I must be crazy in this weak economy to even think about hiring a housekeeper. It never fails to make me feel: like throwing money away on things I could (should) do myself, or perpetuate the cycle of inferior employment of women.
The problem:
1. Longer work hours.
I have increased my work day now that both kids are in middle school. The good news is that I can commute by bus (about an hour each way) saving on fuel, and greatly extending the life of my car. The bad news is I get home later, about 5pm, leaving little to no time for errands and chores.
2. Middle school kids.
Both kids had gotten used to doing chores in grade school. Each year they added a chore and earned an allowance which also went up comparably. My oldest usually was motivated by the money, but this year he is entering the sullen teen years and is more difficult to work with. My youngest was not motivated by money but did still did chores when she was in a good mood! (No chores, no money of course). She is not good with time management and now her homework load is greater which is leaving her with scant time to do the chores.
The options:
Do it myself. Whoa. I've told all family members that if I end up having to do most of the chores I am going to be one very grouchy mom. Home life is not going to be pretty. And YES I have reduced what I expect, even of myself. The bathrooms still need to be cleaned (once a week or TWO if necessary), the laundry done, the dishes/dishwasher emptied, the floors swept (OCCASIONALLY!), the trash taken out, their beds made (DAILY), etc.
Get kids to do the chores. So, if the allowance doesn't motivate the kids, what will. Keeping them away from activities such as sports and friend dates? Taking away electronics? Maybe. Not such a positive way to go. (By the way, husband does chip in, but he also is quite loaded at work).
The Housekeeper. I asked a couple other friends with kids in the same situation and guess what. They have a housekeeper. Once a week, or once every 2 weeks.
Am I going to kill myself over really wanting to try to get through the next 4 years (when my oldest will be out of high school) without a housekeeper.
Breathe...in...out...breathe
At least this ring has been featured online the past couple days!
Blush Gold Pearl and 14K Wire
Lustrous white, palest peach and soft gold freshwater pearl captured in 14K gold filled wire. Size 6 1/2 (not adjustable)
Thanks for reading and find me on FB and twitter if you want!
http://www.twitter.com/prettycheap
September 1st, 2011 at 09:36 pm 1314909360
My mother was a housekeeper, she used to work in a nursing home but she could not physically keep doing that so she switched to cleaning houses. My co-workers wife owns a housecleaning service, I know my female co-worker and I have been thinking of giving her a call. Sometimes it is so worth paying someone to do stuff you really do not enjoy doing.
Depending on the situation, a housekeeper can make more an hour cleaning houses then if they had another job...Like if they bring their child with (saving on daycare). Or they can schedule work during the hours their children are in school 8:35-3:05 so 9am-2:30pm.
Enjoy your freetime, don't waste it doing things you really really do not enjoy. I would say the beds and dishes your family could do daily and leave the rest to the weekly housecleaner.
September 1st, 2011 at 09:50 pm 1314910252
September 1st, 2011 at 10:14 pm 1314911641
Personally, I'd just hire the housekeeper.
Our biggest luxury is a gardener. We get many compliments on the yard, without having to lift a finger. & yes, we get attitude about it from more frugal folk, but whatevah. The decrease in stress is PRICELESS. I wouldn't be surprised if we hired domestic help down the road. I just don't mind house work as much, am not much of a neat freak, and I don't like people in my house (which may be the biggie). BUT, if we both worked? I'd probably get over my issues and just hire someone. As is, I don't really do much around the house, but we all chip in. My share is the least since I am the busiest.
September 2nd, 2011 at 01:42 am 1314924159
September 2nd, 2011 at 07:23 pm 1314987811
Maybe they could pay for the housekeeper!
September 3rd, 2011 at 09:47 am 1315039666
September 3rd, 2011 at 10:01 am 1315040460
September 6th, 2011 at 02:07 am 1315271240
When it comes to personal help, and given the choice of a housekeeper, personal chef, personal trainer or masseuse, I'd personally go for a personal chef. That would be the ultimate. Although I like to cook, too, but having someone to cater to my personal tastes would be divine.
September 6th, 2011 at 07:02 pm 1315332120
And did I mention my housekeeper is a man?
September 6th, 2011 at 07:50 pm 1315335023
Thanks for all the tips. This quote is going on my FB and twitter "Hey, everyone has their personal melting points. For you, it's housework." YUP!!