Sending Out An SOS

The only way I've ever known how to make money is not going to work for me at this time - maybe later, but right now I'm basically a functioning retard, at least in comparison to how I was prior to receiving a thorough thrashing about by life.

What I did for a living was mentally intensive and I can now barely write without errors or read with comprehension without having to slowly re-read. My once iron-trap brain has turned into a sieve. I am still logical though and logic tells me that I need to make a change. This post isn't about my state of mind. Although, most everything does come down to one's state of mind. The matter here involves attempting to overcome said state.

Doing nothing constructive is not helping to improve this situation one little bit. It's my nature to be constructive, accomplishing something, making money or at least attempting to do so. For a long while now I've been floundering around, letting time pass, while I stand still - only it's not possible to stand still relative to time. We just simply fade in its wake.

Anyway...I thought I had hit on a business venture but it fell through. It wasn't a bad plan but it required that I depend on someone and, well, that someone is not very dependable - very, very talented, but ultimately undependable. How could I put time, energy, money and expectations in the hands of someone who I could not rely on 100%? People don't change in this respect. This was a failure waiting to happen. So, instead of getting any further into it and then being stressed over things that I have no control, I decided to drop the whole thing. And it's probably for the best as I have always either stood on my own two feet or fallen flat on my ass. I can accept failing. I can't accept failing because of someone else.

There I was, back to square one. Then last week, I was mowing my yard, a nice sized yard - my house sits on almost a half-acre lot. I was thinking of all the labor I put into maintaining this yard and house. As I am not yet completely brain dead, one thought led to another. I thought, it would be nice to make this yard and house pay off for me. Doggies love nice yards to run around in. People have doggies and have to leave them alone all day long when they go to work. Some doggies live in apartments or condos with little or no yard, rarely getting a chance to run loose. People love their doggies and spend money on them. I love doggies. I love to be at home. I hate dealing with people. I could have a doggy daycare right here at home!

Yes, I could see myself having dogs around during the day, doing their doggy things, letting them run around the yard, coming in and going out as they please. I could put a doggy door in the kitchen door that leads to the garage, then make a doggy door in the garage door that leads to the back yard. I could set up the garage with their food bowls, water and places for them to sleep or relax. Dogs are sociable animals by nature, so they'd get along. And I would only accept sociable dogs.

It would require very little overhead costs - none really. People would provide the food for their dogs. I could also charge extra for bathing them. I wouldn't have to do that myself. Just let them go over into the neighbor's pool... Ha! No, I could call the mobile dog grooming van I've seen around and pass on the cost to the client.

I could also offer pickup and delivery of their furry darlings - for a fee, of course.

I think there is a market for this kind of service. The only thing stopping me from going ahead with it right away is that I don't have a fence surrounding my yard. It's lined with trees and bushes but no fence. And with that large of a yard it would cost a pretty penny to install a fence. I need to have a very good reason to believe that this business could work to justify this kind of expense.

My state of mind being what it is, I am not looking to make any breakthroughs as an entrepreneur. Also, I've never been a business-minded person. But, this doggy daycare seems to be a business that doesn't require much business know-how. I have the property for it, I am very resourceful and have plenty of common sense to make the service attractive to clients and get it going.

So, what do you all think? Am I nuts? Any suggestions, questions, advice, criticism, etc. would be very much appreciated.

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Spacebunny ~

You need to do what will make you enough money to live on and that won't make you more stressed/fried than you already are. Life is too short to live that way. If you have enough to pay your bills and put a little aside you can worry about making a million later if that's what you want. You're a smart woman and you will figure this out.

May 27, 2007 18:37

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Taylor ~

That's all I'm looking for, Spacebunny - peace of mind. And that first means bringing in money to pay the bills and put some away for unexpected expenses.

I'm serious when I say I'm not looking for riches. Not in the least looking to make a million. Oh, sure, I'd love to have enough so I'd never have to think about it again, but that's exactly why I'll never have it. I've never pursued the almighty dollar as the big prize.

You're a smart woman and you will figure this out.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, SB.

May 28, 2007 08:38

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Giraffe ~

You are not going to get rich doing this. I don't see how you could even survive if this was your sole source of income. There are no barriers to entry into this business. If you started to make a lot of money someone else would start up a competing business.

I would guess somebody is already doing this in your area. (They have pet boarding here.) You could call them up and find out how much they charge. That would give you an idea of how many dogs you have to watch to make any money. Also, how do you keep the dogs from fighting, or breeding?

And you will still have to deal with people. You have to deal with the dogs 'mommy'. To me, those are the most annoying type.

Maybe not what you where hoping to hear.

May 25, 2007 16:21

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WaterBoy ~

I second Giraffe's observations, and add these:

Texas minimum wage: $5.15 (same as Fed)

Wages for 8-hour day¹: $41.20
Minus commute cost² : -1.17
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Daily total income : $40.03

¹ Taxes not taken out
² Lowest cost using commute cost calculator: small car, 10 miles round trip, default MPG and gas cost figures and maintenance costs not included
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Now, figure how much you would have to make, before taxes, to match that. Consider these added expenses:
- Business license, if required
- Business insurance
- Fencing installation and maintenance (and doggie doors, etc)
- Indoor facilities for inclement weather
- Sanitation/disposal system, depending on size and number of dogs
- Advertising/marketing

Also consider the SET tax you pay is basically the other half of Social Security that an employer usually pays (depending on how you set up the business, of course). So even though the personal SS/Medicare and FICA are the same, you'll pay the extra tax yourself.

So after calculating all those costs, will you realistically be able to handle enough clients on a daily basis to surpass a minimum wage income? And if you are technically skilled, as it seems you are, will you be able to handle enough clients to surpass an even higher wage income?

I applaud your entrepeneurship; I, too, have always entertained the idea of running my own consulting business full-time (I have a few clients on the side, now). But make sure you do a thorough analysis to calculate your break-even point to see if it's feasible from the start.

May 25, 2007 19:40

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Giraffe ~

Another wet blanket, what you propose may not be legal, due to zoning. If you live in town, you also need to think about neighbors. Dogs bark, and dog poop stinks, and neighbors will complain if either gets too bad.

May 25, 2007 20:30

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Taylor ~

You are not going to get rich doing this.

I'm not looking for riches. Just a way to pay the bills while staying at home.

If you started to make a lot of money someone else would start up a competing business

The way I see it and this is why I chose to post about it is because this concept is not new. Mine is not an innovative idea. As you noted, Giraffe, there are boarding kennels and even doggy daycares around.

Of course there are competing businesses but there are plenty of dog owners to go around. Just like pizza places, etc. People have a choice.

What I have, that not everyone has, is a nice sized lot and home environment. This is what I'd want to stress as the service I offer. A home environment as opposed to an institutionalized one.

Also, how do you keep the dogs from fighting, or breeding?

Most dogs are sociable. They get together all the time. I've seen this myself, so it's not an obstacle. I would only accept dogs that are sociable and have been operated, so breeding would not be an issue and this would also decrease the likelihood of fighting.

And you will still have to deal with people.

This a reality most all of us must face. I think on the whole and compared to other ways of making a living, this business would involve less interactions with them. And I am quite good at dealing with people - even those insufferable "mommy" types, whenever I must.

Maybe not what you where hoping to hear.

No, Giraffe, I appreciate your input. This is exactly what I want to hear.

May 25, 2007 20:32

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Taylor ~

WaterBoy, this is where my eyes glaze over and my brain refuses to delve into these details. I am super detail oriented but when it comes to finances... um... typical woman.

Here is the simplistic way I see it:

10 dogs @ $20/dog/day = $200/day

Add $10 extra for pickup and delivery could get me an extra $20 assuming a minimum of two clients want this service. It could be more. So, there's a little extra there. Yes, gasoline costs will take away from that.

Then are are special services like bathing/grooming, administering medication if necessary, and whatever else I can come up with. Maybe bring in a dog trainer once a week to give some lessons. I could see another $80 per day on these services.

I'm shooting for $300/day. That's $1500/week = $6000/month net.

There's also the weekend boarding. People go off in vacations and don't want to leave their dogs in a kennel. That would bring in money too.

Now all about all those costs you mentioned.

Advertising/marketing is not expensive. I can design my own killer website, create my own business cards, even walk around putting flyers in people's homes.

The fence is the big one and at this point the show stopper. This is why I'm posting about this to get people's opinions. I can get a very good deal here as I know a general contractor.

Doggy doors are minimal expense. I have people (of the male persuasion) who will do this for me just as a favor. Really. :)

And there are taxes to deal with. Eh. I have a great accountant.

I, too, have always entertained the idea of running my own consulting business full-time (I have a few clients on the side, now).

Good luck, WaterBoy. I hope you can get enough clients to make it happen.

Thanks for your input, WaterBoy.

May 25, 2007 21:01

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Res Ipsa ~

If things are getting tight enough that you are think about doing this, you need to break down and go back to what you were doing before. I know you were bored with it, but you were making a decent living. After doing that you could look around for a business that you would enjoy doing and that would be economically sound. My help is available if you desire.

May 25, 2007 21:04

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Taylor ~

Another wet blanket, what you propose may not be legal, due to zoning.

Ah, I've been talking to people about this.

If you live in town, you also need to think about neighbors. Dogs bark, and dog poop stinks, and neighbors will complain if either gets too bad.

I do live in town and I am very considerate of my neighbors. I don't like barking or filth either, so I would be on top of the barking and maintaining a very clean environment.

I often have to put up with the constant barking of the two dogs across the street and it's very irritating, so it's not as if people don't already hear barking.

Also, most people are out during work hours, when the majority of my business activities would be taking place, so there would be less reason for anyone to complain.

Thanks again, Giraffe. And don't worry about disillusioning me. I deal in reality.

May 25, 2007 21:11

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Taylor ~

If things are getting tight enough that you are think about doing this, you need to break down and go back to what you were doing before.

Very astute of you, Res. Things are getting tight and I need to do something and pronto. I should not have let it get to this point, but I did. I let everything go to hell. This is completely out of character for me, but I am not exaggerating when I've said that I am not well.

I can't go back to what I was doing. I can't do it! Trust me when I say my brain is fried.

Before, when presented with a software project, my brain would instantly start on the design, working out the details, knowing exactly how to make it work. And I'm talking about difficult design issues. I'd be at project meetings and they'd look to me to come up with the answers. I was the go-to, unfailing one who could get any job done. Just let Taylor go and she'll find an innovative, neat and clean solution.

Today, I just sit there, barely able to string two thoughts together. I often get quite dizzy as well. Ha! I've turned into a dizzy broad... But that could be my low blood pressure and ongoing stress.

Anyhow, as you see, I can't go back to the old way. At this point, it's not an option. I won't do a half-assed job when people are expecting more from me. I couldn't accept a paycheck nor letting them down.

May 25, 2007 21:32

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Taylor ~

My help is available if you desire.

You're a sweetie, ResBaby. And if there's anything you need, that a dizzy broad could help with, just ask.

May 25, 2007 21:42

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Giraffe ~

It seems like you have most of the bases covered. The last thing I can think of is insurance. I don't know what happens if something would happen to Fifi while it is under your care. Dogs mostly aren't valuable enough to sue over. Worse yet, one of your boarders bites the meter reader or neighbor kid while you are in charge. I'm not an expert in insurance, maybe homeowners covers all this.

May 25, 2007 22:01

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Res Ipsa ~

"if there's anything you need, that a dizzy broad could help with, just ask."

you're such a flirt. I like that about you 8)

The real problem is that you need a long weekend in Colorado with your blog friends. If you don't mind the energy industry there are good jobs in my neck of the woods. You could try translating or working someplace (like a bank, brokerage, import export business) that needs a bi-lingual person with a college level grasp of the language to perform basic business functions. How good is the Farsi, if we invade the gov is going to be paying big bucks if you can read and write at a high school level, they might be doing that now for all I know.

May 26, 2007 03:36

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Spacebunny ~

First of all these things are extrememly popular and you can probably charge more than you are currently thinking. You can also charge by the hour and the day. I'm assuming you've done some research but if not, search for doggy daycare and see what they are charging in your area and what they offer, Camp Bow Wow for example is a franchised doggy day care.

May 26, 2007 06:32

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Erik ~

Some thoughts...

One of the zoning/covenant issues with home businesses is whether or not people have to come to your house or not.

An alternative way of making money, is working phones from home. The best company I know of is LiveOps.com. They pay the best and you can basically choose your own hours.

Without knowing the source of your "fried" brain, are you taking vitamins? I was suffering from "fried brain syndrome" until earlier this year and starting a good mutli cleared it up almost instantly. Your mileage may vary.

May 26, 2007 11:18

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Taylor ~

I don't know what happens if something would happen to Fifi while it is under your care.

I have to research the other daycares to see how they protect themselves against lawsuits.

Giraffe, homeowners does cover a lot of stuff. Again, I'll have to research.

May 27, 2007 00:55

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Taylor ~

you're such a flirt.

Yes, it appears the flirting area of my brain has become significantly more active as the other areas have shut down. I'll be a full-blown bimbo before you know it. My blog title will be more appropriate titled "Mind Over".

The real problem is that you need a long weekend in Colorado with your blog friends.

I wish it could be that simple.

If you don't mind the energy industry there are good jobs in my neck of the woods.

You are very kind to try to help here, Res. I don't mind any industry that doesn't require me to work with people. The jobs you list sound very people intensive. I'd be miserable.

Also, I want to stay here for a couple of more years. This house is in an area that builders are salivating over. It's in a prime location, the lots are huge, the homes are 50 years old - perfect for tearing down and building McMansions. They've already started. My house is the on largest lot on the street and paid for. If I can hold out for a couple of years, I could get about $500K. With close to $500K (after bloody taxes) in my pocket, everything changes. And what's nice about this situation is that I don't need to spend on renovations or prettying it up when I do decide to sell as they'll be tearing it down anyway.

So, you see, I need and want to stay here at home. I love my home. Eventually, I will make another home somewhere else, but not just yet.

How good is the Farsi

Pretty good if I want to cuss somebody out or buy groceries.

Reminds me of a funny story. I was at a party full of Persians and was speaking with an elderly lady in Farsi. She couldn't speak English. Everything was going fine until I asked her where her husband was and she responded that he was sleeping, bejhab. I suggested that she might want to wake him and come join us in the festivities.

She was very amused by this and told others, then explained to me that's how they refer to someone who is dead. Ack! I felt like such an idiot. Everybody got a big kick out of it.

May 27, 2007 01:22

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Taylor ~

First of all these things are extrememly popular and you can probably charge more than you are currently thinking.

Thanks, SB. That's encouraging to hear. I have been doing research to get as much info as possible. In fact, there are a few companies that deal in just showing you how to start up a doggy daycare - for a price, of course. I don't intend to use them. I think I can handle it myself just by doing my homework.

As far as pricing, I will obviously charge as much as I can. I suppose it depends on how I set it up and what extras I can provide for the owners - like webcams and stuff.

May 27, 2007 01:29

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Taylor ~

One of the zoning/covenant issues with home businesses is whether or not people have to come to your house or not.

I know and it's a concern to me. Where there's a will, there's a way and I can be very willful...

The best company I know of is LiveOps.com. They pay the best and you can basically choose your own hours.

Thanks, Erik! I checked them out. Very interesting indeed. I liked the part about having to do a voice audition as part of their qualifying process. People have always commented on my voice... And I have all the technical requirements they list, as well. I wonder if my Spanish could be an asset here? It's dealing with people, but over the phone. I can handle that. I deal with you guys over the net... :)

Hmmm? This could work. I could scale down the doggy business to a less structured setting, make some money from that AND do this phone business. It's always good to have different sources of income. I'm encouraged.

I was suffering from "fried brain syndrome" until earlier this year and starting a good mutli cleared it up almost instantly.

Good thing you got it worked out. It's very hard to function with a fried brain, as you're probably well aware of.

It could be that stress is causing a biological imbalance and I need to supplement. I've never taken vitamins. It couldn't hurt. I'll try something. Thanks again, Erik. I appreciate your helpful comments.

May 27, 2007 01:55

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kitty shay windfield ~

How much do you know about dogs?
You never mention your background in dogs, or canine behavior. It is not as simple as putting "sociable" dogs together, and watching them play. I would suggest you get some experience handling dogs, and then evaluate your abilbity to successfully care for them. Good luck.

May 30, 2007 00:52

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Taylor ~

Thanks for the feedback. I've had dogs all my life. Don't have any currently, but I've been around them enough to know that I could handle them.

I wouldn't advertise myself as a dog trainer or expert. Just as a dog sitter with a nice area for the pooches to spend the day, instead of sitting alone, cooped up all day. I certainly have as much experience as the most of the owner's themselves.

Recently, a friend of mine went to Brazil and I looked after her two bull dogs. No problems at all. This is what got me started thinking about this.

May 30, 2007 01:08

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WaterBoy ~

Sounds like you have a good grasp on it, then.

Go for it and best of luck to you!

May 30, 2007 03:19

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Taylor ~

Thanks, WaterBoy. We shall see.

May 31, 2007 05:34

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Roci ~

Sorry in advance for the extra wet blanket...

Our understanding of physics being what it is, you can't be in two places at the same time. Therefore, you cannot watch a dog and drive to go get another one. Leaving a dog unattended any time of the day would be a big no-no for this type of service.

I recommend a tall privacy fence. Some dogs are very inventive at getting out. You really don't want that happening. If dogs can't see the other side of the fence, they don't bark at it. Also, compartmentalized fencing is a good idea for when dogs need a time out or some are not getting along with others.

Health certificates and vet contact info is a must. No one likes getting their dog back with kennel cough or the dripping crud.

Jun 01, 2007 19:30

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Taylor ~

Thanks, Roci. I appreciate all wet blankets here, even smartass ones. :)

Are you sure I can't be at two places at one time? Have you ever heard of memory swapping? Similar type of concept here. See, first I plan to invent a device that will convert me into light energy and re-materialize me anywhere else I want to be. THEN, I swap myself between each place very, very fast and I will APPEAR to be at two places at the same time.

Ha! And you thought I had failed to consider this dilemma.

About the fence, thanks, that's good to know and a good idea to compartmentalize. Do you know of any temporary or adjustable fencing? I'm even thinking about starting with that as my perimeter fence just to see how it works out - before investing in a real privacy fence.

And yes, I have been reading how the doggy daycares in operation require proof of vaccinations and vet info.

Thanks for your thoughts, Roci.

Jun 03, 2007 11:56

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DrFix ~

Taylor, Dread and I (along with others) were talking last night via Skype and he directed me to your blog. Of course it was because of your little list but reading this post reminded me of both Dreads and my own past failures in business. Since I live in Texas, and used to be in the technical support arena, I have a great deal of sympathy for ya! I don't know if I really want to go back into the computing field and simply be in the meat grinder once again. I'm a tad worn out.

I think the bottom line, to use an accountants language, is to find out exactly what you "need" to survive. Thats the foundation to build off of. Once you realize that, and chuck all the junk aside, you can focus more on how to at least, at the minimum, get that. Anything extra would naturally be welcome.

Jun 14, 2007 22:02

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Taylor ~

reminded me of both Dreads and my own past failures in business.

At least you tried, eh? We do learn from our failures. Hope it wasn't a very hard lesson.

used to be in the technical support arena

Oh, is that why it's "DrFix"? If not, never mind. The other association I come up with is not nearly as white collar... :)

I think the bottom line, to use an accountants language, is to find out exactly what you "need" to survive.

Yeah, that's how I figure it too. I'll work it out somehow. Thanks.

Jun 15, 2007 03:39

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DrFix ~

Painful? Hahahaha.... well, it sent me and the family into bankruptcy. Looking back I feel incredibly stupid but thats how it goes. Still, I haven't given up on life and true freedom doesn't come from working the nine to five.

The name really IS my name with initials. Funny thing is that because I worked in PC support so long that they nicknamed me "doctor" and so it fits. Because I can "fix" it. LOL! At least people remember me.

"Food" for thought:

Since you claim to come from Argentina (someplace I have considered disappearing to), and I assume your family is as well, then have you thought about setting up a small food based business? Not a full blown restaurant... thats a recipe for disaster. Its a fact that most food establishments are operated by people who, in their native country, never ran a food business. Its because of that "link" to another country, and if you can play the part, that the natives (here in the States for example) don't know otherwise and "assume" you're authentic. I bet you can gather plenty of simple hearty recipes that folks can quickly dig into without thinking too hard. Not too exotic or "mysterious" that the locals are perplexed. Thats where my wife, who is Japanese, and I are leaning. If there is one undeniable fact out there its that people have to eat!

Jun 15, 2007 17:38

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Taylor ~

Still, I haven't given up on life and true freedom doesn't come from working the nine to five.

Giving up will very quickly make a hard life much worse!

I'm glad that some people are willing to do the 9-5 thing and probably need to, to support their family, get the insurance, etc... But, I was never more miserable in my life than when I worked at an office.

have you thought about setting up a small food based business?

No. I couldn't handle dealing with the people. I do know some Argentine recipes that people here just love, but no, I would never make it in that business. You'd also have to have employees. Ack! Good help is really hard to find. I've heard so many stories from friends who run businesses.

Thats where my wife, who is Japanese, and I are leaning.

It makes a huge difference when you're not trying to go it alone. I've had quite a few good ideas that I could never get going because I just couldn't do it alone.

Good luck with your next venture.

Jun 16, 2007 05:40

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