Getting a Cleaner so that I CAN be 'Oldstyle'

debbycatz

Hi All

I don't post here very often, but I do read lots and have gained loads of useful tips and knowledge from this particular part of the boards.

I'm aware that my subject header may be a contradiction in terms so let me explain myself . I used to work term-time only and loved the hours, I had enough time to keep the house clean and tidy and get in the garden and enjoyed cooking from scratch and baking etc. However, due to a promotion I now work full-time all year round and I'm really struggling to fit everything in. I feel my weekends are completely took up with washing, ironing, cleaning etc and I never seem to have the time or energy to do the more enjoyable 'chores' like baking, cooking from scratch and gardening. I have been looking into cutting my hours but then a friend suggested a cheaper option may be to employ a cleaner who can take care of the mundane chores, which would leave my weekends free to get back to cooking and gardening. It would be so lovely to get to Sunday night and feel that I have had an enjoyable weekend doing stuff I like to do. After all, we only get one life and I really resent feeling like life is passing me by without me getting true enjoyment.

I'm aware that this option is perhaps not classed as very 'oldstyle' and neither is it moneysaving, but if I choose to spend a proportion of my wage in this way, I'd see it as an investment in myself to allow myself to be free to do the things I really 'want' to do, rather than all my time taken up with the things I 'have' to do.

I'd be interested to hear thoughts and opinions if this is seen as a contradiction to being a true 'oldstyler'

mary43

Been thinking along those lines myself................if only I could find one !
My problem isn't so much time its back problems that prevent me from doing chores like the dreaded windows ! I want someone who can do for me the things I can't.
I wouldn't be using the extra time to cook though -worlds worst in the kitchen, but I love making 'something from nothing' when it comes to things for the house or presents...........could save myself a quid or several that way. Would also give me more time to do the necessary de-cluttering -much needed. OS is moneysaving too isn't it and OH normally sorts out cooking -very much a meat and two veg person - ready meals aren't his thing at all.

Plum_Pie

I say good for you for getting a promotion and if you hire a cleaner, do it with no guilt. If you pay them decently (as I'm sure you will), you're providing employment for them!

I totally agree that life is for living and everyone's free time is precious.

elona

I agree with the others.

Do what is best for you.

Old style is an attitude not a prison sentence.

Read Gingham Ribbon's "confessions of a tired old styler" - that should put your mind to rest. And give you a giggle as well.

Congratulations on your promotion.

chunky79

My mum is a cleaner in private homes and tbh its scary she is 26 years my senior and runs rings around me. I seriously considering hiring her myself lol....
Its a great idea. The lady my mum cleans for now is fabulous and is understanding of houseworkas she has spent years doing herself as well have having children and being a teacher. She doesn't expect too much iyswim. Basically if the silver gets polished then the windows are free to be left alone that week etc....the problem is finding a good cleaner who is realiable and very trustworthy.

beemuzed

I agree with the others - it's what your needs are that counts. If it means you have more time to do the things which give you pleasure and you can afford it go ahead. And in turn you'll be helping out someone else by employing them - win/win all the way! Congratulations on the promotion.

Zazen999

Get a cleaner; it's the best thing I ever did.

cupid_s

Congratulations on the promotion.
I think a cleaner would possibly pay for themselves, by giving you more time to cook from scratch, grow your own veg etc, all of which will save money in the long run.

In fact I have an allotment, and lots of housework to do and when I start work full time in 8 weeks or so I don't know how I'll fit it all in. So I think I've convinced myself to get a cleaner. Thanks!

embb

I'm a private cleaner and I have to say I don't blame people for getting one. Heck if I could justify it I'd get one in too lol Go for it, time is precious and who wants to spend it cleaning when someone else can do it, we don't even cost that much and it's amazing what we can clean in 2 hrs.

Another thought, have you looked at the flylady thread? Maybe it could work for you? just another option for you to consider.

dronid

I will be getting a cleaner as soon as my flat has it's windows replaced and reorganised to be efficient as we have limited storage and everything needs sorting. At the moment cleaning for me is a nightmare and I wouldn't put anyone else through it! As I say once I'm happy with the state of the place I will gladly get one - and I'll still bake, cook, iron etc. My view is that we both work rather than one of us stay and home and cover that niche. And frankly I get very limited satisfaction out of hoovering.

Nix143

I look at it like this - time is a resource just as much as money is and both are precious. If you were running out of money you would have no compunction in doing something to get you more of that resource.
You are time poor and money rich, it makes sense for you to take resource from one area of your life to address the deficit in another area of your life. And no guilt. You are providing employment for someone, as has been said, and you are controlling and living your life in the way you want to. You can afford it, use the money you work hard to earn to live your life the way you want to.

Enjoy xx