One of the biggest problems we see is when a helper has lost the trust of the employer. What may seem like a small deal can become a really large problem, because trust is earned and lost through mostly small actions. Here are some tips for being trustworthy.
Keep family business to yourself
Imagine you are the employer. You've come in from buying groceries and your neighbor says, "Hey, I heard from my helper that you and Harry are having financial problems now. Let me know if I can help." Imagine how floored you'd be, and how upended it would make you feel. This happens a lot, because some helpers like to spread the family's business to others. The best helpers would never tell disclose their employer's private business to others unless there is a health and safety concern.
Don't hide mistakes
Did you accidentally break a glass? Did you accidentally burn a silk blouse with the iron, or turn some items in the wash red with lipstick that was left in a pocket? If you can't fix it, you must tell your employer. If you tell them, they will be aware, and they will forgive you for the mistake. If you hide the mistake, such as throw out the blouse or toss the broken glass, they will eventually figure it out, and think you can't be trusted. You want to be known as someone who comes to them when there is a problem.
Keep receipts and records of money spent
Even if your employer doesn't request it, keep a record of money that has been spent. You can organize receipts in an envelope, or use pen and paper to record what was spent. Never assume spare change won't be missed. The richest people are rich because they know where every spare penny is spent. They will know.
Be frugal in your choices
Nothing is more frustrating than having someone choose to spend money unnecessarily. One client told us her helper decided to buy a set of spoons (they already had plenty of spoons). Now they had an unmatched bunch of spoons that she spent their money on, and she could never explain why she bought them. That's no way to handle the employer's money. Buy what is necessary, and try to economize and spend as your employer instructs you to do. Don't waste expensive ingredients like avocado oil. Only cook what the recipe calls for or the amount your employer wants you to cook. Learn how much a serving size is and don't waste things.
Make your problems known
If you find yourself in a hard situation, and you have a problem, you may want to consider sharing with your employer. They may have advice for you, and they may be able to help you solve it. They may know a better way to send money for an emergency, and they may be able to help get your home if someone is sick. If you have made a bad choice, and you don't tell them, you may be found out anyway. You'll seem less trustworthy if they find out through someone other than you.
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