Why I Became a Host

[Oksana127]

A few years ago, I made a bold decision to completely change my life.

I have a Master’s degree in Law. Yep. I dedicated 15 years of my life to studying, knowing, applying and breathing laws. I lived in a world where everything had to be black or white, clear and logical, with documents, deadlines, and rules... Oh, the rules! 

Then one day I looked around and thought: “What if I stop reading complaints and start reading reviews?” ☀️

Boom. I became a host.

At first, I had one apartment and zero clue what I was doing. I cleaned everything myself — and I mean everything. I was the host, the cleaner, the decorator, the plumber (YouTube, thank you for teaching me things I never wanted to learn), and of course — the customer support rep with unlimited patience and fake smiles via text. 😉

But then… magic happened. A guest left a 5-star review. I cried. (Okay, maybe I was just tired, but still — it was emotional!)

But I realized something: while law gave me structure, hosting gave me freedom. And honestly — much better interior design. 😎

I love creating spaces that feel good. I love that people walk into my apartments and go “Wow, this looks better than the photos!” (which, by the way, were taken with my 5-year-old phone with a cracked screen).

Now I manage multiple places, have an amazing team, and occasionally sleep. Hosting became more than just a job — it became my therapy, my passion, and my way to sneak in home decor shopping and call it “work.”

                                So yeah. Why did I become a host?   

Because I wanted to make people feel at home… and maybe, just maybe, avoid wearing a suit ever again.

[Guy991]

Hello @Oksana127 ,

Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey. Your posts show that you enjoy what you do and that it gives you a great deal of confidence.

In my opinion, pursuing hosting as a second or third career is a wonderful path.

all the best,

[Oksana127]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Hosting really did become my “third act” — and honestly, the most fulfilling one so far. It’s amazing how this path combines creativity, people, and business all in one.

Wishing you all the best in your own hosting journey too — it’s great to be part of this community of like-minded souls!

[Joelle43]

What a heart warming story @Oksana127 and I recognise myself in the things you say.  I have become a host late in my life and it wasn't planned in a way, just an opportunity that arose.   We acquired an apartment that needed some serious work done to it, not knowing if we were going to rent it out long term or short term.  I really enjoyed rethinking  and decorating it.  Oh the shopping!  I furnished it to the standard I would appreciate if I were a guest and used colours that I wouldn't necessarily use in my own home but that my creative streak said "go for it"😉

Having stayed in a number of Airbnbs along the way, I really wanted to put the shoe on the other foot this time and decided I would give Airbnb a go!  Like you, I do everything myself with the need to rope in hubie once in a while but hosting has taught me so much about myself and has also brought me to the community center which I love.

Your life choice is inspiring and a good reminder that nothing is necessarily carved in stone,  just the guts to make the adjustments.

Wishing you continuing success Oksana,

Joëlle

[Oksana127]

@Joelle43 ,

Thank you so much for your beautiful message - it truly touched me! It’s amazing how many parallels there are in our stories. I smiled reading about your decorating journey (oh yes, the shopping - I so relate! ), and I absolutely love your approach: designing the space with a guest’s eyes, but letting your creative spirit lead the way.

It’s incredible how hosting has this quiet power to reveal new sides of ourselves, right? Like you, I didn’t plan this path -but I’m so grateful life nudged me in this direction.

Your words are a lovely reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, to try something new, and to pour heart into something unexpected.

Wishing you lots of joy, wonderful guests, and many more “go for it” decorating moments!

Warmly,
Oksana

[Peakpulse0]

@Oksana127 Thank you for sharing your story, it is a motivation. More success in your journey as a host. 

Best regards.

[Joseph2571]

I really felt this @Oksana127, thanks for sharing it so honestly (and a dose of humour).

I made a pivot of my own not long ago. Left behind city life, traded convenience for self-reliance, and put everything I had into building a tiny off-grid cabin in the woods. Still early days here, so I’m wearing all the hats—host, cleaner, fix-it guy, firewood hauler, towel folder… you name it. And yep, YouTube has earned a permanent spot on the team.

What you said about law giving you structure and hosting giving you freedom? That landed. For me, it’s been about creating a space that helps people slow down (myself, included). A place to breathe a little deeper. When someone walks into something you built and feels at home? That’s the part I hope never wears off.

Glad to be on this wild ride with others who get it. Here’s to letting go of the suits, embracing the pivots, and maybe tearing up over a 5-star review when we’re too tired to explain why.

Cheers, Joe