SINGAPORE: A recent post in a popular domestic worker discussion group has drawn attention after an expatriate employer expressed her frustrations over how difficult it has become to hire a “serious” and committed transfer helper in Singapore.
In her anonymous post on the MDW in Singapore Facebook group on Monday (Dec 8), the woman shared that she has been struggling to find a helper with reasonable expectations. She said many of the candidates she met were quoting unusually “high salaries”, asking for frequent days off, requesting extra perks up front, and even insisting “on going out after work on weekdays as one pleases.”
“I am not a slave worker, and I don’t mind paying a higher than average salary, but them having so many demands before they even started working seems crazy,” she wrote. “If they’re like that before even starting, how about when work starts? I’m puzzled.”
She added that her worries stem from a previous negative experience. Her first helper had shown similar behaviour, and because she had been “too relaxed” at the start, work performance eventually declined, causing tension and issues at home. Wanting to avoid a repeat of that situation, she turned to social media for advice.
“How do I find a transfer helper who is not going to take advantage of my kindness?” she asked. “Am I better off going to an agency? I can’t seem to find anyone decent with normal expectations.”
“I think it’s better to get one from an agency.”
The post drew a range of responses from the online group. One commenter encouraged her to properly check each applicant’s work history and to speak with previous employers if their contracts ended early.
“99 per cent of those who stay longer with their employer tend to be serious, trust me!” the commenter added. “But still, it’s up to you how to handle it because, as they always say, different households have different styles. Good luck and cheers!”
Another user advised her to skip candidates who had already worked in Singapore for more than three years, claiming that such helpers “tend to be more demanding.” They also wrote that during interviews, she should be wary of candidates who immediately ask about “curfews, breaks, or off days”, instead of the daily routine of the household.
A third netizen added that finding a truly committed helper has become challenging even for locals, and suggested that she just seek help from an agency.
“Even for your local Singaporean, it is difficult to find a very committed helper here. It depends on luck. I think it’s better to get one from an agency, because should you come to a predicament, at least the agency can assist you.”
In other news, a bride took to Reddit to air her frustrations after her mother-in-law brazenly insisted that every cash gift (ang bao) from the 300 guests she invited to their wedding should go straight into her pocket.
For context, the bride explained in her post on Reddit’s AskSingapore forum that her mother-in-law loaned them S$30,000 for their upcoming wedding, which is expected to cost around S$80,000.
Read more: ‘It’s not fair’: Bride says MIL’s S$30k wedding loan comes with condition to collect all ang bao
