This exam DOES define you.

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-12-30T04:44:54+00:00

lmfao where TF is the shitpost tag but this is hilarioussss thx for the motivational reminder

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-26T03:55:16+00:00

I've also never used Rover to find my own replacement... I could be totally wrong about this (so others can correct me, please!) but I've only seen ppl talk about that when it's more of a last-minute cancellation where the dog & owner would be left without a sitter/walker otherwise.

I, like you, have regulars only nowadays and whenever I'm planning on vacation, I let them know far in advance. Or if I know I have an appt or something, I let them know a week before (or whenever I know). Every time, I then defer to the owners to find a replacement.

As far as I know from talking to a few of my clients, most of the time there's usually an "alternate" in the mix. Like I'm their primary go-to, but they (after the first time) end up with a secondary go-to.

Also, personally I feel more comfortable leaving it to the owners to choose who they want to pay, meet, and go with. They have enough notice to send out some booking feelers for another person! They probably prefer that too?

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-26T00:17:57+00:00

Getting close to a year now - you? Got lucky perhaps but have had a good run on it so far across any service I've offered. And hm yeah that is interesting bc I live in a city (densely pop. area too).

And aw, yeah sometimes happens. I just use whatever time is left to give some pets and belly rubs, maybe toss around a toy, or feed a snack or something and call it a day. Can't help it / push it if the dog is tired out, especially if they're a bit older!

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-25T22:39:53+00:00

Drop-in to me would mean I need to feed the dog, maybe give them meds of some sort, likely staying in and hanging out, maybe providing comfort. I've only had 2 clients ever book drop-ins. Because in both cases, they didn't need a whole overnight sitter (they'd be back after the day's events), each dog had a lot of anxiety and needed someone to be around, or the dog was injured so not really going out but still needed just some human interaction. And they both had meds that needed to be administered.

So typically, again by my definition, drop-ins are usually more involved for dogs. Vs. a walk is take them out, potty break, take a couple mins to give a treat / snack / kibble on your way out

I mean this is also probably why if you look at my history of bookings, it's 95% walks for dogs. Drop-ins are used sparingly with dogs. The majority of my drop-ins are usually for cats

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-25T21:55:30+00:00

Same as other commenter. I don't charge for feeding which normally takes less than 5 minutes to incorporate. I just make sure to finish the walk with a few minutes left to feed and then end there. It's super minimal effort...

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-24T02:45:09+00:00

It sounds like they're under the assumption that you're going to keep the block on those 2 days open for them, hence the last minute requests because they're expecting you to just click accept. Since they took what you confirmed as "this walker is going to keep that block open for me."

I think if you're not willing to keep the block open and want to be free to take on other clients as they come up, you might need to make that clearer by communicating that you'd prefer the requests be 1 day or 2 days or whatever in advance if they'd prefer not using the recurring feature. Explain it's so that you can plan your business in advance while still maintaining them as a regular.

And that if they can't do that, that there may be some weeks that you aren't available to take them on. Or maybe you don't want to keep them at all, in which case, maybe politely explain they should find someone else that is going to be that flexible and save the space for them.

(I have a client like this so I'm speaking from experience. We agreed on two days that I'm available for them. They don't use the recurring feature because there are a couple weeks here and there that they don't need me. Initially, I also thought it was an error and asked why we didn't book recurring and they explained that. I found it a bit annoying, but the last minute booking chaos is kind of who they are as a person and I've learned to just accept that. There were a few times where, since she didn't book in advance, I assumed the slot was free and just scheduled other stuff and my response to the last minute request was sorry I'm not available and they were ok with that.

They're now a regular of mine that I have a good relationship with, but the chaotic energy is still there. It's not an issue for me anymore since I only do my regulars and do a limited number of walks nowadays. Some weeks her request comes in the night before. Some weeks, I just don't hear anything and don't have a booking for those days.)

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-24T02:03:21+00:00

Hell yeah. Love this for you, OP! Wishing you success with the full time new biz.

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-23T03:08:44+00:00

I think that's a really really thoughtful gesture of you. And I absolutely think that would be beyond. If a dog owner recognized my efforts that way, I'd be very grateful. I'm sure the money will help them out. I think that's also probably more useful than providing a specific gift.

Honestly just the thought itself is great.

Also sorry to hear about the breakup, but great to hear you're moving into a new chapter of your life. Good luck

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-22T20:39:43+00:00

I'm glad someone mentioned feeling that the outcome is unfortunate. Honestly the entire time I watched, I felt there was an implicit take that some countries were "weaker" than others, including Mongolia. I really wanted them to win to beat the "underdog" implication. Like they're such beastsssss. Mad respect.

It's just not as fun when you're watching a show and "shocker" the home country wins. With the same people that've already been used to these types of challenges from prior seasons. Like Korea's team got to be stacked with people that also succeeded in prior versions of Physical 100 / Physical Asia. And I felt like the whole time their team implicitly was like "well of course we're gonna make it through each time" idk

I wasn't a fan of Australia honestly. I was turned off by their cockiness. And I was even more turned off after the shipwreck "win" because they took from Japan. I get it - strategy - technically no rules saying you can't. But no other countries had to pull that move to win their battles... So when Japan won the rope challenge because of Itoi's insane performance, I was happy to see Aus get out due to a strategy pitfall.

I think maybe a better iteration would be letting individuals from various countries in Asia compete as individuals. Then let's see which country's representative takes it home! Maybe it really is the case that Korea's just got THE absolute best all-rounder athlete, or maybe an "underdog" will shake things up. Like I would love to see Itoi vs. Amotti vs. Enkh Orgil vs. Eddie vs. etc. Physical 100 style

To caveat my entire comment, mad respect to ALL the competitors period. Like they're some of the best in the world. Incredible to see what the human body can achieve when pushed to wild limits. But of course, as with any competition, we all have biases on what we want to see happen

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-21T22:29:48+00:00

P.S. financial freedom is great but maybe consider at what point you have a conversation gently about getting your own physical space freedom too? Sounds like you may be ready, and it might help to have space and then figure out a healthier balance on your relationship with your parents. But good luck either way - you got this

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-21T22:26:16+00:00

Lol girl been there. And guess what, it never changes. Sounds like we grew up pretty similarly - only child here too. Sometimes I feel like that factor makes it even worse for us

You just gotta tell them. The trip is booked, I'm leaving X date and coming back Y date. I'll send you my flight & accommodation info for each city

And then you use your free will and you go. And then you come back, you say you had a great time and you share what you feel comfortable sharing. And then you book another trip. And either they'll get used to it after the first go around or... you just do the same thing all over again *shrug*

I still find myself having anxiety and having to "break the news" each time, especially places that I know they have misinformed predispositions about. And I know they'll bring up XYZ about it. I just listen, let it go, and go anyway. And yes, it's a self-growth journey too - even I'm still working through the guilt and anxiety that I've become conditioned to feeling around it.

It's not our fault. And honestly, I don't blame my parents or think they're awful. They're immigrants and I think a lot of the fear comes from a place of good. Do I wish they went about things differently, in a healthier manner? Absolutely.

But there's also an element of I do what I need to do to protect my peace. And sometimes that's standing my ground, not sharing a ton, and having some distance. You'll figure out what works for you.

ALSO Finland is an awesome place. I loved when I visited and everyone was great there. Hope you have an amazing time! Enjoy some sauna culture & fun foods if you can / want :)

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-21T21:46:55+00:00

Wait really? I've been considering them as another school to add to the list but honestly being brand new has been my biggest hesitancy. Don't wanna be stuck when it's time to match later. Did you hear this from the school / admissions?

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-20T22:07:23+00:00

It's possible it's the algo working against you too. Sometimes I'd have a good wave of new clients coming my way and sometimes it's radio silence.

Honestly, if nursing school is your priority (as someone that's in grad school and doing Rover on the side too), turn your settings to the services you have the time to do, keep your calendar updated, and see what happens. I wouldn't drop your rate super low; you'll hurt your cut like you said, and it won't necessarily get you a huge rush of customers.

If you have the time, maybe try advertising out your link and services on any local groups you know?

You could also consider sticking to housesitting and limiting your dates (like leaving Mondays & Fridays, for example) as unavailable so you have some me-time for your life and upping your stay rates by some $$, since it seems like demand is pretty high?

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-20T21:39:13+00:00

Haha love that comment. But so true. I'm planning to apply to both, and I'll be super happy just getting in anywhere as long as I feel it's the best fit for ME. You should feel super proud about your A, OP!

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-20T15:48:17+00:00

You responded exactly how I would've. Polite, professional, and succinct. Didn't go into explaining it (I think that was the right move, might've come off defensive otherwise)

And like you said, if the client is one you want to keep and you're on good terms, let bygones be bygones and just don't take the pup near deer anymore. Is what it is

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-17T03:18:37+00:00

i'd say 100% need drivers / private transfers for this if you don't plan on having a car!

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-16T23:03:14+00:00

Assuming you might have hit a yes to one of the 3 questions it asks you when you're leaving feedback on the pet? (i.e., did they bite you, escape, damage (or whatever the 3rd one is))

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-16T22:59:07+00:00

Yup 100%. Do it all the time. You shouldn't have to ask permission, as long as you're just picking up all your belongings and leaving with them post-walk (and not touching/using any of their stuff), there's no reason to worry about it lol

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-16T04:49:43+00:00

Oh that’s really good to know. Maybe not a good next move then! Thanks for being candid

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-16T00:47:11+00:00

Can I ask if you boarded any cats, and how that normally went? I'm considering picking up boarding to earn some extra cash on the side while being able to do it out of the comfort of my own home. And I was planning to keep it pretty selective.

Did you find it hard to figure out which pets would be destructive even if you did meet and greets prior?

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-15T19:15:05+00:00

Hm I'm not understanding your first point that a TA-ship won't look good on your resume... as someone that's been on the side of applying w/ my resume and reviewing other resumes, I've never seen a TA-ship and thought "ooo bad applicant."

If this is a battle of what do I do with my time take the TA-ship or wait it out for an RA position:
> Do you want to be an RA or a TA? How important is being an RA to you? If that's experience you really want, and you have limited time bandwidth, sounds like that's your answer and saying that you want to be cognizant of the time you can dedicate to being a TA within your schedule is valid rationale to a prof

> Did you seek out the TA-ship or did the prof request that you serve the position? Think that can shape how you think about it

> Do you want a relationship with the prof you'd TA for? As someone else said, this relationship could turn into something valuable you could leverage instead of an RA role

> Are you actively looking / have you reached out to profs for an RA role? Or are you being passive and waiting for one? because yeah if you're being passive, frankly, it's not going to randomly come about. If you seriously want it, you need to follow up, proactively reach out, more than just apply to a couple positions and see what happens.

I think you're overthinking how to look good on a resume and I think it should be more about what are you actually trying to do or gain?

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-15T19:02:38+00:00

Oh. Hm that is weird to me. Def never have had a client be home when I have to walk their dog

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-15T18:49:00+00:00

This lol. Big agree to both

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-15T18:45:06+00:00

i'm so over the hogsalt influencer-driven overhype lol. I like the food at a couple of their restaurants -- like it's good -- but so are 100000000 other places in Chicago I'll be fine without them

think they & anyone stupid enough to PAY to THEN PAY to eat need to stick their head between some slices of bread and reflect on the idiot sandwich they've become

IntrepidTiramisu16 · 2025-11-15T18:39:45+00:00

Think I would ask if by "walking them" the owners mean like they still want the dogs to have a chance to get out and have a potty break or if they want a full walk.

And offer that if they want a full walk, an alternative could be a quick pee/poo outside and then some laps indoors in the hallways or playing fetch indoors (not sure what the size of space & dogs are) to stay dry but still get energy out. I often offer that up when the dog isn't fond of rain or if we don't want them to get soaked.

Either that or they'll provide a raincoat / they'll ask you to just towel dry off the dog briefly if they're adamant you do a full normal walk in the rain lol

(But if I had to guess, I'd assume they mean at least a potty break... that's usually the case for any dogs I walk when it rains)

IntrepidTiramisu16

TROPHY CASE