Life as a Maid: The Realities Behind Household Jobs
Have you ever considered or worked as a maid? Most individuals, including me, have faced this role at some point in their lives. My journey into domestic work began several years ago, which has led me to assist many households in their daily routines. In this article, I will share my experiences as a maid and the different roles involved.
A Lifetime of Domestic Work
When I first started cleaning, it was indeed a significant part of my life. I currently work for two households: one as a personal assistant for a male client, and another as a cleaner in a large home. I find immense joy in this work and it provides me with a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. My involvement began when a friend of mine approached me to clean her home 11 years ago. I was thrilled with the experience and quickly sought similar work when her financial situation changed and she couldn’t afford my services anymore.
This friend was kind and genuinely cared about my well-being. I looked forward to cleaning for her every week and helping her manage her household. Despite the initial reluctance of my friend to hire a live-in domestic worker, I was even willing to become her live-in maid if she needed me and could afford it. These memories have stayed with me and continue to inspire me in my current roles.
Challenges and Hidden Struggles
While I have found joy in my work, I also have a secret to share. Several years ago, I found myself in a challenging situation with my parents. I had a dispute and made a big decision to prove that I didn’t need their help, saying I wouldn’t communicate with them for a month. However, after only a few days, I realized I had lost my job. To sustain myself, I turned to my parents for financial support, but I had previously stated that I wouldn’t take their help, leading to hesitation. In a time of financial difficulty, I decided to take a maid job as an option of last resort.
Currently, I find myself working for a young woman who lives alone and has been extremely kind to me. In the scope of my duties, I perform tasks such as sweeping, cleaning dishes, washing and drying clothes, and giving her a foot massage multiple times a day. While this is a step from my aspirations of becoming a live-in domestic worker, it has allowed me to provide for myself and continue my work in a meaningful way.
Exploring Different Roles
Is it accurate to say that I’ve worked as a maid? The answer depends on the definition of a maid. For many, being a maid involves being a live-in or daily service person who is paid a salary or hourly wage for a specific household. However, my role in the residential cleaning and property management business has been a longtime career.
For 22 years, I have owned and managed a residential cleaning and property management business. Clients contract for my services based on specific tasks and pay me according to the job. This allows me to offer a wide range of services and work with various households without the constraints of a fixed salary or daily schedule. This approach to domestic work has been both rewarding and flexible, but it does not necessarily align with the traditional perception of a maid.
Whether you see me as a maid or as a business owner, both roles have played significant parts in my life and contributed to my growth. The experiences I've had in domestic work have been both challenging and rewarding, teaching me valuable skills and empathy for those I work with.
In conclusion, while I may not fit the traditional mold of a maid, my work in domestic settings has provided me with a unique perspective and a fulfilling career path. Whether you see me as a maid or as a business owner, both roles have shaped my life and contributed to my growth.
Keywords: maid, domestic work, cleaning services, property management