AIBU to think I'll struggle to get clients?

[chocolateaddictlondon]

I'm thinking of starting a cleaning business after years of being a SAHM, and newly separated. Problem is DD is in nursery part time, few hours in the afternoon and the nursery can't change it to morning sessions.

There's no way I can clean, and be in time to pick up DD from nursery. She stays at her dads in the weekend. So I've thought of just to start the business up slowly by cleaning Saturday-Sunday. Maybe Friday-Sunday depends on what ex is doing. But he always picks her up Saturday noon.

My only worry is I'll struggle to get clients, as most people are home at weekends?

Why can't you clean while your daughter is in nursery, though?

What’s the difference in cleaning in the morning vs afternoon?

I can't imagine many people would want a cleaner at the weekend, unless they're very nervous types who don't like the thought of anyone being in their house when they're not in.

Lots of other weekend jobs about though, including cleaning at pubs, restaurants, etc. Being employed as a cleaner might be easier than self- employment of you're quite restricted on when your want to work.

why can't you clean when shes at nursery. I definitely wouldnt want anyone cleaning over the weekend especially a sunday.

Could you run an ironing service instead? You could pick up/deliver whilst your DD is at nursery or with her dad, and actually do the work in the evenings when she is in bed. Hourly rates are roughly equivalent where I am at least.

Can you do anything else? I would imagine cleaning involves more than just showing up and cleaning, its travel, re-stocking, marketing, admin, etc. That would be a lot to squeeze into only a couple of hours a week, even if you could do all but the actual cleaning at the weekends.

Can you type well and quickly? I used to do some transcription when I was freelancing and dc1 was a baby. The pay is decent enough (probably more than you'd get cleaning) and you can do it anytime. I would do it for an hour or two every night before bed and then while she was at nursery. You can do it at home. No expenses or start up costs. You basically gig as self employed for transcription services. I would much prefer to do that to the back breaking work of cleaning.

The other area to look at is offices. Some may like a good clean on weekend when not open. Although weekend work in shops etc might be easier. Around us it’s always the estate agents that seem to need people on the weekend. Especially as they need people who can drive.

Agree with PP; I wouldn't fancy a cleaner in on a weekend. Ideally I would hire a cleaner on a Thursday/Friday specifically for the purpose of my home being clean for me to enjoy over the weekend.

You should print off a load of cvs/seeking job scripts and distribute around your area in any of the businesses that are likely to need cleaners. Just clearly state the hours you are looking for and let them know you are available for short notice work.

Cleaning roles are so varied; not just in peoples homes.
*Bookmakers often hire cleaning staff to come in after closing (so evenings) or early mornings before opening.
*Factories often hire cleaners to clean toilets and shop floors (this was what I done when I cleaned many years ago while my kids were at nursery)
*Offices; after hours/potentially weekend cleaning hours available
*Shopping Centres; mornings/evenings/weekends
*Property companies/ estate agents; often looking for cleaners on their books for End of Tenancy cleans - very varied hours and decent money to be made

I wouldn't want an evening/weekend cleaner to be honest op, sorry. Is your dd's nursery one attached to a school (or a pre school)? Is that why it's afternoons only? How old is she? I would look to switch nursery so that you can have 2.5 days rather than 5 half days, is that possible?

What about dog walking? They're in huge demand round my way. And you could do it on days DD isn't at nursery too.

Also, are you happy about your situation with your ex op? It sounds like you're having to make all of the childcare sacrificing and he gets to have her one weekend night?

How about looking after children, particulalry taking early and handing back late? You'd save on your childcare costs, and many many parents would be happy to avoid the rush to pick up children in the mid late afternoon? Look into funding for training and any equipment you may need.