Balancing Being a Career Girl With Being a Dog Mom?
The following is a guest post by Chelsea Rivera. Her bio follows.
Adopting a pet is one of the most emotionally fulfilling things a person can do. Whether they’re greeting us at the end of a long day, forcing us to be more active (hello morning walks), or providing us with endless amounts of entertainment, our pets make us happier. In return, the least we can do is try our best to make sure our pets’ needs are met, whether that’s with love and care, or with food. Even simple calming treats for dogs can do a lot to help. Especially during stressful times when separation from your pup is inevitable.
With more women working now than ever, a lot of us wonder if it’s even possible to add a fluffy bundle of joy to our already busy lives. The good news is if you want a pet and are willing to put in a little extra effort, you can absolutely strike a balance. Here are 5 tips to get you started:
Set That Alarm
If you’re like most career girls, you’re probably logging in 8+ hours at work. While all that hard work is probably paying off, it also means a lot of pent up energy for your pet. One way to make sure your pet gets adequate attention is to take them out for 30 minutes first thing in the morning. If you’re a coffee person, walk your dog to the nearest Starbucks. More of cat lady? Grab your laser and go to town. Not only will it be fun and stimulating for your pet, but it will start your day off right too.
Work It Out…With Work
In this day and age, it’s becoming increasingly common to see pet-friendly offices and remote work opportunities. This, of course, will depend greatly on your company culture but it’s definitely worth looking into. Whether you work it out so you can bring your dog to the office a few times a week (because who doesn’t love an office dog?) or you get the okay from you boss to work from home on Fridays so you can log in more quality time with your cat, these opportunities do exist. All you have to do is ask.
Doggy Daycare
Let’s say taking your pet to work isn’t a possibility. Luckily, we live in a world full of options. One option being: doggy daycare. There are countless companies that will watch your pet while you’re at work. These environments will help your little one learn how to socialize in a fun, safe environment. This can be especially helpful if your tot is an only child. Daycare not in the budget? Check out Wag, an app that helps you connect with trusted, certified dog walkers. Even better, you pay per walk which is a lot easier on your wallet.
Stay Connected
As technology advances, it has become easier and easier for people to stay in contact. Your pet is no exception. In fact, there are many products on the market made for people just like you! My personal favorite is Pet Cube. This nifty little, interactive camera allows you to watch, talk to, and play with your pets. What’s more? You can operate your pet cube from your phone while you’re grabbing lunch to go.
Quality Time
This one may seem obvious but when you’re doing it all, spending quality time with your pet can fall by the wayside. The good news is it’s now easier than ever to hang with your pet as more and more establishments are becoming pet-friendly. Grabbing lunch with a friend? Opt for a patio restaurant so your pup can hang as well. Need to make a run to the mall? See if there are any outside malls in your area where your fur baby would be welcome too.
Bottom line: having a pet and a career is 100% achievable. In fact, I would argue that people with careers are the perfect candidates for pet adoption as our four-legged friends have been proven to decrease depression, anxiety, and physical illness. Long hours and competitive work environments can wear and tear on your psyche. Having a pet on your side will put you in a better headspace to advance in your career.
About Chelsea Rivera
Chelsea Rivera founded SimpleWag with one goal in mind: to help pet owners ensure their pets live the healthiest lives possible! SimpleWag offers its audience access to loads of great content, including expert information provided by staffed vets, trainers, and behavioral specialists. Additionally, SimpleWag offers a pet food alert that notifies you if your pet’s food has been recalled. We do the research so you don’t have to! In addition to working for SimpleWag, Chelsea spends her days getting bossed around by her 5 lb. Maltipoo, Baby Rose, in Los Angeles. Follow SimpleWag on Facebook or Instagram @simplewag.
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Main image via Shutterstock under license.
