Maid says that there are a lot of transfers because helpers inflate their skills and abilities while employers downplay the job scope

SINGAPORE: A foreign domestic helper took to social media speculating just why there were so many transfer helpers and came to the conclusion that it was because neither party was upfront and straightforward during interviews. 

In a post to a support group for domestic helpers, the maid said: “To some of us during interviews for this job, I suggest we should be honest enough to tell about our skill and knowledge of what our job requires. 

Some of us, they would say “I can cook, I can take care baby, I can take care elderly but in the end, we are incapable. 

Don’t even know how to feed infant properly. Or even shower an infant, For instance. 

That’s where the problem starts”. 

On the side of employers, she said that they too needed to be honest about how many members there were at home. And of the expectations and primary responsibilities of the maid. She added that, for example, some employers would say that there were only three people at home and that their in-laws would occasionally visit them. However, the truth may be that in-laws come on weekdays, and they are around the entire week. She added that even small things like these can cause the impression of dishonesty and bring about unhappiness. 

“Another thing, if you expect to much from a helper and she’s not capable you can bring them to a training school which is a lot. . infant care, elderly care. That would cost estimated  $200 atleast for 6months.or less. 

“Has 2xmonth classes. Or every Sunday as well”, she wrote. She said that it was pointless to scold maids as that did not solve any problem. Employers should instead set their expectations according to the capabilities of the maid. Alternatively, they could hire someone fully equipped, or equip someone with the specific skill set they look for. 

“And note that not all helpers are multitasker 

Who has the skill and knowledge all at once. Most of these helpers are already in Someone’s house well kept by good employers.  

Dishonesty is a waste of effort , time, and money. 

Honesty always leads to a great home of harmony”, she wrote. 

Here’s what netizens who commented on the post said: