When you’re used to caring for everyone else, it’s easy to forget to include yourself. Between looking after my clients’ pets, my own animals, my home, my work, and all the projects I’m constantly juggling, I can easily put my own needs at the bottom of the list. But I’m learning that I don’t have to put myself first - I just shouldn’t put myself last. Read about the little realisation that made me stop and rethink where I fit into my own very full list.

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.

After a period of uncertainty and unpredictable income, one unexpected phone call brought my first regular dog walking arrangement. It gave me more than a steady stream of bookings - it gave me a routine, confidence, new experiences and a glimpse of what consistent work could look like. But, as I would learn, not every client relationship is meant to last.