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Q: Anyone ever hire a nanny/housekeeper? What to expect?
Oh, and has anyone hired more than one?
10 years 50 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
I've hired a nanny and she's generally quite good. At the beginning I had to spend some time training her and making sure she knew that the bathroom cleaning rag is not to be used in the kitchen and that all dishes must be thoroughly rinsed to make sure no washing up suds are left etc. It took her a few visits to get her bearings but now she does a great job and I just let her do her own thing as she generally knows the ropes by now.
Sometimes, I have a special request for her such as cleaning all the windows or cleaning out the shelves. She stays for around 4 hours each time and doesn't leave until all the basics have been taken care of, namely cleaning all the floors, dishes and laundry and wiping down all the surfaces.
Hulk:
For about 1500 RMB per month, I can hire an old lady and her daughter to cook breakfast, lunch and supper, and clean everything and handle all the laundry. Since I have a 4.5 bedroom house, I can also give them room and board so they'll be available around the clock to tend to my wife when she needs it. Do you think it's worth it?
Sinobear:
As with Moonlake, but I'll add this: the nannies/ayis that I've hired will eventually ask for more money and want to do less. These people can almost command a white collar salary in major cities. There's a whole trust issue, too. It's always best to obtain the services of someone who is known and respected locally. Your building management, local mom-and-pop store or restaurant can usually provide you a name or two. Live-in is usually the norm as they are from outlying areas (and want you to foot the bill for living expenses). Those who live on their own usually have other jobs or family commitments so are not too dependable.
coffaholic:
I agree with Sinobear. Trust is a big issue. I have given my ayi a set of keys as im always at work when she's scheduled to come. I've been lucky in that my ayi was recommended to me by a friend who'd used her for years and never had a problem. I think it's a good idea to get someone who also cleans for people you know. The price increase is absolutely true. My ayi asked for a pay rise a few months ago which I granted her because it's still not much and she's a good person. However, when I come home and notice that she barely did anything, I make sure to call or text her and ask her to do a few extra things. As for whether she should live with you in a spare bedroom: I personally would not be able to handle it. I like my own space and privacy and wouldn't want a stranger from a completely different background living with me. I could imagine it getting awkward when you want to have friends over or enjoy a romantic night in. Just things to consider!
Hulk:
Ok... the old woman moved in earlier today.
We just got back, and... she bought a brand-new washing machine, a bed, several brand new household cleaning supplies, a brand new air conditioner, and lots of really nice things, plus pictures of her son and grandson. WTF?
If the idea is to have someone help around the house as Mrs. Hulk grows large, then it is probably not a bad idea. But I must say you should make sure your don't set your expectations too high in terms of quality of work.
Also, you cannot really rely on these people to not steal from you, so Mrs. Hulk will need to be moved to a comfy chair near where the action is, to supervise it.
Note. There is no harm for a pregnant woman in doing housework, although chemical cleaning agents is best to avoid. But cooking and dish-washing should be the perfect activity. Remember she needs to move to keep both herself and Baby Hulk healthy.
EDIT also remember that you are letting an uneducated old wife take care of your wife while hormones are racing through her body. Old wives are full of tales, and they tell them.
Hulk:
Seems like a miscommunication. Apparently we have a new, older room-mate who does all of those things, and pays us to do it... I'm a bit confused. 
