A "full time" host once commented in a group that if STR is not your sole source of income or if you don't manage multiple properties full time you're not really a professional.
I think he was VERY wrong!
I have a full time job, a regular freelance gig, and I am also homeshare host. I take all three of my "jobs" very seriously and consider myself a professional for all three.
Airbnb is definitely a part time job for me, but at the same time, if I'm awake, I'm always on call for current or future Airbnb guests and whatever they might need. Sometimes that means a simple response to a message, sometimes...it means stepping away from a family dinner when you're 2 hours away from home, and coordinating with a friend to help your guests get back into your house after they lock themselves out!
Being a host while juggling other commitments and making sure you also have time for yourself requires time management skills for sure. Things that help me:
-While I'm always on call for emergencies for current guests, I do not answer messages after 9pm that don't need an immediate answer.
-I love it when I'm booked solid, but if I have a few weeks with a lot of turnovers, I block a day just to give myself a break.
-I do the cleaning myself and I use that time to take a mental break while I focus on cleaning the space and nothing else.
-My check-in and check-out times are set to give me plenty of wiggle room so I don't feel rushed.
-I've tried to prevent problems before they start which means guests don't NEED to contact me as often, which means more free time for me. ie, The wifi password is in multiple locations, tape placed over a lock so guests don't get locked out, instructions for the coffee maker, extra supplies, strategically placed signs with info, etc.
-If I find I really click with my guests, then work time becomes social time! I've enjoyed breakfast with guests (I don't offer breakfast in my listing!), a glass of wine and conversation, and plenty of doggy playtime as guests with dogs play with my dog in the backyard.
