[steviem71]

Hi

Does anyone set a curfew for their helper? I'm not an early bird by any means but often on a Saturday night my helper comes in after me (I'm talking 4am). She doesn't work on a Sunday so not like she's asleep on the job I just find it a little uncomfortable but I'm not sure why...

[KnowItAll]

You're going to get two sets of responses. Let me provide you a summary of both sides before a few folks jump in and call you a bad employer.

I think it is important to maintain a curfew if you feel that your helper is not responsible enough in some areas of her personal life. The other side is .. well, she is a human and what she does with her life during her time of is none of your business.

She may be a gem when it comes to doing housework, but like many helpers she has probably not been exposed to the multitude of corrupting influences that Hong Kong has to offer. She is also dealing with a level of financial pressure that she has never had to deal with (families in the home countries treat their overseas relatives as bottomless ATM machines)

A fair number of people are critical when we say our helper has a curfew... not that she needs it, or has abused it, it was something we had mentioned to her when she signed up and it was all ok with her.

I am going to avoid a discussion on the whole partying and / or getting pregnant thing.. but that is probably an area of concern in the back of your mind. A legitimate concern I'd say.

Then there is the drugs ... the loans to fund those habits and the families back home.. collection agencies chasing the helper.. it can go downhill pretty fast if the helper slips up.

Anyone who wants to pitch in .... keep in mind that there are two sides of the argument.

[steviem71]

thanks for that. I think I'll leave it as is as she's a bit older and I don't think any of those worries you mention apply in this case. I guess the fact that she doesn't have her own entrance makes it more difficult but as long as it doesn't affect her work then I'll leave the house as a curfew free zone.