I have recently been spreading the word that I am looking for one or two new clients to fill my weekly (or bi-weekly) schedule. Unfortunately this is after spreading the word that I'm not taking on new ones. *Sigh*...what was I thinking? Well, I was going to do in-home pedicures and manicures full-time but decided that I'd keep that as a side gig because, although I love doing them, it's not as lucrative.
I get calls from people who don't want to pay $25 an hour. And I get that. The reason I charge $25 an hour is because I use most of my own supplies, I deal with human waste, I'm very reliable, and other than my housekeeping duties.... I deal with pets (sometimes having to let them outside to pee, feeding them on occasion, and some pets are just not happy to have me around for the day). I've run small errands for some of my clients, I must pay for a business license, supplies/equipment, taxes, insurance, fuel, among other expenses to keep my little biz running.
According to my taxes, I make just over $11 an hour.
Believe it or not, I enjoy it. My clients are wonderful when it comes to giving me a day off or switching their regular cleaning day due to an appointment I had that was non-negotiable. I don't ask them for special treatment very often but when I do they've been understanding. Freshly-picked raspberries, green beans and zucchini, beautiful works of art (one client is a painter and one used to create pottery pieces), dark chocolate from Switzerland, houseplants from the local greenhouse in spring are some of the most wonderful gifts I've received over the years and I will never forget it.
Some houses need more scrubbing than others, some homes just need to be spiffed up every week or two, some people are at home and chatty when I'm there, many clients are not home when I arrive so I look forward to working in silence that day, but whatever the circumstance, I am trusted with what is usually their most valuable asset...their home.
