joannes
25-01-2015, 11:28 PM
Hey everyone. Bit of a random question and one I'm guessing will be hard to answer with any accuracy. I am currently going down the route of employing an assistant, mainly as there is very little in the way of childcare where I am and being an ex-teacher I am first on quite a lot of people's list (thankfully!) But it's meant I've had to turn down quite a few parents and 3 other schools for school runs in particular. I am very much looking forward to having another pair of hands and eyes and a bit of adult company, especially in the "crazy hour" (as husband and I call it- preparing and serving dinner etc). and at hometimes where as you know the children often get a bit boisterous when they think your attention is with a parent. Alongside this I'm looking at moving house in the next 18-24 months, still very local but upsizing to a "forever home". Husband and I have been trying to look at my earning potential for the next year or two and I was wondering how much of a difference people feel having an assistant makes financially after holiday pay etc has been taken off. Obviously it would have to be percentage wise as I appreciate fees etc are different over the country. I also thought that having them for shorter hours but more often is more profitable as it reduces the number of breaks needed etc. and I'm usually only over my numbers once we've collected from school. Would be interested to hear people's opinions on this. Earning money isn't my main reason for having an assistant but it would allow my business to grow and I appreciate not everyone would want the maximum number of children for themselves and their assistants but it would be nice to hear some case studies really of when it's worked.