What do you think about being a Personal Assistant??

**handmerounds** · 05-25-2006, 11:48 AM

Just wondering about this idea for a small business or extra income.....

Run an ad for a personal assitant........ I had in mind elderly people who need extra help with gardening, shopping, housecleaning, transportation etc. Even painting, decorating, and small odd jobs. I could charge by the hour or by the job. My daughter will be starting preschool this fall, and maybe my son too. But if my son doesn't, I could bring him with me. Not neccessarily just elderly people either.

Does anyone else do this or know someone who does?? Any suggestions or comments would be helpful!!

My grandpa who recently passed away had a housekeeper/aide who came everyday and he really became close friends with her. She was like family to him. She even spoke at his funeral. I thought that she was an amazing lady to have the opportunity to form close relationships through her job. She was there for my grandpa through some hard times.

**staceyy** · 05-25-2006, 11:54 AM

I think its a wonderful idea! There are many people who need assistance. Some because they don't have the time, some because they are unable to do things for themselves.

**MirandaK** · 05-25-2006, 12:11 PM

My Aunt is a personal assistent for a business exec on the west coast. Among other things, she waters his plants and feeds his pets when he is away on business, takes care of his dry cleaning, even decorated his home for Christmas. She really likes the work. Go for it!!!

**canadian gardener** · 05-25-2006, 12:49 PM

I'd try it if I were you but I'd be charging by the hour, and keep track of things like gasoline and wear and tear on the car.

Dd was doing some horse sitting for a while, and she ended up not factoring travel time to and from the job, gasoline and wear and tear on her car. The people she sat for got a bargain, but she couldn't afford to do it again.

And elderly people may want you for a task, but need a lot of time to visit.

If paying by the job, they may make the job take longer by chatting and visiting but if it's by the hour, they will get to the point faster and let you work.

And it's ok if they want to chat, because then they are paying for your time in that too if they need that.

**handmerounds** · 05-25-2006, 01:02 PM

Good point about charging by the hour! I will consider mileage and wear/tear on vehicle also. I know that some older people will like to chit chat as well. I know my Grandpa did!! I think it would be a very rewarding business!! I was doing some research and found this website listing jobs for personal assistants in California. Some of them pay really, really well!!

http://www.tandcr.com/candidate/brow...nalAssist.html

Now I'm in a small town in Missouri, but I think this might be a good opportunity!

**Buckeye5** · 05-25-2006, 08:20 PM

I just read a want ad in our local paper for a personneeded to transport elderly woman at the beginning of each month for her errands. I think there may be need a for this.

**Cele** · 05-26-2006, 12:45 AM

I think it's a great idea, but one word of caution. Make sure you have the right kind of insurance to cover property damage or injuries you cause on another's property. Same for your auto. If you are using it for business purposes, you must tell the insurance company or they can deny any work-related claims.

If it looks as though you'll be doing handywork type jobs, you should be bonded as well. I have a cleaning service, and I will only work with those that are insured and binded. It protects my home, my property, and ensures the IRS won't come after *me* if the person chose to stiff Uncle Sam.

I know those are some of the less-fun things to consider...but I'm a believer in being prepared. Good luck to you!

**handmerounds** · 05-26-2006, 08:09 AM

Yes, I had considered the insurance and bonding. I talked to a lady that does this and she said the insurance was a few hunderd for her coverage. The auto insurance I'll have to check into more. That is one downside, but if you are insured and bonded that will probably bring in more business! Hopefully!

**Cele** · 05-26-2006, 07:08 PM

I totally believe it will bring you more business. I could use a cheaper cleaning service, but I am willing to pay for someone who is bonded. Not only does it protect me, but it shows me that the woman is serious about her business. It's not just a sideline or something she's doing to make a few bucks...it's her career and she treats it as such.

Best of luck! I'm sure you will find a market for your services.