by Shaheen Darr

Created on: September 02, 2008   Last Updated: November 04, 2009

The only reason I would hire a maid is if I was working full time and didn't have enough time to clean my house or cook my meals. The extra time would now be spent doing work related activities, tackling that file that I never have enough time to sort out or dealing with correspondence that has been put in the 'things to do' tray on my desk.

If there was no opportunity cost involved and my net income per hour was enough to pay someone to clean or cook for me. I would then spend my time writing for a living. Maybe that novel that exists so vividly in one of the compartments of my mind would finally get a chance to be born. Or I could do some painting or drawing, two other passions that I never have enough time to explore. As I think about this topic, the list of activities seems to be growing; I could do some gardening, take some music lessons or start studying for a course.

I would have a little bit more 'me' time so I could spend it either exercising at home or at the gym, visit friends and family to catch up or invite them round for tea or for a meal and have the maid clean up after (great scenario eh?). I could go to the beautician or the hairdresser and get those roots tidied up regularly. Going out to see places of interest with a friend or having a meal together would be quite appealing.

Before I get carried away there is another side to why I would hire a maid. This could be due to health reasons or a disability. I could be elderly with arthritis problems or other age related issues and I needed home help. My free time would now be spent watching TV, doing some knitting or embroidery, writing, a lot of reading or taking advantage of trips organised especially for old age pensioners.

If you are lucky to have some cleaning or cooking help make a list of all the things that interest you and which you would like to do at some point in your life. As you tick them off you will feel great about yourself and your achievements. In addition you will have a house or a flat that will be dust free and sparkling!

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