I dabble in various side hustles, and my family often teases me about constantly switching up my gig work from week to week. Over the years, I’ve done the usual college student side jobs like pet-sitting, dog-walking, and babysitting, but as I’ve aged, I’ve found myself taking on more unconventional gigs.
This past June, I started a recurring weekly cleaning job for my 92-year-old neighbor, an arrangement that has unexpectedly blossomed into a genuine friendship. I landed this opportunity while I was actively searching for another cleaning position.
I have a history of paid cleaning work, starting in college when I substituted for a commercial cleaning service. More recently, I did weekend cleaning for a local taproom. How I ended up cleaning for my 92-year-old neighbor is a classic case of being in the right place at the right time and talking to the right person.
Standing at just 5-foot-1, I struggled during college to get my clothes hemmed since I lived far from home. A friend’s mother introduced me to a local seamstress, who has since altered almost every garment in my closet.
While picking up alterations after my weekend taproom shift, the seamstress and I began discussing cleaning jobs. I mentioned that I was available for cleaning work, and she told me her sister had been commuting an hour twice a week to clean for their mother and they needed a more local helper.
Recognizing that accepting help can feel vulnerable, I arranged a meet-and-greet with my neighbor and her three adult children. I arrived with a bouquet of flowers and a bag of Doritos, eager to present my friendliest self. After some initial conversation and settling the details, I officially began the job a few weeks later.
This cleaning gig has brought both learning curves and unexpected perks. The job itself is fairly straightforward. I work on Mondays or Wednesdays, arriving at 5:15 p.m. and leaving around 7:15 p.m., with a pay rate of $35 per hour.
I follow a task list, starting with basic surface and floor cleaning, and typically dedicate the final 45 minutes to larger projects like deep dusting or cleaning the refrigerator. I appreciate the quiet solitude of the work, which allows me to listen to audiobooks uninterrupted for a couple of hours. Even more rewarding is the sense of accomplishment and the ability to positively impact someone’s daily life.
This weekly routine also helps keep me grounded. As someone who thrives on routine, I look forward to the end of the day when I can unwind while scrubbing and mopping. Cleaning is also a great way to get some physical movement, which is a welcome contrast to my primary job as a therapist, which involves a lot of sitting.
However, figuring out someone’s specific cleaning preferences can be tricky. Everyone has different standards and expectations, so I’ve learned it’s better to ask rather than assume.
I’ve also become attuned to the small details of my client’s life, noticing what she uses, what gets overlooked, and what makes her house a home. For instance, I enjoy cleaning the coffee machine grounds because I know that morning cup of coffee is how she starts her day.
I’ve developed an appreciation for older decor, from elaborate curtains to small trinkets that remind me of my grandparents’ home. There’s something charming about helping maintain a home that retains its history and character.
Most of all, I am grateful for the intergenerational friendship that has formed. Balancing the practical aspects of the job with the personal relationship can be challenging. I’m not just there to tidy up; I’ve become a small, meaningful part of her week, and the feeling is mutual.
While I am there to clean, I’ve genuinely come to enjoy spending time with my neighbor-turned-friend. It has reshaped my perspective on what a cleaning job can truly represent. This arrangement has also highlighted the immense value of cross-generational friendships. We often stick to our peer groups and miss out on the valuable insights that come from interacting with different generations.
So, while I do get paid $35 an hour to clean, an added bonus is watching “Jeopardy!” with my sweet older friend while enjoying my pre-packed dinner. We chat about family, life, and the next small project that will make her life easier. Honestly, I think that is truly special.