Additional Coverage:
- I’m a business owner and mom of 3. I hire an assistant for help with things like laundry and package returns. (businessinsider.com)
Local entrepreneur Katy Allen, a mother of three and owner of Artful Agenda, relies on home assistants to juggle the demands of her busy life. With her husband frequently away on musical tours and no family nearby, Allen has found a unique solution to manage her household and business.
Allen hires recent college graduates to assist with a wide range of tasks, from handling online returns to car maintenance. She views these assistants as an extension of herself, tackling everyday chores that free up her time and mental energy.
Living near a university provides a ready pool of potential helpers. Allen often relies on referrals from previous assistants when she needs to fill the position. Her job advertisements clearly state she’s seeking someone to handle a variety of tasks, making it clear that each day will be different.
A key element of Allen’s system is automation. Her assistant works a set schedule each week and has a key to the house, allowing them to work independently. Allen maintains a running to-do list in a shared online document, enabling seamless communication and updates.
Trust is paramount in this arrangement, as assistants have access to personal information and accounts. Allen emphasizes the importance of finding a reliable and compatible helper. While she hasn’t experienced any breaches of trust, she acknowledges that finding the right personality fit is crucial.
Allen’s advice for those considering hiring help is to start small, perhaps with occasional projects or a few hours a month. She believes the increased productivity and reduced mental clutter are well worth the investment, a sentiment she’s come to appreciate over the eight years she’s used this system.