail.
Peg, that bridge looks higher than it is! Although Paul is one of those that will make sure the bridge swings a little more than necessary while I walk behind him (with cameral in hand, no less). He can’t seem to help himself…good thing he is such a good cook, eh?!?
Thank you for visiting us…can’t wait to visit you and Owen and the animals AND the RV!
Another great post! I am sure that you are getting this question on a regular basis, because this is still a lifestyle that is foreign to many, but desirous to most. I am loving what you are doing and am working my way toward this digital nomadic lifestyle.
Thanks for your friendship.
Yes – I think I have been doing it so long that it seems normal to me : ) You have no idea how happy I am that we met. I have a feeling we will be sharing many experiences and stories over the years and looking back in amazement at how far we’ve come…do you get that feeling, too?!? XOX
Hi V,
Your post and new blog site are wonderful. You are an amazing lady with a free spirit that’s kind of like the pied piper. You are doing your thing with such a sense of fun and adventure that many are infected by your energy, whether they go on the road or not. I’m right behind you – off the road though!!
xoxo Joyce
Awe, thanks Joyce! This lifestyle is definitely not for everyone, but I am happy that friends like you are following along here in cyberspace : ) Some of our friends have the sweetest abodes…perhaps I would be tempted to stay in one place if I had a beach cottage! I’m sure we’ll settle down at some point…in the meantime we are happy to ramble on…thinking about you lots and can’t wait to catch up with you again in person. Love you, V