Quitting the rat race
As we approach the end of another year and contemplate our goals for 2024, the challenges of the corporate world can weigh heavily – leaving many feeling depleted and longing for more purpose in their professional lives. The age-old saying goes, ‘find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.’ For Petpals, this is not just a turn of phrase but a guiding principle.
Becoming a franchisee with Petpals provides a refuge from the frantic pace of the corporate grind. It allows individuals to craft a lifestyle that brings personal fulfilment and nurtures their overall wellbeing. Here, Director of Petpals Kevin Thackrah discusses the profound impact of this distinctive career path, shedding light on how the fusion of business acumen and a sincere love for pets paves the way towards a truly enriching and satisfying venture.
In the last two years, a staggering 88% of UK employees have faced burnout1 – driven by relentless demands, long working hours and even lengthier commutes. This issue not only impacts mental and physical wellbeing but also extends to relationships with family and friends. The cycle of meetings, deadlines and office politics can leave professionals exhausted and unfulfilled, marked by persistent physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and detachment from work. This quest for a better work-life balance, a meaningful career and the desire to make a difference is propelling individuals towards entrepreneurship.
Nancy Edwards, who has owned and operated her Petpals franchise in Camberley & West Woking since 2021, has long-term goals for the business that will ultimately utilise her experience in corporate industries in a much more rewarding way. “When the opportunity arose to invest in Petpals, it seemed like the perfect fit,” explained Nancy. “Not only did it suit my love of dogs, but it also meant that I could use my business acumen to make a difference. Using other successful Petpals management franchises as a model, I’m planning on making Petpals my main income stream. My goal is to grow my staff and client base to a position where the business becomes self-sustainable, and I have more time for my family and hobbies.”
For franchisees like Nancy, embracing this lifestyle shift means fostering genuine connections based on shared passions, enjoying flexibility for a healthier work-life balance and reaping the mental health benefits of interacting with animals. Research indicates that even simple acts like petting a dog can reduce stress hormones and boost the happiness hormone oxytocin2 – a recognition that reflects why more workplaces are adopting office dogs or ‘bring your dog to work’ policies. But why just benefit from the value of a four-legged companion during working hours when you could invest in a pet-care franchise of your own? If you are an animal lover seeking a fulfilling career aligned with your passion for pet care and holistic wellbeing, a pet-care franchise might be the perfect fit.
Investing in a pet-care franchise not only provides the flexibility to spend quality time with your family but can also create an opportunity for family members to work together. At Petpals, our business model is designed to accommodate the everyday needs of family life, allowing individuals like Alex Mees and her husband Phil – who transitioned from the corporate world – to set their own standards of care and customer service in their own business venture.
“As I was working my way up the corporate ladder, I realised it was all or nothing,” said Alex. “There were no part-time jobs. My career was starting to hold me back from spending time with my family and my then 7-year-old son. I then saw the flexibility Petpals’ tried and tested business model offered alongside the code of values that the brand prides itself on. It suited my love of pets, meant I could become my own boss and enabled me to set the standard for pet care across Basingstoke.
As we approach 2024, Petpals franchisees exemplify how marrying business acumen with a passion for pets can result in a fulfilling and successful career outside the corporate world – coupled with the joy of working alongside furry companions who brighten every day.
1 LumApps, 2023
2 Animals: An Open Access Journal from MDPI: The Role of Oxytocin in the Dog-Owner Relationship
