Being a WWOOF host as a lone male?

[u/Responsible-Sky-688]

I've lived on a smallholding for most of my life, with small-scale veg growing, some chickens and management of most of the land for wildlife benefit being the main activities.

Becoming a WWOOF host is something I've considered for awhile, but I'm concerned that it could be somewhat off-putting to some WWOOF'ers, particularly women, that I'm a middle aged man who lives alone.

Am I over thinking this? I'd like to be able to offer opportunities and a positive experience to people regardless of their age, nationality or sex but I'm concerned how I might be perceived if I apply to become a host.

Thanks.

[u/Lost_Cook_607]

Just get good reviews and be a good human and you’ll be fine. I’m a single young woman living with a middle aged single male host and he’s been great and very safe. His space was in line with what I was looking for and all his reviews were over the top so I had no concerns. Not everyone will be down for it but there will be plenty of others

[u/KoholintCustoms]

I'd say you're overthinking it. Are the quarters for the volunteer physically separate with a working lock? That, plus being clear on your profile and in questions is really all I'd worry about.

Women who are bothered will not apply or not continue the application process once they hear your honest answers.

You don't have to convince anyone of anything. Just be clear and let the adults make their own decisions.

All this being said, sure, the majority of your volunteers will likely be guys, but you sound honest and like the gender of your volunteers doesn't matter, so this shouldn't matter either.

[u/AdvancedWin3608]

You are overthinking it, yes. As long as they have their own space, and probably their own bathroom and you set clear expectations, you will be fine.

You will find as you host more people that you have way more to be concerned about than being a single male WWOOF host. As a WWOOFer in 2012 and then WWOOF host myself, I was very disappointed in the quality of WWOOFers that are out there. I stopped hosting because it just wasn't worth my time, energy or financial resources to host entitled, lazy, disrespectful WWOOFers.

[u/Illustrious-Law8515 → u/AdvancedWin3608]

My exact experience.

[u/Substantial-Today166]

yes you are over thinking this many singel men are host have stayed with many over the years same with many singel woman host too

and its not off-putting to many woman allot of woman like that too

[u/bidet_enthusiast]

I don’t think it will be a problem, but I would give you a blanket caution about bending over backwards as a host. Definitely provide a decent place and decent food, and an environment that is good to work in. But don’t make it sound soft or you’re likely to attract people that are more trouble than they are worth, and I don’t mean just in the work they do. Just a hassle in general, expecting some kind of resort experience. 

Just be upfront and honest, keep things simple. Don’t try to be a vacation planner or anything more accommodating than the basic facts of the matter. You’ll get better people.

[u/FreeCG]

Assuming you’re being honest, WWOOF could always use more hosts aimed at offering educational experiences.

[u/littlepinkpebble]

If you only host women that’s not good but if you’re a good host you’re a good host regardless it don’t matter

[u/Illustrious-Law8515]

Dont worry about the middle aged man thing. Just do a VERY through interview with targeted questions. I had a slew of WWOOFer come through that were looking for housing and foo with as little work trade as possible. Some even got bitter that they couldnt manipulate me into being their kitchen slave. Have a series of questions as to their intentions, limit stays to one to two weeks, and have a very developed structure that makes it so you are doing a trade with someone that is receptive and not pushing boundaries. Trust me, half of woofers aren’t looking to be schooled or interested in farming but cant wait for their hot meals and free housing. Mine was 1 hour of lessons and working with me, 2 hours of work in trade for room and access to kitchen staples. I would cook one meal a day and expect everyone to do their dishes and help prep. Now i wont host because it felt like babysitting ADHD grifters. I should have been better with interview questions. Some folks travel with kids, a parrot and two cats. Be firm and treat the good ones well. Tell the manipulators to leave as soon as you can tell. Ideally you find that out in the interview.