topic Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""? in Kitchen

A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own "dirty work"?

house_cat — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 03:15:40 GMT

I have able-bodied friends who don't clean their own houses, or cook their own food, or do their own laundry, or wash their own cars, or paint their own nails... the list goes on and on.

Maybe if I had enough money, I'd be the same way. I don't know. Maybe.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all I have to do, but most times it gives me a good feeling to do my own cooking and housework.

I think I'd feel lost if I had none of those things to do?

Does anyone else feel this way?

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Snowpuppy — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:00:33 GMT

It's the age old argument of time vs money.

I have co workers who have housekeepers and I know women who are so fussy that no one would clean as well as they do so they still do it themselves. I'm leaning toward a housekeeper but haven't hired one yet.

I still cook, bake and keep a deep pantry so I have busy farmer's market days too where I spend hours preparing my finds for the freezer. I take my vehicle to the car wash, too big, too much hassle and winters here are too brutal to do it yourself.I do my own laundry and do lug comforters to the laundromat when necessary.

I do get a mani/pedi because I can't get nail polish on right as much as I try. I pay someone to shovel and plow the drive and walkways.

I work 40+ hours a week plus a long commute. I'm healthy and I thank God that I can climb a ladder, paint walls and scrub floors but I've learned to get help when I need it around the house.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Mominohio — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:14:04 GMT

I know it is 'to each his own' and I have never been of great wealth, but it seems to me, wasteful to pay someone to do what you can for yourself.

If age or physical condition make it hard, or dangerous, then of course it makes perfect sense to hire what you need, if you are able to afford it.

And I know the old adage about time vs money, but guess I've never been on the financial end where I wanted or could afford to pay the hard earned money for something I can do myself. And for the time spent completing a particular chore, some folks could earn triple by working those same hours, and paying a service to do that chore for them. They are actually ahead to pay to have it done (just never been there myself).

There are things we all can't do for ourselves ( different for each one of us) and if they are to be done, they must be hired done, but I agree that there is satisfaction to doing for yourself.

And sometimes I wonder if some shouldn't ask themselves that if they have so much more money than time, perhaps they would get greater satisfaction out of spending less time making money, and more time enjoying and working on/with the things that money is buying.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

GCR18 — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:15:09 GMT

The benefit for me is more money in my pocket. I had a cleaning service for a couple years when I was traveling alot for work. Once the travel stopped, I took back the cleaning and paid myself instead. I cook, clean, shovel, mow lawn, laundry, etc. I splurge on nails a couple times a year.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Carmie — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:26:45 GMT

My husband and I both work full time. We have raised three children who are grown and have moved out.

I have NEVER had anyone clean my home. I don't trust anyone to do so. When I was a child, my mother had a lady whom she knew very well to clean for us once in a while. This person was nosy and went through all my personal belongings. How do I know?

Well, I was given a ring by my godmother, It was an adult ring that I admired and she gave it to me to save for when I was older. I loved that ring and hid it, still in the small ring box she gave it to me in. One day the ring was gone. I had hidden it under my lingerie in my dresser.

I saw our cleaning lady wearing MY ring while we were out. I wanted to demand that she return it to me, but my mother would not let me. I was heart broken. This same person stole my older sister's shorts. but not the matching top. I wonder what else she stole that we didn't notice.

We wash our own cars, my DH does all the mechanics on our vehicles. He even does body work for fender benders and paints our cars when necessary. He maintains our lawn and I do the flower beds and garden and we own two snow blowers.

In our almost 42 years of marriage, we have paid very little for someone to do our dirty work. When you pay for someone to do something for you, especially in your home and sometimes your car, you give someone a personal glimpse into your life. I don't feel comfortable airing my dirty laundry to a person who has the potential to make it public.

We still have time to travel and do things together. I don't feel we are giving up anything at all.

If you have issues with health or mobility that's a different story. I hope I never come to that cross road, but if so, it will be difficult for me to request help.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

wismiss — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:28:00 GMT

Different priorities for different people.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Frau K — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:31:39 GMT

I also like to keep more money in my family's pocket. The wife of a coworker helped me clean the house for a few years, now the hubby, daughter and I do it together and it's free. I do get my toes done every three weeks, just because I love that. I only go to the salon for haircuts twice a year,( low maintenance cut). But I spend WAY to much on skincare!

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Tantallum — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:31:49 GMT

my husband and I both work >50 hours a week. we have a cleaning person come once per week and I love it. We can afford it and it allows us to spend our rare leisure time actually relaxing and not cleaning (or fighting over whose job it is to do what).

we don't spend money on fancy vacations or expensive dinners. If we had more time or less money, obviously it would be different, but I really like this as a splurge for our household.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Frau K — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 04:42:34 GMT

Yes, I do miss leisure time......

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Desertdi — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 07:08:46 GMT

I intend to "do it myself" as long as I am physically able.......in fact, I just cut down an 8-foot cactus that didn't make it through the December freeze. And it was a big job...........

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

PamelaSue72 — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 13:46:04 GMT

I do my own work. I intend to continue for as long as I can.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

151949 — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 15:11:10 GMT

It was taking me 3 to 4 days to get around my house and thoroughly clean it - and I was very tired and in pain all the time from the constant effort. We have very high ceilings and very high built in cabinets that required a lot of time up and down ladders. I told my DH that I was not able to get everything done by myself anymore and he was going to have to help me. After only one time helping me - he decided that wasn't for him and he would rather get someone in to help instead. Having a housekeeper come in and do all the things I had so much difficulty doing is the most wonderful thing ever! She crawls around on the floor and dusts all the baseboards - she gets up on the ladder and cleans the tops of all the built ins and anything else that is high - she dusts all the crown molding and all the plantation shutters. She climbs up and cleans the tops of all the kitchen cabinets. She washes down all the tile on the walls in the Bathrooms and the backsplash in the kitchen. She cleans all the ceiling fans.She comes every 2 weeks and in between I do the daily maintenance of our home - which I am easily able to do. Together we keep this place spic & span and pleasant to live in. When we go home to Pa for the summer - we live in a camper - everything is small and compact and I do all the cleaning there - no ladders required. For those who are able to do all your own housework and yard work - great for you. Unfortunately, God did not let all of us enjoy great health and the years have taken a toll on our abilities.

I still cook every day and do my own laundry and grocery shop. I volunteer at the food bank at my church and within our community when there is a project I feel I can do.For instance yesterday some of the men were going around cleaning mildew from the mailboxes( we have gangboxes) with a power washer and then a few of us ladies were going in after them and doing the final detail cleaning.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

wildcat fan — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 15:17:14 GMT

My father insisted that my mom get someone to clean the house. She works hard at her job, so she gets to come home and relax and spend time with family. She's not one to go shopping for herself, and if there's anyone in this world who deserves some pampering, it's my mom. I see nothing wrong with hiring a cleaning service if the family can afford it, and mom doesn't mind at all. I don't have a cleaning service at my home because I'd rather save my money or spend it on something else. I like to have things done a certain way, and I understand OP's point about the benefits of doing things myself.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

house_cat — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:30:44 GMT

On 2/13/2015 Frau K said: Yes, I do miss leisure time......

I have friends who spend every weekend at Disneyland, or in Vegas, Laughlin, Palm Springs. These are not rich people. I guess they just have different priorities than mine. I've asked them, "When do you do clean your house? Grocery shop? Laundry and Ironing?" They think I'm kidding. Apparently, in my neck of the woods, few people do that anymore. I can spend an entire Sunday afternoon ironing and my friends tell me they don't own an iron. What? How can this be?

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

151949 — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:45:03 GMT

On 2/14/2015 house_cat said:
On 2/13/2015 Frau K said: Yes, I do miss leisure time......

I have friends who spend every weekend at Disneyland, or in Vegas, Laughlin, Palm Springs. These are not rich people. I guess they just have different priorities than mine. I've asked them, "When do you do clean your house? Grocery shop? Laundry and Ironing?" They think I'm kidding. Apparently, in my neck of the woods, few people do that anymore. I can spend an entire Sunday afternoon ironing and my friends tell me they don't own an iron. What? How can this be?

Well, either someone is being paid to do it for them or they live in a hovel or they are very efficient.

I actually have a niece who I dearly love but she makes her life so hectic - anyway she had a housekeeper but the poor lady was overwhelmed and quit so now my SIL goes over there every day and cleans her daughter's house for her. I think my niece should be ashamed to have her 70 year old mother cleaning for her, and I actually did but in and tell her so. So she has hired a service to do the heavier cleaning and my SIL "only " has to do the daily cleanup. I am biting my tongue. This child has been spoiled her entire life and now, even at 42 years old it continues.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Heart of Spade — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:50:43 GMT

I guess it all depends on your lifestyle. As a SAHM, I feel those things are my "job." I take pride in my home and making nice meals for my family. I've always cleaned my own home (I would be one of those people who cleaned for the cleaning lady!), and I can't imagine subjecting anyone to our dirty laundry.

I have an acquaintance who is a SAHM and hires people to do literally everything (housekeeping, laundry, yard work, dry cleaning pick-up and delivery, in-home dog washing, you name it). I don't know what she does all day! I know it's none of my business, but I'm really curious. I have seen her be very active in many ways, so I don't think it's disability driven. I guess she spends the day scheduling all her help!

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

Ms X — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:53:52 GMT

If I had the $$$, NO WAY would I clean my house or even cook my food. I'd also have someone give me manicures. Sadly, I can't afford it. As long as people pay their service providers well, it's a boon to the American worker. People want to make decent money, and thanks to those who have funds jobs are available in this sector. I would pay well, so it would be a win/win.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

sandy53 — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 18:06:28 GMT

I had a cleaning lady when I was working and considered it some of the best money I spent. Even if I had the time, I did not have the energy. Now that I am retired, I do my own cleaning and I like doing it myself.

I have always done our cooking. We do eat out about once a week, but something is always wrong (slow service, poor food quality, rising prices, etc.) so I prefer to eat at home. I can prepare simple, tasty, nutritious meals with no wasted food.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

ValuSkr — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 18:16:02 GMT

Doing your own dirty work, as you say, builds character, I'd say.

Re: A little O/T: Is there a benefit in doing your own ""dirty work""?

brii — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 18:16:27 GMT

What I don't do well, I pay someone to do for me. I clean my own house and I shop and cook. I get my nails done every two weeks. Some might consider that a luxury or wasteful - but I do not feel that way at all.

I don't feel guilty about it and I certainly don't care what other people do or don't do with their money.