When I lost my job last October, the last thing I expected was that a dog would change my life. I had been working in an office for nine years, and suddenly I had nothing to fill my days. For the first couple of weeks, I stayed at home feeling sorry for myself, watching television and eating too much. My confidence was low, and I didn't feel like seeing anyone.
Then my neighbour asked if I could walk her dog, Biscuit, while she was at work. She offered to pay me a small amount, but honestly, I would have done it for free just to have a reason to leave the house. Biscuit was a friendly little dog who got excited the moment he saw his lead. Walking him forced me to go outside every day, whatever the weather, and I quickly realised how much better I felt after an hour in the fresh air.
Other dog owners in the park started chatting to me, and before long, three more people asked if I would walk their dogs too. Within a month, I had six regular clients. I created a simple website, printed some cards, and suddenly I had a small business. It wasn't what I had imagined doing with my life, but I was earning enough to pay my bills, and for the first time in months, I actually looked forward to getting up in the morning.
The thing that surprises people most is that I have no plans to go back to office work, even though I've had a few offers. I sometimes miss having colleagues and a regular salary, but those things don't compare to the freedom I have now. I spend my days outdoors with animals that are always happy to see me. There's no boss looking over my shoulder, no boring meetings, and no long commute.
People often ask me what my job title is. I tell them I'm a professional dog walker, and I say it with pride.