Malcom and Sue Horsup have been able to boost their retirement income by thousands over the years by home and pet sitting.
With the rising cost of living and with the winter fuel allowance being cut, the couple are urging other pensioners to consider this side hustle which can help ease some financial burdens in the upcoming months.
The couple, who are in their early 60’s, have been able to earn some extra cash on their own terms since retiring early, at aged 50.
Sue Horsup explained that whilst being a homesitter, she has gained extensive experience in caring for a wide range of animals.
She said: “We love every aspect of the job which has made retirement life even more enjoyable and rewarding.
“We still get to travel as much as we like but also get to be around our favourite animals.”
The Horsup’s get to travel be around their favourite animals
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Even though the couple don’t homesit for financial reasons they have experienced some of the monetary benefits which comes with home and pet sitting.
Malcolm said: “As most of our homesits are during the colder winter months, we have also noticed lower energy bills which is just another added bonus of home and pet sitting.”
Retirees can earn hundreds of pounds extra each month for taking on homesitter duties.At Homesitters Ltd, the minimum pay one can expect to earn for caring for a home for two weeks – without pets – is £333.06.
This includes a daily food allowance with 1 hour 45 minutes of duties a day.
The minimum pay to care for a home, with 2 dogs and a cat, for 2 weeks is £367.92 which also includes the daily food allowance.
The number of self-employed over 60’s in the UK has reached a record high of nearly one million, according to a new study from Rest Less.
As more retirees look for flexible employment and fulfilling ways to earn money, home and pet sitting could be an attractive option for many.
It can offer a balance between earning extra money and maintaining control over one’s schedule.
Whether it’s looking after a beautiful country house, caring for beloved pets, or simply enjoying a change of scenery, retirees can have the option to decide when, where, and how often they want to work.
Rest Less’s research highlights the rise in self-employment among the over-60s is driven by the desire for greater work-life balance, the need for additional income, and the appeal of staying active and engaged in later life.
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Ben Irvine, Director of Homesitters Ltd, said: “We’ve seen a significant increase in retirees looking to become homesitters over the past few years.
“Homesitting is perfect for those who want to keep busy and supplement their pension without being tied down to a regular job. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy retirement while still earning an income.”
