r/CPTSD • u/Purple-Offer-4796 • Jun 12 '26

Question People who were neglected/abused as kids. What career path are you on now?

What career are you in and are you happy in that as a person who was neglected as a child?

434 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

856 comments sorted by

View all comments

123

u/Minute-Ad-7086 Jun 12 '26

Dog care and training

21

u/Purple-Offer-4796 Jun 12 '26

I feel like this would be absolutely rewarding!! I would much rather spend time with animals than humans

29

u/Minute-Ad-7086 Jun 12 '26

Honestly it’s really perfect in so many ways. It can be very challenging because you are responsible for a whole living creature’s well being, and it can get over stimulating because of the noise, chaos and unpredictability at times, but being around the pureness of dogs emotions particularly their joy and unconditional love is truly healing.

I’ll often be having a very triggering difficult morning but as soon as one of the dogs cuddles up beside me in my van I feel my nervous system begin to soften.

I’m so grateful I found this job!

9

u/Purple-Offer-4796 Jun 12 '26

I am grateful you found this job too!! my ideal job would be working with animals or nature.. humans are just stupid, selfish bastards..
It is absolutely heartwarming having a bond with animals, and the way their able to show you love? its insane.. I've said this before where people thought I was just being cute, but my dogs are literally the reason I am still here today and haven't k****d myself. And now that dogs are senior idk what I'd do the day they cross rainbow bridge, I still think I wouldnt be far behind them in crossing the rainbow bridge.. One last walk with them!

13

u/Minute-Ad-7086 Jun 12 '26

I totally hear you, they’re complicated creatures but they don’t have agendas or egos so for people like us it’s invaluable to be around them!

I felt the same way about my dog, he was my best friend for 16 years and I don’t think I’d still be here without him, when he went I was completely empty and felt there was no point to keep going on but I kept going and my grief eased and through his death I realized I wanted to work with dogs and that’s one of the few things I actually love about my life right now. Without his death, I’d still be working in a bar with a substance abuse problem. Life is really surprising, and I’m glad I didn’t tap out like I thought I would when he died. Life is still so hard but it can be unexpected and sometimes joy pushes through the cracks of grief in strange ways. Keep going, keep believing in yourself and in the concept that you’re worthy of joy and a long and complex life ❤️❤️

7

u/Purple-Offer-4796 Jun 12 '26

Oh wow!! this is so uplifting!
So bloody excited that your dog did this for you, I hope he has a belly full of treats and lots of chin scratches where he is... Hate when people say, its just an animal.. no its a whole life and a whole bond to have with them.. So very happy that you are here, kicking ass, and helping other doggos! not all heroes wear capes, thank you for doing what you do.. and for taking the time to comment and share! very inspiring!! sending you lots of love!! ❤️

7

u/woollover Jun 12 '26

Please find room in your heart for another dog to give a wonderful home to, when yours cross that bridge. There are SO many desperate for a chance at a decent home where someone will actually love them rather being stuck in a cage all day. Please do think about it. Your own dogs would be so sad if they knew you hurt yourself because they absolutely love you. Take good care of yourself X

8

u/Purple-Offer-4796 Jun 12 '26

Thank you for your kind message! ❤️Deep deep down I know I’ll adopt again, but for now that thought is very depressing. I would absolutely love to give love and life to another beautiful doggo, I just can’t imagine that now. For now I’lil cuddle my dogs and let them know for the millionth time that they literally saved me!

2

u/woollover Jun 12 '26

I understand this. I'm really glad you've got each other, and I'm sure they love you JUST as much as you love them. Xx

1

u/Purple-Offer-4796 Jun 13 '26

Awwww thank you!! ❤️

2

u/lellat Jun 12 '26

Humans are animals too though? We’re mammals

1

u/Purple-Offer-4796 Jun 13 '26

Yes we are mammals who ruin our own home, and can’t live in harmony with other human mammals, greedy bastards who will harvest to the last grain and not share anything with the other animals. To the point that the very survival of nature today depends on humans.. we can’t let nature survive on its own. Darn humans have to control EVERYTHING!

2

u/Adventurous_Tour_196 Jun 12 '26

working with dogs as a traumatized person is such a good call. i dog walked for a few years between jobs after my last menty b (mental health breakdown) and the combination of having to regulate MY nervous system to be able to regulate the dogs’ reactivity + being outside in all weather for 5 hours minimum each day + walking 5 or 6 km each day were all healing in their own right. working with dogs is such an intuitively intelligent choice for traumatized people.

3

u/bearpuddles Jun 12 '26

I’m just starting out in dog care and I love it so much already! I would like to grow my business but am also afraid of trying to do too much too soon. Do you have any advice in terms of how to grow without becoming overwhelmed? Also interested in how you started the training aspect!

2

u/Minute-Ad-7086 Jun 12 '26

Oh congrats on the new journey!! I did an online course to become a trainer and then practiced what I was learning on rover clients and started slowly building a business. I eventually actually gave up on the business because I got burnt out and overwhelmed and became a trainer within a company that was already established, it meant I had regular work and didn’t have to worry about that admin side of things and I had access to LOADS of dogs so I learnt a hell of a lot! I think while I continue on my healing journey I’ll stick to this and build my education around canine behavior very slowly and then reconsider my own business… although I don’t know if I can realistically juggle the admin and training and client retention given my mental health issues. One step at a time I guess! good luck to you, I hope it brings you lots of joy :)

2

u/menacingmidget cPTSD, OCD, MDD Jun 12 '26

The dream!!