When we got the news about our move to India, I was over the moon—not just for the adventure ahead, but also for the thought of having a bit of extra household help. In Atlanta, we were used to a weekly cleaner and occasional help with childcare. Moving to India opened up the possibility of having daily assistance, which turned out to be a significant part of our expat journey.
Household help in India is more than just keeping things tidy—it’s about adapting to an entirely new lifestyle. India’s bustling cities, constant dust, and unique household needs can overwhelm expats trying to adjust. Enter Miss Irene, our trusted “all-rounder,” who hasn’t just made life easier, but became an invaluable part of our lives.
Why Household Help Matters in Expat Life
In many parts of the world, especially for expats, reliable household help is more than a luxury—it becomes essential to managing the stresses of daily life, especially in a foreign culture. Household help provides the much-needed emotional and practical relief that expat families often need, particularly for support spouses who take on the bulk of household responsibilities.
Hiring Irene wasn’t just about maintaining the house; it meant having someone we could trust with our home and children. Her deep bond with our youngest, Remi, became one of the most comforting aspects of our new life abroad. With Irene’s support, I had the freedom to focus on other aspects of expat life, knowing our home was in great hands.
Navigating Cultural Differences
Before our move, we received advice on how to hire and manage household help in India. Being clear about our needs and expectations while respecting cultural differences was key. In India, the relationship between employers and domestic workers often carries different expectations than in Western countries. This learning curve is something many expats face, and it’s essential to be culturally sensitive when navigating this aspect of life abroad.
The daily reality of living in India often involves dealing with household repairs, deliveries, and maintenance. Irene’s organizational skills saved us hours of coordinating with various services, especially with India’s notorious dust accumulation that, even on the 55th floor, needed constant attention. Her ability to handle these tasks smoothly allowed us to fully embrace our expat experience without getting bogged down in the minutiae of household management.
Acknowledge the Privilege of Help
I fully recognize that having household help is a luxury that is not common everywhere. In regions like Asia and South America, access to affordable domestic assistance is more widespread, making it easier for expats to hire help. In many Western countries, this level of household support is often unaffordable for most families. While I deeply appreciate the invaluable support we’ve received from Irene, I remain aware of the privilege this represents, especially in a global context.
How to Find and Keep Great Help
For those considering hiring help as an expat, my advice is simple: lean on your expat network for recommendations, offer trial periods to test compatibility, and always treat your help with respect and kindness. Pay them fairly, more than a living wage if possible, and recognize the cultural context of their role in your life. The key to maintaining good help is building a mutual relationship of trust and appreciation. A great helper does more than just make life easier—they become part of your family and enhance your entire expat journey.
Exstad’s Role in Navigating Domestic Help and More
At Exstad, we understand the complexities of expat life that go beyond cultural training. Finding reliable household help, balancing family life, and managing the emotional and logistical demands of a new country are just some of the challenges we help expats address. Our resources go beyond the basics to offer guidance on navigating these overlooked yet crucial aspects of expat life.
Whether it’s finding the right household help, managing family dynamics, or creating a support system, Exstad is here to support you every step of the way. These unsung heroes—like Irene in our own journey—aren’t just household staff; they become part of the family, contributing to your well-being and helping you thrive in your new home.
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