contract signed but helper don't want to work for us now !

Hello,


We've signed a contract with a helper this week-end but today she says she changed her mind and is not going to work for us. She has found another employer...

I have the signed contract but haven't been to the Immigration yet.

What can I do ? I feel so disappointed and at the same time, I feel I can't do anything if she doesn't want to come to work for us ???

I had a very good opinion of her and felt very confortable but now I'm really lost.


Any advice would be appreciated !!!!

That's bad, but it's not only helpers who are like that, but all employees. They are very picky - it might be where you live, how much work she has to do etc..

Hi Ladyfrog,

I'm sorry to hear of your predicament - yet another spanner in the VERY long works! What a pain!! I don't think there's really anything you can do if she doesn't want to come work for you anymore. Technically, you can insist, as you've both signed the contract, but she can mess it up at Immigration and just not go on with the visa application process, or worse, she could come work for you but harbour deep resentment and take it out on you and your family in many different ways. You're better off cutting your loses now and look for a new helper - back to square one, I'm afraid. That's the problem we face when trying to hire from Hong Kong - these girls have way too many options and they know it (and abuse it!).


Another word of caution about cultural differences. Here in the East, contracts don't mean anything to these folks - no concept of 'word of honour'. They sign anything and agree to anything to keep their foot in, but at the same time, keep looking sideways and will not hesitate to leave you in the lurch as soon as a better opportunity presents itself, as you have seen. Once again, I'm sorry to hear about this incident. Hope you can find someone pretty soon.

A Mum & Blcwc, thanks for your responses. I'm not surprised to read your words.... It's really hard and it really makes me feel down. It's such a pain.

And I realise there is no point of insisting, telling her "but I have a signed contract with me" as I can't do much with it :-(

ladyfrog

I feel sorry for you but was your potential helper a filipino? Indonesians are less picky and work harder (I mean in general). But filipinos are better with children and pets whereas indonesians are better in looking after the elderly. They are still good with children but need a lot of your supervision and instructions. May be worth trying if you are not a working mum.

ladyfrog,

Just take what happened as the lost of the helper and not yours. Its still the beginning

and yet she had this changeable mind. How much more if she will be with your family. She got no

good disposition.

In case you still havent get any helper you may write me at neilding@yahoo.com. or call me 67727495.

Ladyfrog, you don't want someone working for you that will go back on their word anyway. It just shows that contracts, agreements and promises mean nothing to her. Good luck finding someone else.