by b.bodemer » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:54 am
I've been dog training and have my own small business for 24 years now. It's been a great adventure.
I've decided to take advantage of a part time job I have with the Cleveland Orchestra. Years ago I began as an extra driver for them, maybe 3-5 weeks per year. Nice extra money. That has now changed into an offer for 32 weeks a year. I couldn not turn it down. The money there is too good and very steady with overtime in many of the weeks. As the economy has weakened elsewhere, including some training, this orchestra position is still strong.
So now I still offer my dog training and schedule my clients on my orchestra days off. Also with 20 free weeks there's still time for more dog training, vacations, camping and river kayaking.
The first years of dog training were lean as I built up my business and reputation. I find the current mix of the two positons working well. It's great to walk into someones home and spend an hour with their dog and it's also excting to drive for some very cool conductors and artists.
Barb