2nd opinion on helper issues
- Thread starter nicolejoy
- Start date
Get rid of her.
Been there done that as as the others have said it really does affect the feel of the house.
Start looking now. As it takes awhile not only to find one but to also process the visa application etc. If you want time by yourself without a helper you can always have her start date when you want. It took about 6-8 weeks for the visa to process last time and it really stuffed the house routine up without a helper and trying to manage work etc etc.
And it certainly isn't cruel to dismiss instantly. The helpers actually prefer it due to a months salary in lieu.
If you are looking for a helper let me know because there is one in our building who is great (they come to our house a lot for playdates with my children) she is looking for a new employer.
Been there done that as as the others have said it really does affect the feel of the house.
Start looking now. As it takes awhile not only to find one but to also process the visa application etc. If you want time by yourself without a helper you can always have her start date when you want. It took about 6-8 weeks for the visa to process last time and it really stuffed the house routine up without a helper and trying to manage work etc etc.
And it certainly isn't cruel to dismiss instantly. The helpers actually prefer it due to a months salary in lieu.
If you are looking for a helper let me know because there is one in our building who is great (they come to our house a lot for playdates with my children) she is looking for a new employer.
We had the same problems with our first helper, she was hired with the recommendation of my friend's friend, when we were urgently looking for one. After 1.5 years miserable time she gave us, we decided to stopped the pain. I was a lot more careful choosing the second one, she was very good, kids loved her. Unfortunately, she had to go back after a 2-year contract. Our new one is good at cleaning, cooking, and house chores, but doesnt have much idea of babysitting(we have a 4.5 years old boy and a nearly 3 girl), but still way better than the first one.
Get rid of her and get a new one, if you choose carefully and maybe have one-day try out with cleaner hourly rate, it can't be worse than your current one
Get rid of her and get a new one, if you choose carefully and maybe have one-day try out with cleaner hourly rate, it can't be worse than your current one
Would chime in that helpers prefer NOT to have to work out their last month (in fact my helpers tell me they HATE having to work out their notice), they prefer to be paid out and if you can afford it. it's best to part ways ASAP when the relationship is ending. It also gives them time to look for new employment ect. The attitude and work performance is pretty poor in this last month, and there is always the concern that negligence could cause some serious problems in the home, thieving may also be a problem.
Best to decide early on what day you decide to let her go. Almost all maids have a place to stay (unless they have zero contact in HK) either the church, friend's place (albeit without the consent and knowledge of the friend's employer), friend's boarding house. Then just let her know on the day you've decided she is to go, and take back all your keys, hand over any pay/tickets ect due.
Best to decide early on what day you decide to let her go. Almost all maids have a place to stay (unless they have zero contact in HK) either the church, friend's place (albeit without the consent and knowledge of the friend's employer), friend's boarding house. Then just let her know on the day you've decided she is to go, and take back all your keys, hand over any pay/tickets ect due.
nicolejoy
Registered User
Just an update: after a couple of weeks, my husband is convinced that our helper is intentionally "working to rule" and trying to get fired (ie, she's being a bit more of a nuisance than a help). I'm thinking she may have gotten wind of the fact we've been considering terminating her and that is why her work has been deteriorating. We've pretty much decided to terminate her contract because of the stress that the strained relationship is putting on our family. The timing is fantastic (NOT) as I'm due to start a 25 day full time teaching placement on Monday. We've been trying to figure out back-up ideas for those 5 weeks that are not worse than the current situation and if we can iron it all out in advance, we will terminate her contract possibly as early as Monday. If not, then we will keep her until I finish my placement and let her go then. I don't want to rush into hiring another helper without really looking around this time. Part of the problem was that I never really looked around in the beginning, and then never really trained her. I want to get that right the 2nd time around.