Finding Balance Through a House Manager

Between full-time jobs and raising two children, we reached our breaking point. Weekends became a blur of chores rather than family time. The mountain of dirty laundry, endless shopping trips, and countless tasks overwhelmed us. Our demanding weekdays left us with little energy to tackle the weekend’s demands.

Despite our efforts, our home felt perpetually untidy. We never seemed to catch up on the cleaning or organizing. Our weekends turned into a cycle of catch-up rather than relaxation. In need of a solution, we decided to make a change.

Opting for a House Manager

A local college student became our household manager. The idea stemmed from social media posts featuring busy parents hiring help for chores and errands. We were eager to spend a portion of our budget to regain some peace.

We aimed for help with laundry, cleaning, and meal prep for eight to ten hours a week. We posted our requirements in a local Facebook group, setting an initial pay rate of $20 per hour based on local babysitting rates. The response was immediate, with several candidates interested.

One response stood out: Amelia, a college senior with relevant experience. After meeting her and receiving positive feedback from her previous employer, we hired her for $25 an hour.

Transformative Impact

Amelia worked two days a week for eight months, handling tasks like tidying the living room, cleaning the kitchen, and managing laundry. She prepped meals and ran errands, removing a significant burden from our shoulders.

Despite initial guilt, having Amelia helped us feel organized and less stressed. We reclaimed our weekends, and the positive changes were evident in our home life.

Adjusting Budgets for Peace of Mind

We spent $200 weekly on Amelia’s services. To accommodate this, we reduced other expenses like dining out and new clothing. We recognized the privilege of affording this help but saw it as a vital investment in reducing our mental load.

Amelia’s graduation led us to seek new assistance. With our daughters back in school, we now aim for someone to cover around six hours a week. Our positive first experience encourages us to continue this support.