My experience is that many of us, single or married could use help. I've done something that I'd like to share with you, since when I mentioned it to my clients, they said they'd like a personal assistant, too.

Hire teenagers!

I've been able to get a personal assistant this way. Two years ago a teen answered an ad I placed on index cards and posted in the local health food store. She wanted the job mowing my lawn. I asked if she saw the ad for cloths ironer, which she hadn't. And she didn't know how to iron cloths. I told her if things worked out with the mowing, I'd teach her.

She was very greatful for the job as she didn't want to work as a cashier and really only wanted a very part-time job -- a little extra cash during the month - so she can do well in school. Well she worked for me during the school year and summer, too. A few hours a week. Did whatever needed doing in the house, garden and office. I did a lot of training, but then again, I paid her a little above minimum wage, but must less than it would have cost me for a cleaning person, or gardener or even an virtual assistant. And we had lots of fun.

Two years later, she's starting her own business as a personal assistant in another state.

So this week, I hired another teenager... and life moves on. I highly recommend it. Even the extra things to do with taxes, payroll, etc. make it worth it.

Best thing is that while she's working for me... I'm working and making my usual hourly rate. So it's not costing me near what it would if I did these things myself!

I wish you all a personal assistant!

Hi, Maria: We have a similar programme in my Parish which has been running for several years now to help teens out especially during school breaks when there is'nt much to do but hang around. The programme benefits both the seeker and the sought as many teens have found a vocation in social work and the health care industry and are now seeking qualifications along those lines.

I hope many more follow your trend of thought and practice because you are providing more than a means of income for teenagers. They also acquire skills which they can employ in the future.

ya know, it's kinda like investing in them also. Teaching them skills, giving them responsibilities...teaching them how to be an entrepeneur (however you spell that darn word).

I used to be frightened by teen-agers - then the good Lord brought one into my life that we incorporated into our family - she helped me with parties, babysitting, and housework and such. I (and my kids) just LOVED having her in our lives.

I think this is an AWESOME idea!
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This is a great idea. I come from a different perspective. On eof our friends hired our son to do landscaping the summer after he graduated from high school. He built a patio wall and did all sorts of gardening type chores. They paid him well, but most importantly, he learned new skills and became closer to our friends. Because of this, they have a deeper relationship now. It's very neat.

Our youngest son has also been hired to make movies for a friend who is a house renovator. He filmed the houses at the beginning when they were a disaster area and followed her projects until she put them on the market. It was a great way for him to learn responsibility and how important it is to follow through with a project. He also has a different type of relationship with this friend as a result.

This reminds me. I have lots of yard work that needs to be done. I think I'll hire a teen to do it. Since we have been getting kids settled in college and caring for an aging family member, our yard looks a mess.

One last thought. If you are the parent of a child that is hired, bug out. Let your child be in touch with their employer and handle their schedules, etc. It makes for a much better learning experience.

When I was caring for my sister 24/7 those 5 years.I hired a lovely 16 year old girl who did our grocery shopping, she did a marvelous job, even checking sale papers with me. I was never dissatisfied with her work and she was with us for 4 years. She became like family. I still see her and recently met her new baby boy.

chatty, your post reminds me of soemthing else. What a great idea to hire a teen to help with an elderly person's care. I've always thought we need to integrate those generations for one another's sake. It would work especially well if they weren't related.