Helper expectations?!

I'm a stay at home Western mom with young children and pets in a large apartment. I'm looking for a helper whose worked in a similar situation but I'm having trouble finding one. Any suggestions??I don't really want someone who's been in charge of everything because she may be annoyed that I'm actually in the home all the time. Someone who can't cook western food can take a long time to train. Someone's who's been in a tiny apartment will soon complain about the size of mine. It's always difficult. My hours are 7-9.

Please check here http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/helpers/

It is always difficult to find the right person, are you offering above minimum salary? as you say with a large apartment, kids and pets plus a 14 hour day you may find helpers think they can do better with less work to do. I would start with that looking at what your offering in reward compared to what you expect from an employe.

Good luck and hope you find someone soon

My situation is similar, though with older kids. My helper - who is fantastic - has told me that the reason she decided to work with us is because she liked us as a family more than the other potential employers she interviewed "even though" our job was harder than most (3 kids, large apartment, dog). It is a very easy and pleasant relationship.


We offered a starting salary of $4000 (at a time min wage was about $3300) which we raised to $4500 after 3 mnths - she was told this at interview (now on 2nd contract and paid $5000). She had only ever worked for local families previously and had always been paid the minimum wage - no increases or bonuses.


We also give bonuses (occasional cash bonuses eg at CNY adn extra days annual leave) although we did not discuss this at interview so these were not factors in her decision.


She also has excellent accomodation - large and private. She previously shared a bedroom with her (female) employer and emp's son so i think this was very attractive to her.


I also think she was looking for something new, having always worked for Chinese families.


Despite the attractions of a higher wage and good accomodation, i do not think she would have come to work for us if she didn't like us and felt the personality mix was right. two years is a long time to spend in close proximity with people you don't get along with.


Helpers do generally worry about being over worked in situations such as ours (esp if looking after small children is a part of the job). If you find someone who appears to fit, I'd suggest reassuring her that she doesn't have to do it all. In my case, I do the shopping, share the cooking and do most of the childcare. She is primarily responsible for cleaning, laundry and the dog (though we all walk him). It works very well.

sending you a pm