A WOMAN who was made redundant after working for the same company for over a decade has shared her story with Sarah Phaedre Watson in the hope that it will help others to realise that it is never too late to find another career.
Pam Wise learned that she was being made redundant from her job as a trainer at Ecotricity in September last year, but she explains, after the initial shock had worn off she decided to change her life, and start her own business as a dogwalker.
“It was definitely a difficult time when I learned that I’d lost my job,” Pam said.
“So much of our identity revolves around what we do for a living, and I didn’t know who I was any more - it was scary.”
With the support of her partner Pam decided to take the leap and pursue a dream that she had to start her own business.
“I decided this was the right time, I was lucky enough to have a bit of redundancy money, so I just went for it - I started up my own dogwalking business,” Pam said.
Now, six months later Pam says that she’s happier than she’s ever been, her physical and mental health have improved, and she gets up every morning looking forward to the day ahead.
“It was hard when we had the recent storms of course,” she laughs.
“I told myself that if I could make it through the winter I would be alright, and here I am.
“The dogs are just so happy to be outside, come rain or shine they are having the best time ever - how can that possibly fail to make me smile?”
And walking an estimated 70km per week has had other benefits for Pam, who is in her early 40s: “I’ve got thighs of steel !” she says.
Financially, Pam admits, it was tough at the beginning, but now her business has grown she feels like she has reached an even keel.
“It was scary to begin with” she admits. “But I don’t have children to worry about, and my outgoings are really low, so I’ve managed to build the number of dogs that I look after so that I can live on the money I earn.”
Pam says that she’s had to learn new skills too like using social media to promote her business, but that being out and about with the dogs has also helped to spread the word.
“I meet new people every day,” she said.
“When I get talking to other people out walking their dogs they ask if I could look after theirs while they’re at work, or if they’re unwell.
“It’s lovely really, because people know that when they’re pets are with me they don’t need to worry - they’re having so much fun - and that makes the owners happy too!”
For anyone who is looking to change career, or who is faced with losing their job, Pam has words of encouragement, and some wise advise too, “make sure you think it through really carefully”.
“Look at every angle, every possibility,” she advises.
“Bore your friends and family by asking them what they think, and ask them for their support.
“Then if it really feels like it could work, just do it, because life’s too short not to.”
Follow the links below to learn more about Pam and the service that she offers:
- Facebook: facebook.com/WiseTails75
- Instagram: @wisetails75
With thanks to Pam Wise for allowing Sarah to join Suki the cockapoo, Betty the bichon frise , Raffles the shih tzu and Belle and Damson the bearded collies on their walk on Saturday.
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