Hiring a domestic helper can be a great solution for many households, but it’s not always the best fit for everyone. At Mermaid Employment, we’ve seen various scenarios that highlight the importance of understanding when a domestic helper might not be necessary—or when expectations don’t align with reality. One such case involves Sarah (a pseudonym) and her experience with a helper, Aye Thandar (a pseudonym).
Assessing Your Real Needs
Sarah approached us with the intention of hiring a domestic helper primarily for housework and to care for her young daughter. While cooking was mentioned, it wasn’t a key requirement. However, after less than a month of employment, Sarah decided that she no longer needed a helper. Here’s why:
1. Small Household Size: Sarah’s household, which included two tenants and a small living area, didn’t demand the full-time services of a helper. The workload was less than initially anticipated, leading to the realisation that a full-time helper might not be necessary.
2. Shifting Expectations: Despite cooking not being a critical focus during the initial hiring process, Sarah found herself dissatisfied with Aye Thandar’s cooking skills after deployment. This shift in expectations created tension and dissatisfaction.
3. Communication Breakdown: During the course of employment, Sarah never directly communicated with Aye Thandar. In fact, she requested that the agency instruct Aye Thandar not to speak to her for an entire week, including not approaching or talking to Sarah when she returned home from work. Additionally, Aye Thandar was not allowed to speak to Sarah’s spouse. This lack of communication led to a strained relationship and further complications in the employment arrangement.
4. Tolerance for a Non-Family Member in the Household: Living with a non-family member requires a level of tolerance and adaptability. Employers must be prepared to treat their helper with respect and dignity, as a valued member of the household. If an employer is uncomfortable with this arrangement or finds it challenging to maintain a respectful relationship, hiring a full-time helper may not be the best option.
5. Cost vs. Benefit: Sarah also realized that the cost of employing a full-time helper wasn’t justified given the limited tasks required. This is an important consideration for anyone thinking about hiring help—will the benefits outweigh the financial and logistical commitments?
Alternatives to Hiring a Full-Time Helper
If you find yourself in a situation similar to Sarah’s, where the need for a full-time helper is uncertain, consider these alternatives:
• Part-Time Help: Engaging part-time help can be a cost-effective solution for managing specific tasks like cleaning or cooking.
• Task Sharing: If you live with other adults, sharing household responsibilities could eliminate the need for external help.
• Outsourcing Specific Tasks: Hiring professionals for specific tasks, such as a cleaning service or a babysitter, might better suit your needs.
Implications on the Helper
The lack of communication had a significant impact on Aye Thandar. She was stressed and unable to sleep, constantly wondering what she had done wrong to be treated this way. Despite her strong desire to perform well in her job, the zero communication from her employer left her feeling isolated and anxious. This situation not only affected her well-being but also negatively impacted her employment record, making it harder for her to secure future employment.
Conclusion
Hiring a domestic helper can be incredibly beneficial, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. Before making the decision, it’s important to assess your actual needs, set realistic expectations, and consider the cost implications. Additionally, ensuring open communication and a respectful relationship with your helper is key to a successful working relationship. If you’re unsure whether a full-time helper is right for you, we at Mermaid Employment are here to provide guidance and help you explore all available options.
Note: The names “Sarah” and “Aye Thandar” are pseudonyms used to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
Still unsure if hiring a domestic helper is the right choice for you? Contact Mermaid Employment today to discuss your needs and explore all your options. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your household.
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