DEAR HARRIETTE: I live in New York City, and I'm a dog sitter. One of my big clients just fired me and switched to another dog sitter because I went on vacation for a week when she needed me to watch her dog. This was the first time in five years that I couldn't watch her dogs. I've always been extremely reliable and flexible, and I have gone out of my way to accommodate her schedule, often taking on last-minute requests and prioritizing her pets over other opportunities. I can't help but feel hurt and a bit blindsided that after years of consistency and loyalty, she would so quickly replace me over a one-week absence that I had communicated in advance. It's making me question whether I handled the situation poorly or whether this is just the reality of working in a service-based job where clients will always prioritize convenience. I'm also worried about the financial impact of losing such a steady client and whether this will affect my reputation or lead to losing other clients as well. Should I reach out to her to try to repair the relationship, or is it better to accept the loss and move on? -- Dog Sitter

DEAR DOG SITTER: Go for it: Reach out to your former client to ask for a moment of feedback. Ask why they dropped you as their sitter after five years of loyal commitment on your part. Remind them that you regularly accommodated their schedule, with the exception of the one time that you planned a vacation. Add that you did inform them well in advance of your travels. Find out if there's any way they would reconsider bringing you back. If not, ask if they would give you a written recommendation.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have always been an overachiever, trying my best to make the most of my opportunities. Although I tend to perform well, when it comes to celebrating my achievements, I'm not able to fully revel in my success. I often feel something that more resembles numbness than excitement on days like graduation. After I complete an achievement, I automatically start planning the next instead of taking a moment to soak in the fruits of my labor. I'm not sure if this is stemming from being pushed to always do my best as a child, which created a bar that is constantly being raised. I internalize the need to always best myself somehow, and I need to learn to balance that with celebrating when I already achieve my goals. Do you have any suggestions on learning to celebrate yourself? -- What's Next?

DEAR WHAT'S NEXT?: You can gain much-needed energy for your future pursuits by taking a moment to acknowledge your accomplishments. Do this daily as a practice of gratitude leading up to big achievements like graduation. For example, when you complete a task at work, take a moment and tell yourself good job. If you are working with a team, thank everyone. (That's often easier to do than thanking yourself solo.)

With bigger victories, pause and reflect on what it took to get there. Think about obstacles you overcame as well as those who helped you along the way. By acknowledging struggle and triumph as well as your support system, it may become easier to pat yourself on the back.

========

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole

COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.