Advice on getting a good helper?

Hi, we have only just moved over to hk from the uk and are now in the process of hiring a helper. Are there any tips anyone could give us? I must confess i am extremely nervous about having someone live in with us but everyone says that we would be mad not to have a helper!


thanks

Do a search here - there is lots of good advice. Don't rush into it, whatever you do, unless it's really very urgent.

Aside from the threads here which will give you valuable insight into the experiences of actual employers (and domestic helpers), read up on the regulations governing hiring an FDH. And as Geiboyi said, don't rush it..

Have a good think whether in your view (as opposed to the view of 'everyone') you would in fact be 'mad not to have a helper'. Consider the convenience of having one (together with the attendent possible hassles) against the inconvenience of not having one (and the privacy and absence of helper-related hassles). We are in a position where we don't need one and, although things have changed a bit (due to arrival of baby a couple of months ago) since we made that decision on arrival in HK, we still think we made the right choice - for us. OK, so it means we have to cook our own meals, wash our own dishes, do our own laundry, care for our own baby (!), do our own baby-sitting, tidy our own mess etc etc but it's a lifestyle choice that works for us. It might not work for you, but at least take the time to give it some serious thought. And good luck whichever way you go.

Thanks for all the good advice!!! We interviewed 2 fdh on sunday, really liked them both but the 2nd one in particular I really warmed to. Her references where glowing to say the least and i gave her most recent employee (who is relocating) a call and he could not recommend her enough. Lets hope it all works out