All About Full-Time Maids

[FTWM of 2]

Hi, I have decided to take the plunge again and will hire a maid after changing 3 of them in the last 14 months. i have been maidless for the last 4-5 weeks and my #2 will be born soon, hence husband felt it is impossible to "drag" (i have been reluctant to relook at getting maids again) the situation.


My previous 3 maids - A. 2 years ex-jakarta, B. 5 years ex-Saudi C. Fresh with absolute no experience. The first was the best, she was hardworking and learnt fast, however she is too smart and kept lying to cover her mistakes. After 10 months with me, i decided to send her back. B. was with me for 3 weeks, claimed abuse and overworked and tried to run away. When I hired her, agent claimed she worked 2 years in Saudi and good with children. All lies. C was the absolute worst. Could not speak even the simplest english ("the mop is too wet") and cried almost everyday for that 1 week. Have sent her back.

Hubby is now saying he wants to hire experience maid so we are looking at ex-SG or ex-Malaysia. Any advice or things to look out for wrt experienced maids?

[POA Teacher]

I hope your maid proves to be good.

[711mum]

Good? If my maid can meet 80% of my expectation, I am already v thankful

[moonee]

Ex Malaysia, u got to check whether she really worked as a maid or went in there as a maid and landed up working in a factory, I dont really trust Ex malaysia… had 2 in the past that never worked as a maid but worked in the factory and another cleaning shopping centres.

[peapot]

I always get ex-sin maid because need less training. Also their English better than those new maid. They can also be counted to look after the kids when you go to work. They also come equip with simple cooking experience. All these are true provided the maid really is ex Singapore for at least 2 years! Those worked only 6 months or 10 months then got sent back are not counted.


When there are ups there will also be downs. Experienced maids are more demanding. They will come with Hp or they will ask for one soon after working. They also know how to negotiate their pay package during renewal or half way down the road. They know their rights. They also will have more friends or people they know previously. They will ask for off day and will not wait for next year weekly off to kick in. They will be more " cunning" than new maids. They will also be rude at times when they work long enough for you.

[BeContented]

peapot:

I always get ex-sin maid because need less training. Also their English better than those new maid. They can also be counted to look after the kids when you go to work. They also come equip with simple cooking experience. All these are true provided the maid really is ex Singapore for at least 2 years! Those worked only 6 months or 10 months then got sent back are not counted.


When there are ups there will also be downs. Experienced maids are more demanding. They will come with Hp or they will ask for one soon after working. They also know how to negotiate their pay package during renewal or half way down the road. They know their rights. They also will have more friends or people they know previously. They will ask for off day and will not wait for next year weekly off to kick in. They will be more \" cunning\" than new maids. They will also be rude at times when they work long enough for you.

Agree on most points except on the cooking experience.
I had 3 Indonesian maids between 2001 - 2007, each completed their 2 years contract. However, none of them had cooked a single meal/dish for us......perhaps they might know a little, I'm not sure cos' never asked them to cook. From my conversation with them, I feel that the younger/unmarried ones tend to depend on their mothers at home to cook for them, guess probably same everywhere. So if ability to cook is important, make sure you ask them specifically.....

[LOLMum]

All my maids can cook. Now this new one is more of a veg person which suits my dd very well. Both can discuss what to cook. She is 30+.


I was there to interview another Filipino but agent passed me a few more and her ability to speak chinese plus a bit more health conscious sense won me over.

The one I was there to see is okay. 2 years here and finishing contracr

[Hiaweh]

LOLMum:

All my maids can cook. Now this new one is more of a veg person which suits my dd very well. Both can discuss what to cook. She is 30+.


I was there to interview another Filipino but agent passed me a few more and her ability to speak chinese plus a bit more health conscious sense won me over.

The one I was there to see is okay. 2 years here and finishing contracr

Which agency are you using?

[micollh]

can i ask, to send maid back, do i need to be at the airport with her (since she is hired under my name)

[FTWM of 2]

hi LOLmom


I’m also interested to find out which agency you are using. Seems like a good agency is also hard to find. My previous 3 maids were all from 1 agent, which despite giving me good service and refunded me after all the 3 maids problems, i have to say their maids from Indo got no QC.