The day started the way every day did at Harmony Farm — Rooster crowed at sunrise. Then the animals began to do their jobs.
Cow looked at Hen curiously. “Hen,” she said, “what is it like to lay an egg?”
“It’s nice,” replied Hen. “The farmer is always happy when he sees a new egg in my roost.”
“I thought so,” said Cow. “It looks exciting.” Cow thought for a moment. “I think I’d like to try it.”
All of the animals stopped what they were doing and stared at Cow. “Wha-what do you mean, Cow?” asked Cat nervously.
Cow held her head up high. “I’d like to try laying an egg.” Then she stamped her foot. “Why not?
“Don’t you wonder what it would be like to try something new?” asked Cow.
The animals all thought about Cow’s question. Then, one by one, all of the animals confessed that they might like a change. Well, almost all of the animals. Pig just kept rolling around in the mud. 
“I’d like to try Cat’s job,” said Horse bravely.
“That’s the spirit!” exclaimed Cow.
“Is Sheepdog’s job open?” asked Donkey. “I’m tired of pulling that plow all day. And you know, I think I might be good at herding sheep.”
Soon all of the animals had traded jobs. Cow and Hen traded, as did Donkey and Sheepdog. Cat and Horse also switched.
Suddenly Hen cried, “We forgot about Pig!”
The animals followed Cow to the sty to break the news to Pig. Poor Pig would be stuck rolling around in the mud forever. “Pig,” said Cow, “I’m sorry, but there aren’t any new jobs left.”
Pig sighed with relief. “Thank goodness!” he exclaimed. “I was afraid you would ask me to chase mice.” Pig laughed at the idea. “Just imagine!” “But Pig,” said Hen, “don’t you get bored just eating and rolling around in the mud all day?”
“No,” replied Pig. “I’m really good at what I do. I’m happy with my life!”
“Well…okay,” said Cow, and headed back to the barn with the others.
“Have fun, y’all!” called Pig. All the animals set out to do their new jobs. Cow and Hen chatted together to pass the time. After an hour, Hen looked at Cow. “Cow, what am I doing wrong?” Hen asked, a bit embarrassed.
“I was wondering the same thing,” said Cow. “I haven’t laid one egg yet!”
Soon all of the animals discovered that they weren’t having much luck with their new jobs.
“The sheep just don’t seem to respect me,” said Donkey. “Why won’t they listen?”
Sheepdog had a sad story, too. “That plow is so heavy!” he said. “I don’t know how Donkey does it.”
“If you think the plow is heavy,” said Cat, “try the wagon! Sheesh!”
“And those mice are fast little guys!” chimed in Horse. “I couldn’t catch a single one.”
Yes, all of the animals were disappointed — well, all of the animals except Pig. 
Pig watched his friends from his sty. They looked so unhappy that he decided to find out what had happened. “Why so glum?” he asked.
One by one, each of the animals told Pig how they had failed at their new jobs. “I couldn’t make even one drop of milk!” confessed Hen.
“Friends,” said Pig, “don’t think about what you can’t do. Think about what you CAN do! Why, Donkey, you’re the best plow puller I’ve ever seen.” Donkey blushed. “And Cat,” continued Pig, “you can catch more mice than I can count.” Pig helped his friends see that they all had special talents. Everyone felt much better.
The animals were happy to go back to their old ways. They all felt thankful that they had jobs they could do well. But they were also glad they had tried something new. They were able to laugh about it for years to come.
