Wow! I am the one who told he OP to post here for ideas and I am surprised at some of the responses. :no: There is a wealth of great knowledge and information on this board, so it was worth a shot. She pays well and is a fair employer. The implications that she is arrogant are ridiculous, she is not.
Having boarders is very hard, why would someone come down on the OP for not wanting boarders? If I could afford not to have them I would definitely not.
I agree with OP ! Reliable HELP is diffciult to find !
Stating again I agree ‘reliable’ HELP is tough to find ~
It’s not about money / pay / hours around here !
I have called the school, vet clinics, EVERYONE … church groups !
I pay a strong wage … flexible hours… understanding person…
easy job … not heavy lifting and everything is well stocked and available … gatorade and soda and water …
It’s just tough to find HELP !
Once one is able to have their horses at home …and enjoy their privacy … no more barn drama
:eek::lol:
A person ! well many people !!! LIKE ME !!!
have NO intention of taking in a “boarder” !
A reliable, well paid worker who comes at a set time and completes their job and leaves in a timely fashion …
I understand completely
I do not want a riding visitor here at strange times and forgetting to close the gates !!!
The OP has every right to just want to pay an employee and not take in “trouble” in any form !
Why is there such * snark directed at OP ??? !!!
[QUOTE=LauraKY;7707142]
FFA had their banquet in Salem, so it appears that, yes they do have FFA in the HS.
Salem, NY and N. Salem are very different places cost of living wise, and socio- economically. Upstate NY( along the RT 90/NYS thruway is beautiful farmland…just beautiful, but also economically depressed. I know because I grew up there. There are pockets of more thriving economies, but it’s the exception. So, yes Laura, but sorry, I am still laughing at the visual picture of the two very different locations, and the N Salem one having an FFA.
OP, I agree, it is hard to find help, and my comments were in response to your responses…thank you ladyj79 for pointing out our choice of words and how they come across, including mine.
I have ended up paying what I consider obscene prices for dependable help. It’s worth it to me. Because of where the OP lives, it is very difficult for someone to live on laborer wages. Thus, keep paying more…and you will find someone(hopefully).
I paid my summer help $25 an hour last few years, because I knew she would show up. Going rate in my area is $10, but I needed someone who would be dependable and not be motivated to quit.
I get the boarder, I get the cameras. I do. But, I also know the barn I mentioned uses cameras, and it does make staff uncomfortable. I have cameras too, but never mention anything I see or hear to help. They are also positioned into the horses stall, not towards the aisle, etc.
One thing I have learned. Pay more than competitors. Treat them well, with lots of gratitude and good job. Do not complain or nag.
It took me awhile to learn that and it goes against my ethos but I need the help, and usually have staff long term. That is what it is about.
I have seen people treat their help like lower class and demeaning, and it’s no wonder they steal or don’t do a good Jon or stay…no incentive.
OTOH, I was ripped off by a young person who worked for me for 3 years. Rip off meaning thousands stolen in gold. Found out later she was hooked on oxy. So don’t trust anyone or be stupid like me and leave jewelry. My house was ransacked and put back together. Cops could do nothing since no proof. So, just be aware. Saddles, etc are worth money and can be sold. Police reports mean nothing…she could of applied and new employer do a police check, but without an arrest, no info.
I have found the best workers are college students from a good family(groan, now I am sure that will kick off some responses). Also, come recommended. Otherwise, not allowed in the house, tack area, etc.
Going away, look at pet sitters. Again, scrupulously.
This bears repeating. there are a lot of situations where it’s better to just keep your mouth shut rather than nag someone for something that is minor in the grand scheme of things. I have had staff leave because some boarders were so unreasonable in their demands and never bothered to show their appreciation. It gets old fast for staff who generally want to do a good job.
Hate to scare you but be real careful. we moved to new area and got great recommendations on a young HS girl who was working at several barns nearby. Looking back yes she was unreliable but hey young, cute,sweet , give her a break, yes when she showed up one day with boyfriend he (gut reaction) freaked me out and i told her never to have him back again.
One night watching the local news I look up when i hear her name mentioned with some other kids(yes the boyfirend) arrested for Murder. They murdered their friend, very nasty not a act of rage but well planned slow murder. I’ll spare everyone the awful details and they are all in prison now. She was a major player in this heinous act not just happened to be thereas a surprised innocent.
I am so parnoid now about who works for me, she was sweet, well mannered. highly recommended, good student never in trouble before.
I would never hire a teenager again. i want a adult i can background check but i’m really burned by this incident and thinkng its time to board the horses and sell the farm. To much work.
I like the idea of seniors but i need someone to clean padocks and stalls which is hard work for a senior which i am one hence i need the help.
I sure wish I was closer to you all. I could use an evening job for some extra $$. I’m experienced, good with horses, not interested in riding and anal about their care…
sigh
ok…I skipped to the last page, so, I guess I’ll be going back to the beginning and reading thru the ‘drama’? but yeah, all I can say, based on the first page of the thread is: I don’t want a boarder either. BUT…I am going to have: my two horses and one mini. I am thinking? of making up some adorable ‘posters’ for tack stores or even social media, or craigslist of: mini…all dolled up. asking a young horse savvy mom if she’d like to ‘introduce’ her youngster to a horses and let her love on/learn with the mini a few times a week in exchange for horse sitting needs when necessary, or a day or two a week barn help. (minimal…not heavy stuff)…My horse, my barn, my rules…but I know I’d have jumped at something like that for my kid (hmmmm…what am I saying? I DID for YEARS!)
