One thing, I must admit, is I got a little excited when my husband and I decided to look at the option of having a maid. People here don't understand that as it is the norm, but coming from Australia it was quite the novelty!
I no longer have a maid, for me I found it difficult having a stranger in my home, plus I had some bad experiences. But not everyone does. Here are a few tips..
Generally the maid will have a set monthly wage (this varies about 4,000 php) but you also must cover the following:
- food
- basic toiltries
- any health care costs
Most only get one day off a month, I used to give my maid every Sunday off. That is your call.
1. Consider if you will feel comfortable having a stranger in your home.
2. Be cautious in how you hire the maid. I used a "Maid Service" at the price of 5,000 pesos. They promised full police background checks,health checks, previous employer checks and a 6 month replacement. I ended up finding out all of the documents they provided were fake.
3. Always keep a "working" relationship. Sometimes generosity is viewed as weakness.
4. Can you afford to cover their health costs? Get your own health check done on them at your local doctor before you hire them, its cheap enough.
5. Never leave them in the house alone.
6. Perhaps having a cleaner come a few times a week will suit you better? And door to door laundry service is on every second block here.
For me, I found the constant need to be "switched on" and "watching" in my own home too much to bear, but that may be a personal thing.
Most people have a high turnover of maids, some get fired - some go on their day off and never come back. Most Natives will roll their eyes and not be shocked at any story you might have to tell - they've heard it all before! You most likely find "the one" right away, so in the meantime just be cautious and sensible and enjoy the lack of house-work!