AIBU is this job not worth it

[MrsChipsreturns]

I have two young DC one is starting school in September the other will start nursery so I can work. My DH works full time. It seems nearly impossible to find jobs to fit around school and paid childcare that are actually worth doing. I recently started a job as a domestic cleaner, just one day a week to try it out. The pay is £10 an hour and mileage is paid. The job ad said all jobs within a few local postcodes to me.

The reality is cleaning is really hard work! My first shift I cleaned 3 houses top to bottom and it took me 7 hours. I was out of the house from 9am until 6pm but I will only get £70 for the day because your travel time is not paid, only the mileage which is something like 45p a mile. On top of this I ran over my allotted time on two of the houses which meant I didn’t get time to eat or I had to eat whilst driving. I also don’t understand what you are supposed to do about using the toilet, I nipped home to use mine. When I finished work I could barely move my hands and they ached for days.

Ive just had my work schedule through for next week and it’s 3 houses again but they are 30 mins drive apart, so I’ll waste another 2 hours driving. My boss covers all cleaning supplies costs and insurance etc but it just doesn’t seem worth it. On top of that my boss has asked me to come and collect some keys from her house before tomorrow, her house is 40 min drive from me and I have my baby with me today.

Just wondered if anyone else has done domestic cleaning, is this typical or have I just got a bad deal?

Bump!

I think you might be better off advertising for local cleaning jobs on Nextdoor, or a postcard in your local newsagents window.

Just advertise for your own clients, charge £15 an hour and don't drive further than you're comfortable with.

Really doesn't sound great. Main issue is that your travel time needs to be included as part of your paid hours. Mileage allowance is simply to cover your fuel and other car running costs. Same for trips to your boss's house - should be paid hours and mileage for that.

Become a self employed cleaner and scout your own clients that are a reasonable travel distance.
I've been self employed for 2 years cleaning and it works perfectly for me. I get to set my own hours, rates, clients and holidays so it can fit in with the kids. Insurance is reasonable.
It is hard work, but once you get into a routine it becomes much easier. All my clients are lovely and appreciate what I do for them. Many of them work from home and complain about bosses or work colleagues, and I count myself lucky I don't have any of that! It can have it's down points, lack of holiday pay, security ect but every time I think about leaving for something else the pros outweigh the cons for me