When we got the news about our move to India, I was over the moon – not just for the adventure ahead, but also for the thought of having a bit of extra household help. In Atlanta, we were used to a trusty cleaner who'd swing by every Thursday and work her magic on our home. Plus, with the grandparents over in Belgium, having some dependable childcare for our youngest was a bit of a challenge.
During our pre-departure training, we received candid advice about the challenge of finding reliable "help" in India. We were forewarned to be specific and clear in expressing our needs since our hired assistant might not intuitively anticipate them. Initially, the notion of having someone live with us felt a bit indulgent, I won't lie. However, our relocation coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the prospect of daily commutes on crowded trains, especially with our youngest yet to be vaccinated, stirred my anxieties.
Fate smiled upon us, and we stumbled upon Irene through my son's school network. Right from our very first phone chat, I had a hunch that she was the perfect fit for our family. We were on the lookout for what the locals call an "all-rounder" – someone who could handle a bit of everything. Irene hasn't just met our expectations; she's gone above and beyond. She takes care of our home with such precision and care that she might as well be the heart of our family. Her love for our kids is like that of a doting grandma. The special connection she shares with Remi, our youngest, is nothing short of amazing. And, to top it all off, we trust her implicitly. Just the thought of leaving India, and Irene, one day pulls at my heartstrings.
You might be wondering why I'm dedicating a whole blog post to our "hired help," but in the realm of expat life, particularly in India, these are the unsung heroes who truly deserve a shoutout. Dealing with India's never-ending dust dance is a daily battle. Even up on the 55th floor of a swanky high-rise, give it a few days without Irene's magic touch, and you'll find a fine layer of dust covering everything. What may seem like straightforward tasks often morph into intricate affairs, and Irene's organizational wizardry frees me from endless waits for repair folks, deliveries, and more.
Curious about how we found this gem? Let me spill the beans. Get recommendations, they're pure gold. Offer trial runs to let potential hires shine. Pay them more than a living wage, 'cause they deserve it. Treat them with the respect and kindness everyone should get, and thank them every day for their hard work. Whether it's a weekly house cleaner, a nanny, or an admin assistant, these rules are universal.
I often hear folks here talking about the challenges of "keeping good help." When those convos pop up, I can't help but think of these core principles. In the colorful tapestry of India, we're not just lucky; we're deeply thankful for the privilege of having this incredible support system. Our “Miss Irene” goes beyond making life easier; she's the unsung hero who enriches our expat journey, adding depth and meaning to every day. And we love her for that.
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