Pets for home workers
I’ve mentioned before that home workers tend to have a number of favourite things that add structure and enjoyment to their day. Technology for obvious reasons, drinks and snacks for a break and boosting energy, and then more personal factors, often children, pets and the view out of the home office window.
I wonder what the best pets for home workers are?
I’m a cat person by nature, although it’s a long time now since my elderly tabby and tortoiseshell departed this life. Some people wouldn’t consider cats as ideal pets for home workers because they always want to be right where you’re trying to work and commandeer the office chair or walk over the keyboard.
But they do tend to calm down as they get older and are great company. And at least you get a reply when you talk to them! My tabby used to think I was talking to her when I was on the phone, but fortunately in those days my calls tended to be short.
I have home working friends who have dogs and declare them the perfect pets for home workers – they provide a reason to leave work behind for a while and get out of the house. And dog walks can be useful as a convenient way of marking the beginning and end of the working day, whereas us dog-less folk might be tempted to carry on into the evening.
I’ve heard of all kinds of other pets for home workers – chickens, guinea pigs, hamsters, you name it, they all bring life and companionship to a house that might otherwise feel empty.
And of course, there’s always the wildlife outside your home office window, to provide interest and entertainment and a chance to rest your eyes. I can see ducks and wild birds, the occasional heron, and horses from the local riding school. A’s office faces the other way and he can watch the lambs playing at this time of year.
What do you think make good pets for home workers? Do you have an unusual pet you think other home workers would enjoy?
My beautiful black cat used to split his naps between my office and my husband’s office (we both work from home). That was until he passed away last week, after being hit by a car outside the house. We miss him terribly.
That is so sad, Marisol, I’m so sorry to hear that 🙁 I know what it’s like to lose a much-loved pet. You have my sympathy. The only consolation is that no doubt he had an idyllic life with so much company.
I have a pet lemon grass. It’s Cornish lizard.
I’ll add that to my list of unusual pets for home workers, Rosie!
We have a dog that I take for a run most mornings. He is my “journey to work” and helps put me in the right frame of mind for working when I get in. Then he helps us switch off at night when he tells us it’s time to stop working and go out for a walk
Ah, so that’s how you stay so trim when you spend your time baking cakes, Abi! He sounds like the perfect home working pet.
My work from home companion is called Dylan, he’s a gorgeous black and white tom. He joins me for breakfast, then upstairs for a sleep in the office chair – I sit on a pilates ball – by choice I might add ;-). During the days when I am working from home we have a routine of chasing each other up and down the stairs which keeps us both warm and fit. When I’m away delivering courses we both miss out on that fun though…he is snoring in the chair behind me now – want to see a picture?
You bet, Andrea! Dylan sounds like great fun. How about a Twitter pic I can share with other cat-loving home workers?