A former real estate professional who swapped a lucrative career for a life of global travel has revealed the inside story of working as a full-time 'house sitter'. Alanna Parrish, 33, originally from California's Bay Area, has turned looking after strangers' homes and pets into a passport to see the world without paying for accommodation.
The Leap from Property Management to Global Nomad
After years in real estate and property management, where she earned a six-figure salary, Parrish felt a persistent longing for a different life. In 2022, she made the decisive move to leave her high-paying job behind. What began as a planned six-month adventure transformed into a permanent lifestyle shift; she never returned home, ultimately selling her apartment to fund and commit to full-time travel.
Rather than relying on hotels or short-term rentals, Parrish secured her lodgings through house sitting. For a fee, she moves into homeowners' properties while they are away, taking responsibility for their pets, plants, and security. This arrangement allows the homeowners to vacation with peace of mind, while Parrish gains a free place to stay and an income.
Building a House-Sitting Career
"I began house sitting for friends and acquaintances, especially people with pets, and realized how in-demand reliable sitters are," Parrish explained in an interview. This initial experience showed her the potential. She soon joined dedicated online platforms, began receiving referrals, and discovered a consistent, international market for her services.
Her responsibilities are comprehensive, typically involving pet care, plant care, mail collection, and maintaining a lived-in appearance for security. Assignments can last from as little as two days up to a month, with an average stay of one week. Payment structures vary, often acting as an exchange of service for living expenses rather than a straightforward salary.
To date, this unique gig economy role has enabled her to visit 17 different cities worldwide, effectively turning the globe into her neighbourhood.
The Reality of a Suitcase Lifestyle
While the perks of free global travel are significant, Parrish is candid about the challenges. The constant moving, living out of a suitcase, and endless logistics of packing and planning can be exhausting. She also cites less predictability, disrupted routines, and occasional loneliness as notable downsides.
"You have to be very organised. You're also constantly adapting to new environments, which isn't for everyone," she noted. However, for her, the trade-off is worthwhile. "It can be tiring at times... but the freedom outweighs the inconvenience," Parrish stated. She admitted that while she sometimes misses the idea of a permanent home, she does not miss the financial stress or feeling tied down.
Financially, the model is sustainable. By eliminating rent and many fixed expenses, she has saved significantly. Although she did not disclose exact earnings, she confirmed she makes enough to cover essentials and does not struggle to get by.
Freedom and Fulfilment on the Road
The greatest reward, according to Parrish, is the profound sense of liberty. Free from a conventional 9-to-5 schedule, she designs her days around her life, not work. "I get to experience new neighbourhoods like a local, spend time with animals... I've met some incredible people and have stayed in some very cool homes!" she said. The lifestyle has also encouraged her to live more intentionally with fewer possessions and be more present in her experiences.
For those inspired to follow a similar path, her advice is pragmatic: start small. She suggests trying house sitting part-time first to build reviews and trust, and crucially, to understand the logistics before romanticising the nomadic life. "But if you're adaptable, responsible, and value freedom over routine," Parrish concluded, "it can be an incredibly rewarding way to live."
