The Pet-Sitting Life

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”
— Colin Powell

Let’s talk self-employment. You have an idea to start a business. You have a game plan. You open a bank account. You follow up with clientele. And away you go. Your level of success is based on the amount of time and work you put in right? Sometimes it takes a few months. Sometimes a year… Sometimes two years. But if you stick with it, you’ll find success.

When I went looking to start my business I was at the point where I really had nothing left to lose. I did, although, already have a few clients who were ecstatic with the idea of me putting all of my effort into what they love me for. Pet care. And so it began.

I’m on year three I think. As you’ve probably read, there have been ups and many many downs. But I knew how to work and how to put in long hours and I wasn’t afraid of the consequences because I had a set goal. Be successful and pay off my debt. And I’ve made it. By the end of March I will be officially debt free.

What’s the point? The point is… Today I realized that there are people who still don’t take what I do seriously. It’s not a real job. Pet-sitting. Dog-walking. It’s just something to do to get by until I grow up. They don’t really understand what I do day after day and how much time is consumed driving and walking and wrangling pups. And that’s just during the day. That doesn’t include the overnights. For example… Tomorrow’s schedule starts at 6am through 10am for travel and feedings.

 

Now somewhere in there I will have to travel to my hometown which is about 20 minutes from every location to pick up Chevy and a dog I will have until 12pm.

Luckily after that’s all done I get to drive across town to walk another pup with the two that I have for an hour and then travel back across town to do a puppy potty break and then stop for my two overnights and let them pee midday. Then I’ll have to drop off a one of the dogs back to my hometown. Usually this would be a chance to take a break but a client I occasionally ride for has needed help with lunches so I will shoot up there to take care of her barn…

By the time I’m done it’s about 3-330pm. I may or may not have eaten since 715am but I’m going to have to start doing dinner rounds… I also still have to stop and take care of Brantley and Mondays are my days to do dinner (which is at 4pm) as well as night check. If I’m lucky and dinner rounds go well for my overnights and the barn I’m watching, I may be able to sneak in some ride time even if it’s 30 minutes. Then I will throw night check hay and then start my night check rounds (but luckily I only have two overnights). I’ll probably be in bed between 10-11pm.

This is really just a typical Monday for me, every day is a little different. I have more walks on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It’s more driving than anything and not having enough time in between jobs to get anything else done. Why do I do this? Because I’m good at it. People trust me to care for their four-legged friends and my job is important to them. It makes their day easier and gives them more opportunities to spend time with their families.

My question is… How is this not a real job? I put in more than 9-5. I pay taxes. I have health insurance. I have an accountant… Yes my social life is lacking but sometimes you have to work a little overtime to reach your goals.

Work now. Play later.

Not completely sure why I’m still looking for approval with this.

What does not need approval is this Giveaway from Bel Joer! I am dying to read this book. It’s next on my list for sure.

Brain Training for Riders: Unlock Your Riding Potential with StressLess Techniqus for Conquering Fear, Improving Performance, and Finding Focused Calm by Andrea Monsarrat Waldo $12.88 on Amazon I think it’s nearly impossible to be an equestrian and never to have experienced a moment of fear, or worry, or self-doubt. In fact, I might argue that […]

via Book Review: Brain Training for Riders by Andrea Monsarrat Waldo —