When I tell people I’m a dog walker and pet sitter, I sometimes get that look. You know the one... raised eyebrows, polite smile, like they’re trying to figure out how to respond. I'm almost certain they’re thinking something along the lines of, “Oh… so you couldn’t get a real job?”
We live in this world where some jobs are considered “impressive” and others get written off as something you only do if you “can’t do better.” Pet care, carpentry, cleaning, retail, hospitality… people love to put these careers in a box.
Heck, I always used to, too! I grew up being told what was impressive and what wasn't. I had to learn for myself that this train of thought was toxic and untrue. Where would we be without all these jobs, these workers? We wouldn't enjoy or benefit from a lot of things we take for granted.
I chose to be a dog walker and pet sitter, and I absolutely love it.
I used to do all the “right” things. Got really great grades at school, went to university, worked my way up to becoming a respected Manager. I even freelanced for a while on the side. On paper, it looked like I was climbing the ladder perfectly.
But the thing is: I wasn’t happy. My days were full of emails, meetings, awful people, and stress, and I just felt… miserable, disconnected. So, I swapped all of that for muddy boots, wagging tails, and bunny cuddles.
Some people hear this and think I “gave up.” But I’ve never been happier or more in tune with what I want from life.
I won’t lie, sometimes people really do look down on me. Even a few clients have given off that vibe, like I’m somehow “less than” because I just walk around all day, you don't need skills for that. I’ve had those moments where I can feel someone silently judging me, deciding I’m not “high-class” enough for them.
And yeah, it used to sting. I worked hard for my degree. I proved I could thrive in the corporate world. But then I realised something: a career doesn’t define who we are as people.
Other people’s judgment -- That’s about them, not us. It’s their own insecurities talking. But, if you're like me, good for us for choosing to go against the grain, for carving out a life that feels right, and for being our own biggest advocates. We don’t need to prove ourselves to anyone.
Sure, there are cuddles (and they’re amazing), but this job isn’t just about playing with animals. Just like with many other "low level" jobs, it actually has serious "hidden" responsibility. People trust me with their furry family members, and that’s a huge deal.
I’ve had to learn so much:
How to read animal behaviour and body language.
How to spot health issues.
How to juggle schedules and routes to get everyone cared for.
How to stay calm and act fast in emergencies.
How to actually run a business behind the scenes.
So yeah, it’s more than a walk in the park -- literally.
Somewhere along the way, “success” got tied to fancy titles, big salaries, and jobs that sound complicated. But maybe success is just building a life that makes you happy.
For me, it’s the way a nervous dog slowly warms up to me, a cat that "doesn't like people" clings to me on all my visits, or the comfort I bring to families who know their pets are safe. It’s the joy I get from spending my day surrounded by animals.
I’m proud of this path, not because of my degree or my old titles (which are totally irrelevant to my new path anyway), but because I had the guts to walk away from something that wasn’t right for me and build something that is. A lot of people stay stuck and miserable in a life that doesn't serve them. Not for me, thank you!
Jobs don’t measure intelligence or worth. Passion, kindness, and hard work do.
Every career has value, whether it’s teaching, serving coffee, running a company, or looking after pets.
This job -- this “simple” job -- isn’t simple at all. It’s my calling. Getting paid to cuddle animals every day feels like I’ve cracked the code to happiness.