691: Business Grief, Identity, and the Courage to Move On with Corinne Moore
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What happens when you finally build the business you dreamed of—and it still doesn’t make you happy? In this episode, Corinne Moore shares the emotional and practical reality of deciding to close a pet care company after years of building systems, leaders, and stability. We talk about the “grief” of letting go, the guilt many owners carry for clients and staff, and how maternity leave created space to see the truth clearly. Corinne explains how tracking patterns (not just bad days) helped her separate a rough patch from a real endpoint. The conversation closes with encouragement: you can finish well, take care of people, and still choose what’s best for your life.
Main topics:
Maternity leave and clarity
Business grief and identity
Staff transitions and ethics
Client communication when closing
Rough patch vs endpoint
Main takeaway:“You deserve to be happy in your company.”
Corinne’s remark can feel almost too simple—until you realize how many owners are running on guilt, obligation, and sunk cost. Corinne shared how stepping away (and tracking patterns over time) helped her see what was true: not every hard season is just a temporary dip, and not every business has to last forever to be meaningful. Finishing well can still include caring for clients, supporting staff transitions, and communicating with integrity. The goal isn’t to quit on a bad day—it’s to tell the truth about a bad year and choose a healthier next chapter. Your business should support your life, not slowly erase it.
About our guest: Corinne Moore is a pet care professional based in Madison, Wisconsin, and the former owner of a pet care company called Paws and Claws. Known as “the data girl” in the pet care space, she supports business owners through coaching and a metrics-first approach to decision-making. Corinne also works in bookkeeping and runs Pawsome Metrics, helping service businesses make sense of their numbers and operations. Her passion sits at the intersection of sustainable leadership, clear reporting, and building businesses that truly fit the owner’s life.
Links:
Dog Co Launch: https://www.dogcolaunch.com/
Tiny Paws Bookkeeping: https://tinypawsbookkeeping.com
Corinne’s previous Pet Sitter Confessional appearance, “565: How Metrics Transform with Corinne Moore”: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/565
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.
A VERY ROUGH TRANSCRIPT OF THE EPISODE
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SUMMARY KEYWORDS
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
Pet sitting, business closure, maternity leave, employee transition, client support, personal happiness, business ownership, identity shift, decision process, emotional impact, career change, data and metrics, pet care industry, entrepreneurial journey, work-life balance.
SPEAKERS
Collin Funkhouser, Corinne M.
Collin Funkhouser 00:01
Collin, welcome to pet sitter confessional, an open and honest discussion about life as a pet sitter. Today. We're brought to you by our friends at tide pet and pet perennials. Life cycle of a business and a business owner has its beginnings, its growths and sometimes its ends, and sometimes we choose those, and sometimes they happen to us. So how do we end well and end strong in our business? And what is that decision process like? And so today, I'm really excited to have Corinne Moore back on the show owner of paws and claws Pet Services, to talk about a tough decision that she had to make and some of the thought processes behind it, and how she's ending well and treating her clients and her team well through this. Corinne, thank you so much for coming back on the show. For those who didn't listen to your previous episode, tell us a little bit more about who you are and what you do.
Corinne M. 00:53
Yes, my name is Corinne. Thank you so much for having me. I'm over in Madison, Wisconsin, in the company called paws and claws. That's closing stories that will be closed at the time of this being aired. But, and I also do. I'm a dog co coach. Let's say and I am also a junior bookkeeper at Tiny paws.
Collin Funkhouser 01:27
So you have a lot going on. That's for sure. That's for sure. And I know we had you back on the show previously to talk about numbers and data and things like that, but you're kind of entering into a different chapter in your life. Now, as you've talked about your business has closed down. What has that process been like since we've last talked?
Corinne M. 01:49
Yes, so I believe when we last talked, I don't know if I was pregnant yet or what have I think I might have been, but I've since had our son. He is now four months old, and so that was a big change. And with that, I was able to take maternity leave, and that is part of what kind of made me sit back and think on a lot of this, and I have decided to close my doors, which was a very, very hard decision, and now I'm like all numbers, numbers, numbers, but it was, it was the right decision for me and the right decision for my family.
Collin Funkhouser 02:44
You talk about that maternity leave being an important aspect. What was it about that time that you were able to reflect and consider kind of where you were in the life stage?
Corinne M. 02:55
Yes, absolutely. So I build up my business to the point that I have a full time manager, I have team leads. A lot of that has been through a lot of really hard work and a lot of processes and policies and everything being put in place. And because of that, I was very thankfully able to take six months of maternity leave, and my manager was running the show, and I kind of took that. I took that very seriously. I was like, All right, I am taking maternity leave. I am not going to check in, I am going to not check my email. I'm going to let my business do its thing, because this is what I worked for for years and years to get to this point. And I want to see how I feel with my hands out of the company and and I realized through that that I was still not completely happy I had this, this privilege of being able to see my company run, and see everything that I've worked so hard for, and I still didn't feel a great sense of satisfaction. And that's when I kind of realized, Okay, so I've worked really hard for this, and I am just still not where I want to be. And to me, that was my okay. This is, this is, this is the sign that I need to close.
Collin Funkhouser 04:32
I mean, what was going through your head when you fight, when you had that realization? I mean, was there some like, did you feel disappointed? Because I know, like, if I'm working hard towards a goal, and all of a sudden it's like, I got the one thing that I've always wanted and that I should have, and then you're like, holding it, and you're like, Oh, well, this is, huh, this is, this feels different. I thought it would be I thought it'd be different.
Corinne M. 04:54
Yes, I definitely had that. I've definitely had that. I had a it was almost. Was like a grief. I'm sort of still going through a grief of like I worked really hard for this. I should be happier. Why am I not happier? And I realized that through this journey of me trying to get all these processes in place because I wanted to do some other things. I realized that the other things that I've been doing is where my heart is, where I found my passion in numbers. I found my passion in helping folks find their data and their metrics, and working with dog CO and and working with tiny paws and and I realized I had this, like, drive and fire there that I didn't in my company. So yes, I did have some disappointment, because I was like, I should be like, over the moon, because my business is running itself, and I'm getting to spend time with my baby boy, and it just wasn't there
Collin Funkhouser 05:58
when you put it like that, of all that work you were doing, you were doing so you could push the business to the side, so you could focus on this other stuff. And you're like, yeah, yeah, business, if you could just sit over here, I've got other stuff to do. And you see that passion going, Okay, well, I want I understand, and that's I think I, you know, Corinne, I think that's just a part of something that a lot of us may reject of No, I because we get that kind of sunk cost fallacy. I know I certainly fall into that of, no. I've got to keep this thing because look what I've done with it. I guess this is important because it takes up so much of my time. I mean, how do you walk through that and lean into that stuff that actually is your passion?
Corinne M. 06:39
Yeah, so that's been a challenge, but I just decided, I mean, I was really blessed to have this opportunity to have this maternity leave, and building up to that maternity leave, I had things kind of running pretty smoothly for a while, and so I just kind of started prioritizing what I was passionate about. And I realized, after looking back, that my schedule was a lot more numbers and a lot less running the company. And I did feel some guilt in that. I did feel like I should be I should be doing what, you know, I should be doing what I've been working for, but that's how it ended up. And it is what it is, what it is. I was more about that, and I was more about my family, and less about I was less about the company well, and I
Collin Funkhouser 07:41
know I've like Megan and I will talk about this sometimes, like, is this just a rough patch in our business? Like, have we fallen out of love with our business? Do I need to try and fall back in love with it? Do I need to reconnect with it? I mean, for those listening, like, How, do how? What advice would you give for somebody trying to distinguish between like, is this a rough patch, or is this a sign of something else in our genuine endpoint.
Corinne M. 08:05
Yeah. So what I actually started doing, I think, about a year ago, is I started writing in my planner. I'd have put a little like a little circle every time that I had a day that I was not happy at my job, and when those little circles just kept popping up, I looked and I was like, Oh, this is not just a I'm, you know, having a hard time in this moment. This is a pattern, and this is a pattern that is not seeming to let up. And I don't think that necessarily, like closing is for everybody, or selling is for everybody, or anything like that, but I think that, you know, sometimes jobs and careers end, and I think it's okay to recognize that sometimes businesses end too, and that's okay.
Collin Funkhouser 09:01
I mean, because I have certainly had this thought, I know I've talked to other people who, like, there's this feeling of guilt around their business of that idea of closing, I'm like, Oh, I can't because of XYZ, or, like, my commitment to my community, or this thing should go. I mean, did you wrestle through that
Corinne M. 09:16
at all? Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Especially with especially with my staff, I think because I just kept thinking, you know, this, this being this company has fed my family, you know, for years, and it's fed other people's families too. And I've felt this guilt like, Oh man, I'm like, taking their positions away. I'm I am ending this relationship with them. I really value these people. I really value their time and what they've done, and so what i i actually. Very blessed in that I approached a competitor of mine, competitor, I say it in quotes, like, we've always been very friendly. And I said, Hey, will you take my employees, if my employees want to transition to you, if close? And he was like, absolutely. So, wow, it worked out for us, but I definitely did wrestle with those, and I think that's, you know, something that people will wrestle with if they're thinking about closing
Collin Funkhouser 10:29
well, especially with when you view your business as something more than just, like a hobby or something that makes money, like when you as I think is healthy and right for every business owner to view their business as something bigger, something more impactful, something that can have true change in your community and your people's lives. Like that gives us a lot of fuel to keep going and to do hard things and to do this. But like that also comes with realizing that letting go and turning that off is also like, we have to be ready to face that feeling and knowing that at the end of the day, you just have to do what's what's right. And that, I know that that can sound trite, I mean, like we'll just do the right thing, but I'm sure you went back and forth of what is the right thing in this moment.
Corinne M. 11:16
Yes, yep. And I did feel like, well, you know, I have all these pets that we have to take care of, and then part of me was like, they'll find other care. They will be okay. And in the end, like, I'm not the only one that can feed their cats or give their cats medicine. There are plenty of people in the community that can, that are very passionate about it, and they that supply great care. So kind of coming to church with that, like it's okay, if it's not you, they will be taken care of.
Collin Funkhouser 11:52
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Collin Funkhouser 12:22
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Corinne M. 12:52
Um, yes, it was. It's been, it's been, I don't know it's like, I said, it's kind of like a grief. There's been some feelings of guilt, because this was originally, you know, my sister's company. So there's some feelings of guilt there, like, Oh, I'm letting her down, even though it's, you know, she's, she's got a very successful other company. She's completely happy, like she's backing me up. But there was this feeling like, I I let her down. I'll let my family down. I'll let my kids down. My daughter loves, you know, cats so much. And like, what I first told her that, you know, Mommy was gonna get a different job or, well, she was just like, but who's gonna feed the cats, so it's just like these little things that you think add up, but they do, they add up, and when it becomes such a big part of your identity, it is hard to deal with that.
Collin Funkhouser 13:52
Well, you mentioned the identity like, that's that's a big shift to go from because for the fast like, remind me, How long had you run paws and cloth. It was six years, six years, I mean, six years pouring into this living it, breathing it, building it up. Like, that's a big chunk of, I'm sure, of who you saw yourself as, and now you're pulling that away. Like, what's that identity shift been like for you?
Corinne M. 14:21
Um, I think maybe easier for me than it would be some just because I have kind of, you know, gone into, like data and metrics and numbers, um, and I did kind of find a true, a truer passion for me, not that I'm not passionate about animals. I absolutely am, but it was the business owning aspect that I was, like, not as passionate about. So I think, I think it was easier for me than for others. But it definitely has been interesting. It's been interesting especially because, you know, I'm. Sure, other people get people get this, but when people ask you what your job is, and you say, Oh, I own a pet sitting company, they think it's like, I don't even know. It's like, we have to, like, validate, like, yeah, and it's hard, and it's a lot of work, and you know, you're on all the time, and there something's new every day, something always comes up. But I think after years of of that, like now being like, that's weird that I'm not anymore. It's weird.
Collin Funkhouser 15:32
Well, you're like, I was just at a networking thing, oh gosh, like a week ago, and somebody, of course, they asked, you know, what do you do? And I said, Oh, my wife and I own a dog walking and pet sitting business. And they said, Oh, yeah, yeah, my daughter does that during during the summer. And you know, of course, I'm like, my red eyes, and I'm like, No, you don't understand. Like, flying to the defense of that, like we've spent so many years like building that up and like getting defensive and reacting, like making sure that we communicate well, and all this stuff. And now, like that, that is part of of what we do, because we believe it so much and, and I, you know, I'm thinking now, like, Okay, I wake up tomorrow and that's not there anymore. Like, I don't like, I like, that seems like a big, big, big thing to be, to be missing.
Corinne M. 16:20
It is a big it is a big thing. It's a it's it's a grief. And now I'm just it's weird. It's weird to be closing. But I am also really looking forward to the next chapter.
Collin Funkhouser 16:33
What are some things that gave you more clarity as you've gone through this process? I mean, it sounds like a year ago or so, you really started kind of hinting at thinking about, hey, what's going on as you've gone through this process in this grief, what's helped giving you clarity that this is the right move to be making.
Corinne M. 16:54
Honestly, a lot of it was when my I bought this company when my daughter was four months old and my son is now four months old, and looking back at where I was and who I was when my daughter was four months old was way different than looking back at where and who I was now that my son is so I look at him now and I'm just like, there, I don't have this desire to do what I was doing when my daughter was four months old. Does that make I hope that that makes some sort of sense. But I just feel like I have changed so much in a different is not a better or worse way, just a different way. Yeah, and,
Collin Funkhouser 17:41
and, man, there's nothing that will give you clarity like that than a new little kid sitting in front of you. Of like, Oh, my, my purpose is now changed, right? Like, now I have a different, like, a different piece of me, a new piece of me is here and now I can. I know, because I know, like, when my kids were born, like, it was a little bit of like, extra confidence to go out and, like, do something like, like, it really was, yeah, now, like, you know, when my son was born, it was, it was a big impetus for a big move that we've made in our life, because we it was kind of awake. It was almost like a wake up call to us, of like, Oh, this isn't where we are. Is not. Oh, okay, yeah, let's, we got to do something different. Like, let's, let's do this. Let's try this thing, and it gets your wheels spinning. So to hear you, and especially, like this, the symmetry here of, like, four month old daughter entering into business, four month old son exiting business, and like, these big seasons and seasonality changes.
Corinne M. 18:36
Yeah, it's so true. And I just remember when, when my daughter was four months old, I was just like, Man, I really got to do this thing. Like, I am so excited about it, and I did it and I did it, and I was happy doing it. And then, you know, things changed. My life changed, and now I'm really excited for the next chapter, yeah,
Collin Funkhouser 18:58
but you are unwinding this business of of that you've built up and all this stuff, you know, what's surprised you most about that process of that people might not see from the outside, directly,
Corinne M. 19:14
um, the amount of support that I've gotten from my clients. I was really worried about telling them. I was really worried about telling my staff. I've, you know, I had some staff that that weren't too happy about it. Of course, it's the you know what they're doing too. But as far as clients go, I have not had a single person say a negative thing. They were all very supportive. Just, you know, I just told them, like, I'm going in a different chapter, different direction with my life, and thanked them. And everybody was so super supportive and kind. I thought they're gonna be really mad.
Collin Funkhouser 19:54
Yeah, well, you know, and the people listening to this, they may be asking. Yourself the same question, what kind of questions should they be asking themselves to decide if, like, if selling or if, if ending is right for them, right? Like, because that's a big decision to make. I know you walked through that process, but like, for somebody who's listening, where should they start thinking about what might be good for them in that situation?
Corinne M. 20:22
As far as, like, should I be selling this company?
Collin Funkhouser 20:24
Yeah, yeah. For somebody who's like, how do I know if it's right for me to sell my business versus close the doors? Like, because that's a big I mean, that's because
Corinne M. 20:34
that's a hard decision to make too it is a hard decision. And the To be frank, like, the reason that I went more one decision was personal, but I think that it's really like a final push. If you are in the space to do a final push, and, you know, make sure that you have all your ducks in a row and you're able to sell it? Is it worth the investment of time and the investment of effort for you to sell it for the financial gain? Or is it to the point that you know, if you're you know, thinking about closing, if it's weighing on you, if it's dragging you down, if you're truly unhappy in it and you don't want to continue any further. Maybe closing is an option that you look into,
Collin Funkhouser 21:26
because there's so many ways to kind of put a period on that part of our lives. Isn't there Right? And there's no right or wrong way. It's what's best. It is what's best for us, what we can do, where the business is. And then sometimes it's just, like, personal preference of like, you know what? I just I'm just not there one way or the other. And I think that that gives us a lot of freedom in our lives, too. Corinne, because what's beautiful is, you know, we get to start the business, we get to run the business, we get to do those things in our business, and we can also end it on our terms as well. Like that is a power that we have. And I think oftentimes we lose sight of that.
Corinne M. 22:05
Yeah, and you know, that's part of the part of the beautiful thing about being an entrepreneur is you go through this whole journey and you still get to choose how the journey ends and like, it's, it's all up to you. So yeah,
Collin Funkhouser 22:18
for your like, how much you talk about the communication to the clients and unwinding this stuff, how much what was that? What was the order there? Did you talk to team first, and then clients, clients, then team. And how much lead time did you give everybody for this?
Corinne M. 22:32
Yeah, so the first person I talked to was my manager, because I felt that that was right. And then, you know, together, we kind of talked through everything next steps. And then from there, I I talked to my staff first, and then clients. I have seen people do it on this on the same day. I've seen people do on the same day because maybe there were there, if they're selling, they're worried about staff taking clients. I think that the timetable might be different for if you're selling for us, I talked to my manager couple days later, I talked to all the staff in zoom, and then called some people that weren't able to make that Zoom. And then the next week, I sent out emails to all the clients.
Collin Funkhouser 23:26
And then you kind of, I'm imagining you hit send, and then kind of just braced against the desk.
Corinne M. 23:33
I think I cried. It's, it's been a it's been a journey. So I think I press send, and then, I think I was like, I just cried, and then, and then I got so many emails prepared for that.
Collin Funkhouser 23:52
Yeah, yeah. I mean, it's a you prepare for, for everything. But you know, it sounds like, again, you got that response of your clients who were very supportive of you in this decision. And I'm sure you being able to have other referrals for them, to people to go to, especially for your team, to say, hey, they're also be over here at this company or this company. This is what's happening, like that. That gives a lot of peace of mind to clients, too. And even right right there at the very end, like you're continuing to say, Hey, you're still, you're still taken care of,
Corinne M. 24:22
yeah, and that was important to me, because I I care about, you know, all these folks, and I knew I didn't want to close unless I
Collin Funkhouser 24:33
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Corinne M. 25:45
Well, I definitely have a I really have an admiration for business owners. I've definitely realized that although I'm very passionate about pet care and and such that the management of people side of things was not my love. I I think I was a pretty good manager, but it was not something that came super easily to me, and it was something that I wasn't super excited about doing, but I think that, you know, discovering that about myself definitely occurs.
Collin Funkhouser 26:34
Oh yeah, you know. And that's I often think about that of when I think about I reflect a lot on our business, and I go, is like, So Meg and I, we've been doing dog walking, pet sitting. This will be our 14th year, and six years, seven with with employees. And it's almost like I keep asking myself, is this? Is this what I thought would happen like, is this where I thought would be? Is this and then the is this, where I'm best at? Am I actually operating where I'm supposed to be? And that's, that's, those are scary questions to ask, especially like 11 o'clock at night when I'm typing emails or writing a new recipe.
Corinne M. 27:18
Yeah, I will say, if you're gonna make a decision, the very final decision, don't do it after you've sent an email to a client that, like, maybe you didn't want to send, like, maybe think on that. Don't just be like, I'm closing my income. Block this clients just,
Collin Funkhouser 27:37
oh no, that'd be the best thing. Say I'm done, and they just delete everything, right? So, you know, because you do and I that's something you know of that of finishing well, finishing with with with grace and with love towards others. I think that that is often lost in this world and trying to care for people, but most importantly, like, care for yourself during this process. I mean, that's because you're what. How did you balance that? Of like, constantly think, because this whole process is, how are they going to take it? How are they going to take it? How are they going how are they going to take it, like, but like Corinne taking that, you know,
Corinne M. 28:27
I, you know, this was a, it was a conversation that I had with Michelle, because I was saying these same things. And I was like, but Michelle, like, I, I'm just worried about my staff. And, and she was like, Well, what about you? And I was like, Well, I can sit she's like. I was like, well, I could stick it out for a little longer. And she's like, why you're not happy? Oh, I think part of it was learning to advocate for my own needs and my own desires. And yeah, I it's been, it's been a hard time to do that. So how does that
Collin Funkhouser 29:04
influence how you move forward? I mean, going through this lesson and now looking ahead to your new opportunities, which are amazing, by the way, and I'm so excited for you and everything that you're going to be doing, because listeners, Corinna is not leaving the pet care industry, just so that we're completely sure she's still going to be around and she's going to be talking more numbers than ever. So like, how do you take those, this lesson in this process and move forward with that into your new journey?
Corinne M. 29:30
I feel like I've learned so much, and I think that this final lesson of, like, of my company, of, hey, Corinne, this is maybe not your right fit. And you know, let's you found your calling. Now let's go with that. I think that's the greatest lesson that I've learned throughout this entire experience. I think this, this experience, has taught me so much about being a manager, being an a business owner, being a. I, you know, just so much about pet care, about person care, like just caring for other people and being having empathy. But this was just like the final, the final true lesson that it taught me. And I'm excited because I feel like I will be able to better advocate for myself and for my needs and for my desires in the future.
Collin Funkhouser 30:26
That's big. That's like knowing because so many times we put ourselves last in all the decisions of whether it's, oh, in scheduling, who gets the worst schedule that's applied, whether it's in pay, who doesn't get paid today, or, you know, whatever that is. And so to be able to flip that and go, I I can't be in that same spot again. And I did this, and also, like, I did a really hard thing in in standing up for me and myself and what I needed, and knowing that, like, yeah, Bring it. Bring it on.
Corinne M. 31:08
Yeah, yeah, it's been, it's been a really good journey. I'm, I'm really excited. I'm excited to stay in this and help other companies with their numbers. Because that really was like, my, I don't know it was like, my wake up call, like, oh, maybe, maybe this is my love. And you know, my love is spreadsheets and numbers.
Collin Funkhouser 31:29
I love that. That's part of the story, too. Corinne of just like the running the business gave you that opportunity to be involved in numbers and to be serious about numbers, and you discovered something that you were like, oh, not only am I really good at this, but also like, I love this and and that's just like, we should be taking that opportunity in our businesses and be reminded of the opportunities that are given our business gives us every single day of I have, oftentimes, like, I will complain about all the hats that I have to wear. And of course, that first step is, okay, well, wear less hats. But also, like, which hat do I love wearing? Like, is there one that's just like, oh, energizes me and like, I can get on board at maybe that's what I should do more of.
Corinne M. 32:14
Yeah. And I tell this to folks that, like, I talk to in dog co all the time. If there is something that you do not like doing in your business, it's okay to have somebody else do that for you. It is okay if you can, if you have the means to outsource it, do that because you deserve to be happy in your company. And that
Collin Funkhouser 32:36
lesson is so powerful, no matter what stage you are in your business, I create, like, you deserve to be happy, and I think, like, I'm going to say that a third time, you said it, I said it, I'm going to say it again, like you deserve to be happy, and if that's hard to receive, we've got a lot of things to work through about our view of ourself, right? And and what we what we deserve in this life.
Corinne M. 33:02
Yes, and this is a lesson that I have to keep telling myself that I'm I'm really good at telling others like, you deserve to be happy. But then I was like, also not telling myself, well, I mean, how
Collin Funkhouser 33:14
do you So, how do you remind yourself? How does that show up throughout your day? Corinne, when you're making decisions and when you're planning and stuff.
Corinne M. 33:20
Now I'm just excited, if I'm excited about something, if, if, if, then it's right for me, if that makes sense. So if I am, if I'm excited, I'm going to roll with it. And that's what I'm just you know, I do time blocking, and every day I am giving myself a little bit of time to just reflect, and it's just like 10 minutes just to reflect on where I'm at, how would I feel about today, and write down, maybe in my journal. And that's, that's been a big game changer.
Collin Funkhouser 33:58
I Oh, reflection like that's, I'm really good about writing down the stuff I got done. I'm really bad about writing how I felt, doing it right and and I think, you know, people listening may go like, what's the point? And I think that we need to remember, like, the whole point is for a year, Corinne noted the days that she struggled, she she wrote down how she felt about the days, and it helped her go to a healthy decision. That's the power of this, of we don't have to feel like we're stuck with these things. It actually gives us so much freedom when we notice and we pay attention to these things, because they like. It matters. It matters in our in our life and our quality of life too.
Corinne M. 34:41
It does. It does. And, you know, had the little dots in my planner gone different way, and maybe it was just a struggle spot, and I was, you know, things were getting better and, and, you know, the dots were going away, then you know, my story would have had a different direction. But, yeah, well,
Collin Funkhouser 34:58
so for people who are. Listening to this and they're wrestling with whether to continue or close. What do you want them to hear out of this?
Corinne M. 35:10
I would definitely recommend having a sounding board talk to other people. Don't just make this decision by yourself. It's important to talk to folks get their you know, maybe don't take their opinions completely right, because they don't know you as well as you know you. But I think it is good to talk to folks in our industry and kind of just vocalize what you're feeling and also, do not make a decision in haste. Don't make a decision because you had a bad day or a bad week. But also, if you have a bad year, if you're if you're really, just really, really unhappy, it is okay to walk away, you will be just fine, and your clients will be just fine, and your staff will be just fine. You do what's best for you, even when
Collin Funkhouser 36:09
we're dealing with our emotions and feelings. Don't just take one data point, I think got to get that data in there. Look for trends, right?
Corinne M. 36:18
Yeah, make a spreadsheet. Track exactly what percentage of the time you're happy. I'm just kidding, although I am looking at this and I'm like, I kind of did that.
Collin Funkhouser 36:31
You took your you took your running 30 day average, and you're like, okay, but I think that is important again. I think I love that you point that out there, Corinne, because in those moments, we get the recency bias of everything's awful because today was awful, or Everything's bad because today's bad and or I feel bad and everything's bad, but that was just today. And being able to look back and go, Okay, well, what is going on here gives you that broader perspective that will really help you and keying into those people around you, because you can ask, like, I've certainly asked people in my life, like, have I been okay lately? And I've had, I have some wonderful people who'd be like, No, you have. You've been, you've been off Collin. And it's like, okay, okay, thank you. I needed that. I needed that a lot. I need to go. Thank you. I need to do this. And it just gives you so that that look, clarity and love that you get from people is really just so invaluable. So surrounding yourself with good people is is invaluable, no matter what stage of business you're in, yep. Yeah, it really is. Corinne, I want to thank you for coming on the show today and sharing this journey in the story and encouraging us to focus on what matters, and that encouraging us that we can make hard decisions for the betterment of our lives and for everyone around us too. For those who want to get in touch, get in contact and follow along with all the other cool stuff that you're doing, how best can they do that?
Corinne M. 37:58
Karen, oh, well, I am in dog CO as one of the coaches. So if you're in dog CO, you can just, you know, say hi to me in office hours. Would love to have you. If not, you can find me on Facebook. I'm always on Facebook too much, one might say. So you can find me there. Otherwise, I am working for tiny paws as a junior bookkeeper. So, yeah, I'll be, I'll be there. Too, awesome.
Collin Funkhouser 38:28
I love it. I'll have those links in the show notes and and have everybody connect to you. And I'm just, I'm so again, so appreciative, and I'm so excited for everything that you've got going on. It's been a real pleasure to talk to you today.
Corinne M. 38:41
Yeah, you too. Collin, thank you.
Collin Funkhouser 38:44
My absolute favorite part of my conversation with Corinne was when she said, You deserve to be happy in your company. It almost sounds too simple until we realize how many of us are running on guilt, obligation and sunk cost fallacies. Well, I've already done it this long. Well, I've already dedicated these years. Well, I've already hired these people. Well, I already have all these clients. I love that Corinne shared about how stepping away and how she tracked her patterns over time, which is just too cool, how it helped her see what was true, that not every hard season is just a temporary dip, and not every business has to last forever to be meaningful or important. Sometimes finishing well can still include caring for clients, supporting staff, transitions and communicating with integrity. Our goal isn't to quit on a bad day, it's to tell the truth to ourselves and to choose a healthier next chapter for us. Your business should support. Your life, not slowly erase it. And that aspect of this, that aspect of being a business owner and entrepreneur, is one that we just have to face sometimes and understand that it's totally okay and normal, and we should embrace that and eagerly seek out that next stage, whatever it is, we want to thank today's sponsors, tying to pet and pet perennials for making this show possible. And we really want to thank you so much for listening. We hope you have a wonderful rest of your week, and we'll be back again soon. Bye.
