It’s my birthday, I’m 42, and I’m working - and honestly, I’m okay with that. Instead of seeing my birthday as a day when everything else has to stop, I’m choosing to spend it doing what helps me build the life I want: caring for pets, earning money, working towards greater financial freedom and a more peaceful future.

Raising your rates sounds simple enough…until you start thinking about the loyal clients, what feels fair, and whether that extra €2 really makes a difference. Finding the balance between valuing your clients and valuing your own time isn’t always straightforward - but sometimes, you have to stop negotiating with yourself.

When you care about the pets you’re looking after, it’s easy to put their needs first and your own concerns second. But being a pet sitter also means recognising when something doesn’t feel right. From situations that leave you feeling uneasy, to moments when your instincts tell you something isn’t right, this is a look at why personal safety matters just as much as providing good care - and why you should never feel guilty for taking your own wellbeing seriously.

Running your own pet-sitting business can give you the freedom and flexibility, but there’s another side to being your own boss. When your work independently, taking time off can also mean taking a break from your income. There’s always another booking, another expense or another financial goal to consider - and sometimes the idea of taking a proper holiday feels much harder than it sounds.

Providing excellent care is only part of running a professional pet-sitting business. The pets may be getting everything they need, but what happens when the payment for that care gets left behind?