After some 7 years of loyal service, Linda decided to go back to the Philipines. Linda came to my flat twice a week to clean. But of course she did much more. She was the manager of my little household. Picking-up dry cleaning, buying water, waiting for deliveries and organizing repairs. Everything really. One of the many joys of living in Asia: I can’t remember when was the last time I held a vacuum cleaner; nor would I know where to find it although I’m pretty sure I have one…

Anyway, in my search for a new helper, I came across an amusing website that helps employers find helpers in Hong Kong. Just to give you an idea of what goes on there:

“When you on holdiay away from HK more than a month, do you pay a full salary to your helpers? I’ll be away for 2.5 months and I was considering paying half of the salary and half of the food allowence to my very good helper. Would it be fair? ”

Keep in mind that helpers make about EUR 300 a month. This lovely creature is suggesting to pay EUR 150 instead of the ridiculously high full amount. And of course the food allowance can be cut in half because while she is in the South of France, I’m sure her amah will need less food.

I also like Beatrice who is looking for someone during the holiday to “to look after my house and my husband while we are away for 2 months over the summer.” Whether it is a good idea to get a young eager single Philippine girl to ‘sit your husband’ remains to be seen but, anyway.

Annie’s first world problem post received also a lot of sympathy because she had so much trouble to find a driver to take her son to school. Why not get a pilot while you are at it?

The site is not without amah-drama between the lines. When a helper contract expires – often when a family leaves Hong Kong – she will have to leave the country within 7 days. This does not leave much room for improvising. A new employer often needs to be found fast.

I don’t hold high hopes for Elle’s old helper: “Our lovely former helper, Jessiebel, is looking for employment in Hong Kong.” Having a stranger raise your kids is one thing but one called Jezebel might be pushing it a little bit.

And me? Linda found someone for me. Also named Linda.