To Clean or Not To Clean

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Ellen, can you help me?  I have a cleaning lady that has been at my house 4 days a week for the past 3 years.  We have a great relationship and friendship and I know she needs the money.  Since my children are older now, there is less mess as there was 3 years ago and I feel the need, financially, to cut back her hours.  Maybe just once a week rather than 4 days would be better.  I am so afraid to tell her because I don’t want to hurt her feelings and make her think that I don’t want her there, and I also don’t want her to be upset because she will be losing money.  I really like when she’s around and could still use the help.  How should I break it to her?
Anonymous

Well, first you could start asking your neighbors and friends if they need a cleaning person at all.  If so, maybe when you break the news to her, you can also give her the names and numbers of the other people who are interested in her.  If I were you I would start by telling her that she is great and that your reasons are just as you said above, your kids are older and there is less mess, and you need to cut back financially.  You could tell her you still need her once a week.  And if you have such a great friendship, you could invite her over once a week for dinner, too.  Then also let her know that when it gets more hectic (holidays, etc.) you will be sure to let her know if you need her a few extra days that week or month.  I think she will take it just fine, but I think you are nervous because you are afraid she’ll take it personally.  I don’t think she will though, given that it’s the nature of her business and I am sure she knows that. Good luck!
Ellen

4 comments:

  1. Well, first you could start asking your neighbors and friends if they need a cleaning person at all. If so, maybe when you break the news to her, you can also give her the names and numbers of the other people who are interested in her.
    -----------------------------------------

    Great advice. I was going to suggest that too.

    I hope it goes well!

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  2. You could also give her some notice, like maybe six weeks, so that she has time to line up other jobs, and that would be a good time to tell her you'll ask around and see if any of your friends or neighbors is looking for anyone. Make sure you let her know you adore her and wish you could keep her on for more days the way you've been able to in the past, and that you'll be happy to give her an excellent recommendation.

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  3. Very good advice. I think the idea of giving your housekeeper a month or so notice is really a good idea, as well as recommending her to friends and neighbors.

    It's hard to let anyone go, especially when you are happy with their work. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  4. For anyone who is/has been a victim of physical abuse--there is help and hope. Please post this wherever possible we want to get the word out that abuse wont be tolerated in our communities! Thanks!
    http://www.thehotline.org/get-educated/what-is-domestic-violence/

    ReplyDelete

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