My roomate and I are considering a maid. The thing is I don't mind
most of the chores, I do the bath flores etc. What I can't stand are
dishes. period. But I don't think maids do dishes-- is there a
solution for us (other than learning not to be so lazy)

Hello futurebird,

I'm assuming that since your roommate concurs with you that a maid
might be an option, s/he has a similar aversion to doing dishes. Most
times my husband and I do the dishes together -- oddly enough, it's a
time when we communicate best, so although we aren't fond of the
chore, we like how we connect with each other. We don't do them
everyday, since now there are only the two of us a rule and we have
enough dishes to feed a small army, so supply isn't a concern.

As for maids' duties, I think if you forget about the word 'maid' and
think more in terms of 'getting some help around the house,' you'll do
better in finding someone.

Make a list of chores you want done and advertise the position in
local high schools or on the bulletin board at the grocery stores and
other commercial venues. Base your proferred salary on the minimum
wage in your area.

When I was teenager (lo, so many years ago), I'd have jumped at the
chance to go to someone's house and spend an hour or so, two or three
times a week, to do dishes. It would have beat babysitting hands down!

I guess my point is, it isn't what people WILL do when you hire them,
but what they know they are being hired to do. If they want the job,
they'll do what the job requires. I once earned an hour's pay (25
cents) every other day rinsing dirty diapers for a neighbour who just
couldn't do it for herself. Granted, I was only 10 years old, and I
guess I was still 'poop-proofed.'

As I say, advertise EXACTLY what the job is and hire who you feel is
the best candidate for the job. YOU are the employer!

Hope this helps. I have no search strategy to offer you. It's just my
personal observation.

I wish you well,

revbrenda1st

Have you considered using disposable utensils, such as those designed for picnics?

Isn't that tacky/bad for the environment?

futurebird,

What worked for me was to put away all the dishes.  WAY Away.  My
adult son lives with me.  He is notoriously lax at doing his own
dishes.  My solution is to keep 2 of everything.  2 plates, 2 bowls, 2
glasses, 2 coffee cups, 2 of each: knives, forks spoons...  I also use
cast iron skillets and bakeware, they get rinsed and scrubbed out with
no soap.  I hid the remaining dishes and silverware in the basement.

~~Cynthia