I knew I wouldn’t have time to live the life I want to live if I had a full time job, so I decided to get a part time job. The rowing coach position sort of fell into my lap, and that was all going fine until I realized that: 1. It would end at the end of May, and 2. I really wanted to be able to afford the amazing house we are now living in. So that led to, of course, part time job number two: dog walking.
Lesson learned, the first: two part time jobs is equal to or greater than one full time job. But it pays less. Also, there are no benefits.
Two jobs make me tired as a dog... specifically, this dog.
Well, that’s not entirely true. One amazing benefit is that I get to spend my entire day doing things that I love – and Daphne gets to come with me! If you’re a dog owner, you have probably heard the term “A tired dog is a good dog”, and I have found it to be entirely true. Daphne is more exhausted and more well-behaved than she has ever been, ever. EV-ER.
It used to be that as I got my things together in the mornings, Daph would go sit in her crate and wait for me to close the door. She didn’t look sad or resigned or anything like that; this was simply our routine. Now, however, as soon as I start to gather my lunch and put on my shoes, she starts running in circles, staring at the door, bouncing on her toes. This is a dog who is ready to go places.
- Dog on the go. She has finally realized head-out-the-window is a thing dogs do.
I get up with Turtle in the mornings, and sometimes earlier, but I don’t usually have to be anywhere until at least 10. And then we are off! We pick up dogs at their houses and take them to the park with their dog friends.
dog-filled car
resting between fetch and wrestling
Lesson learned, the second: being a “dog walker” does not necessarily mean just walking around with dogs on a leash. It also does not mean seeing a different dog every day. So far, for me, being a dogwalker has meant getting to know different dogs who I see every other day, if not more often – and they know each other, too! Usually the same people and their dogs are at the park at a reliable time every day, so I am getting to know neighborhood dog owners, too. I am talking to people about behavior and training, and – best of all – just dogs.
Fess is even more adorable than he appears in this picture.
Lesson learned, the third: there are always benefits, somehow. No, I don’t get paid sick days or paid vacation days. It’s like being a dog owner: you have to walk the dog when you’re sick or when it’s raining, and you have to find someone else to walk the dog if you go on vacation. But! There are so many other benefits, even if they’re different from what the standard job offers. One, I get to take my dog to work every day (and please see the part about how happy she is!). Two, I am learning all kinds of things about dogs, from behavior to managing groups to using different harnesses and collars. Three, I don’t have to try to figure out how to wear nice clothes. It’s a little disappointing to put off this life lesson, but also a relief.
cluster-pups
Returning to the first lesson: two part time jobs is still a lot of work, but I am also really happy. If I weren’t so exhausted, it would be unfair how awesome my life is.
What was the most fulfilling job you ever had? What is your dream job? And if you’re jobless/don’t care about either of those things: what is pretty awesome in your life right now?
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I was a dog walker in college and also worked part time at a cage-free doggy daycare, and I loved both jobs so much! I also learned a ton about handling dogs, different breeds and different personalities, and it was mostly just impossible to dread getting up in the morning, as I often do with my current desk job. I’d be a dog walker again in a heartbeat if the finances could sustain us.
I’m so happy for you that you’re finding such joy in your jobs! Your furry clients are adorbs!
I’m so happy that you seem to be enjoying your jobs so much! I’m in the process of trying to get my dream job – hopefully when August rolls around I’ll be able to say that I have it!
I am so happy things are finally on an awesome path for you. Congratulations!
The best job I’ve ever had is actually the one I am working at right now. It is hard and scary and very challenging but it is also awesome as I get to do things for a cause I am very passionate about. I can’t talk about it online for a lot of reasons (one being I really don’t want to risk losing said job) but I am very excited to have had this opportunity.
Yay for jobs that don’t completely suck!