Work Anywhere in 2026: My Life as a UK Digital Nomad and Freelancer, House Sitting and Travelling the UK

When you dream of freelancing or being a digital nomad, you probably picture endless freedom, sipping cocktails on a beach in Bali, working from a laptop with perfect Wi-Fi and a golden tan.

Reality check: I’m usually in a muddy pair of wellies, stretching my laptop charger to a kitchen table, knee-deep in spreadsheets, with an overly friendly Labrador nudging my arm while I type.

I’m probably not what you imagine when you think of a free spirited digital nomad,  more a free spirit with a spreadsheet, but honestly, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

This is my story of how I went from a stressed-out corporate merchandiser for big retailers, living in a noisy Bristol flat, to a much happier, slightly muddier freelancer who works on the move.

I’ve swapped commutes for camping trips, office politics for pets, and noisy neighbours for mooing cows. And along the way, I’ve learned a whole lot about what it really takes to make this lifestyle work.

So, if you’ve ever daydreamed about breaking free from the corporate world, or if you run a holiday property and want to know why freelancers and digital nomads like me make great guests, then keep reading.

Why I Finally Walked Away From Corporate Life

Since 2020, life had been… a lot. Like so many people, I came out of that period completely drained. Between long hours at work, a few noisy flats (leading to too many house moves), a difficult breakup, and the loss of a very close friend, I found myself feeling stuck, burnt out, and hiding under my duvet more often than I’d like to admit.

Of course, I’ve been very lucky to always have a job and a roof over my head. On paper, I was doing everything right. I did well at school, got a degree, built a solid career, and rented my own flat in the city centre. I was self-sufficient, independent, and ticking all the boxes society loves. But the truth? I was miserable.

Bills were rising faster than my salary (hello, 2022 energy prices). Living on my own was expensive, and even moving into a shared house didn’t seem like much of a cheaper solution either. I also often found myself sandwiched between noisy neighbours, struggling to relax after another long day.

And at work? I was stressed, overwhelmed, and constantly clocking up extra hours, something I’d always done throughout my career, while being expected to feel grateful just to have a job. There was no room to breathe, let alone find a way out of the rut I was in.

The final straw came when my employer announced we’d be required back in the office four days a week. That meant hours stuck behind tractors on Somerset roads, endless roadworks, and a big hike in petrol costs.

We’d spent years proving remote work was not only possible but productive (arguably too productive). And yet here I was, being told to give it all up and go back to sitting in the same spot, staring at the same walls, day after day.

I knew something had to change. Going back to the office just wasn’t an option for me. I was at breaking point, and I couldn’t keep sacrificing my life for a career that drained me.

So, in 2024, I quit. Just like that.

How House Sitting Changed My Life

Of course, I didn’t just leap into the unknown without a plan (well… I sort of did. But there was some logic behind it, I promise.)

I spotted an opportunity on LinkedIn for a freelance merchandiser, something I honestly didn’t even realise existed. It sparked an idea: maybe I could do this too. After all, I’d spent years helping big retailers manage stock and understand their sales, so why couldn’t I help small businesses do the same?

I was also pretty nifty with Shopify, and after chatting to a few small business owners, I realised there was a real need for hands-on help with the admin side of running an online shop. That’s when I decided to offer my services as a freelance merchandiser and Shopify VA.

Around the same time, I’d had a little taste of house sitting when I looked after a friend’s dogs on her Somerset farm for six weeks. It was the happiest I’d felt in years, peaceful countryside, fresh air, and the joy of hanging out with dogs every day. I was bliss.

That experience planted a seed. Had I found an alternative to renting? Could I combine house sitting with freelancing? Could I save money and take the pressure off earning straight away, spend more time outdoors, and finally start my own business?

Enter Trusted Housesitters, a website that connects pet owners with free sitters for an annual fee. (Think Airbnb, but with a furry friend thrown in.) Scary as it was, I signed up, handed in my notice, moved my belongings into storage, and lined up my first sit.

I decided to house sit for free because I love the flexibility it gives me. It means I can choose the loveliest places to stay (all around the UK, but mostly in the South West) without the pressure of turning it into another business. I get to pick the pets, the locations, and the lifestyle that fits around my work.

It might sound unconventional, but honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

The Rocky First Few Months

I won’t sugar-coat it: those first few months were rough.

I left my job in June, not exactly prime time for small businesses to be hiring freelancers. Leads were thin on the ground, and some of the ones that came through? Let’s just say they weren’t quite right. My first house sit didn’t go smoothly either as the neighbours weren’t exactly friendly and the cat I was looking after wasn’t feeling their best.

There were definitely moments when I thought: What have I done? Especially when a few corporate job listings popped up that seemed like the 'sensible' option, even if the thought of going back made my stomach turn.

But slowly, things began to shift. By September, small business owners were back from their summer breaks and ready to invest again. I started attracting the right clients, many of whom I still work with now, and booking incredible house sits with the loveliest pets (and even lovelier owners). My calendar filled up and for the first time in a long time, I felt genuinely excited about the future.

Before I go any further, I should say this: I don’t consider myself living without a home and I’d never want to romanticise something that’s a very real and serious issue for so many.

I’m incredibly lucky, I have family I can rely on if I ever need to, a car that gives me freedom to travel. Even though I don’t live in one place full time, I use a family address for all the boring but essential bits, bills, post, doctor and dentist appointments, so I still have that sense of stability.

I know this alternative way of living isn’t accessible to everyone, but for me, it’s been a huge gift. It’s given me breathing room, freedom, and a chance to rebuild life on my own terms.

Where I Work on the Move

When people ask, 'So where do you actually work as a digital nomad?' the answer is simple: everywhere.

Over the past year, my 'office' has included:

• Kitchen tables of every shape and size
• Cosy sofas with dogs or cats curled up beside me
• Shepherd’s huts in the countryside
• Cafés and farm shops with excellent cake (a key requirement)
• Coworking spaces when I needed reliable Wi-Fi and real human conversation
• My car, with my phone hotspot clinging to a single bar of signal
• And once… a tent. Not the most practical setup, but definitely the most adventurous.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s flexible, and that’s what I love about it. With my laptop, hotspot, and a cup of tea, I can set up a workspace pretty much anywhere.

What I Do Between House Sits

House sitting has been brilliant, but the dates don’t always line up perfectly, which means there are days when I’m out on my own. So, what happens in between?

Sometimes, I use it as a chance to catch up with friends or family (shout-out to them for the free beds and endless tea). But more often than not, I turn those gaps into mini adventures or a bit of time for myself:

• Camping: I’ve fallen in love with both solo camping trips and group hikes. Some of my highlights have been meeting up with the Adventure Girls for weekend hikes and the occasional wild swim in some truly beautiful spots.
• Coworking spaces: These are great for breaking up travel days or when I’ve got a full client schedule. A good hot desk, strong Wi-Fi, and a decent cup of tea can make all the difference.
• Holiday homes & glamping: If I’ve had a good month, I’ll treat myself to somewhere special. This September, I stayed in a gorgeous shepherd’s hut in Cornwall with a wood-fired hot tub. I wasn’t supposed to be working (my first real week off!), but I still found myself opening the laptop in the mornings to check emails, tea in hand, with a few cows for company.

I’ve also considered a campervan. While I don’t think I’m cut out for full-on van life (I do love my luxuries like a flushing loo and hot shower), it might be the perfect in-between option one day, a little more freedom, without giving up the creature comforts.

What This Lifestyle Has Taught Me

Looking back, my original plan was to try house sitting for three months. Fast forward a year and a half, and I’m still doing it, still loving it, and now looking after all sorts of animals, from cats and dogs to horses and sheep.

Sure, it hasn’t always been easy. Freelancing is unpredictable, travelling can be tiring, and sometimes you just want to veg out in your own bed for a few days. But the freedom? The autonomy? The joy of exploring new places and meeting new people (and pets)? That outweighs everything.

This lifestyle has given me space to pause, breathe, and think. It’s helped me rediscover my spark and I feel more creative, more energised, and more excited about the future than I ever did in my old office job.

I also wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my wonderful friend Helen. She was the one who encouraged me outdoors more, even taking me to buy my first ever pair of walking boots. Her adventurous spirit inspired me to embrace change and chase this new way of living. Every time I lace up my boots, I think of her and she comes with me on every walk.

If you’re a freelancer who’s ever dreamed of working on the move, know that it’s absolutely possible. It takes courage, creativity, and a lot of hard work, but it can completely transform your life.

If you’d like to try Trusted Housesitters like I do, you can use my Trusted Housesitters referral code for a discount (and yes, I get a free months too): RAF821232

I also share more practical advice on working on the move over on my blog, so if you’re curious about this lifestyle, there’s plenty more to explore.

You can also find me sharing more of my house-sitting and travel adventures on Instagram and TikTok, come say hi and follow along!