In today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jessica Holmes—writer, author, and motivational speaker—who left a career as a major crimes investigator to pursue her passion for adventure and a more fulfilling, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Jessica’s love for travel goes back years, from backpacking across continents to embracing van life. But along the way, she became mindful of the environmental toll of constant travel and decided to find a more sustainable approach. That’s when she discovered housesitting—a way to explore the world at a slower pace, caring for homes and pets as she goes.
Jessica now travels the globe as a digital nomad, sharing her experiences and insights with those dreaming of a life outside the ordinary.
Tune in to hear about her fascinating career shift, her commitment to mindful travel, and her advice on creating a life of adventure on your own terms.
This is an episode for anyone who dreams of living fully, sustainably, and on their own path!
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Show notes
Who is Jessica
Jessica’s current lifestyle as a full-time house sitter and writer
The inspiration behind her book, The Housesitter's Guide to the Galaxy
How her childhood on a farm shaped her love for the outdoors and animals
Meeting her husband in her teens, who had a strong wanderlust, which influenced her to start traveling
The role her teenage friendship (and eventual relationship) with her husband played in igniting her wanderlust
Jessica’s early belief in a conventional life path and how it shifted over time
Her university experience and how it transitioned into two years of backpacking
Highlights from her travels, including the Trans-Siberian Railway, Trans-Mongolian Railway, and volunteering in China
The challenges and joys of long-term travel, including bouts of food poisoning and cultural immersion
The adjustment period of returning home after extensive travel
How Jessica and her husband initially settled into traditional jobs but later questioned their lifestyle
The impact of the pandemic in reigniting their passion for adventure and reshaping their future plans
How they used maps and guidebooks during the pandemic to dream and plan their next moves
The practicalities and challenges of transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle
How house sitting has become a cornerstone of their sustainable, low-cost travel approach
The financial strategies that make their nomadic life possible, including frugal living and house-sitting exchanges
Jessica’s husband’s transition to a fully remote accounting job and its role in their journey
The emotional and logistical difficulties Jessica faced in leaving her career in police investigations
Her resourcefulness in exploring digital nomad job options despite not feeling qualified initially
The sense of purpose and freedom that fuels Jessica and her husband’s adventures
Encouragement for others to take the first step toward a lifestyle they’re passionate about
How Jessica handles accidental damages while house sitting
The importance of open communication with homeowners
Jessica’s memorable experience with a dog chewing her laptop
The balance between honesty and homeowners’ leniency in house-sitting mishaps
Why Jessica doesn’t feel compelled to snoop while house sitting
How Jessica and her partner have adjusted to working and living in other people’s homes
The routines that help Jessica and her partner balance house sitting with their careers
Jessica’s approach to selecting house sits and prioritising space and comfort
How Jessica manages anxiety while pursuing an adventurous lifestyle
Practical tips Jessica uses to identify and manage anxiety triggers
How journaling and therapy have helped Jessica cope with anxiety
The role of support from loved ones in managing mental health
Jessica’s advice for embracing adventure despite anxiety
An overview of Jessica’s blog and podcast, including their focus on house sitting and slow travel.
How Jessica integrates themes from her book into her podcast series
Insights into sustainable travel and reducing environmental impact as a digital nomad
Jessica’s focus on minimising flights and using alternative travel methods
Why slow travel and longer stays are key to Jessica’s sustainable lifestyle
How Jessica evaluates the environmental impact of homeowners’ travel plans
Final words of advice
Social Media
Instagram @hitchedhikingandhousesitting
Book: "The Housesitter's Guide to the Galaxy: A Guide to Housesittng and Achieving Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Travel" on Amazon/Waterstones online
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