From 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday men and women gather at the Labor Exchange of Malibu hoping and waiting for work. I took a chance and despite the reservations I had bouncing around in my head, I went looking for a woman to help me clean my house before my relatives arrived. I nervously walked up to the building past 30-plus men waiting for jobs. I looked at the ground and a man sensing my nervousness said hello. I smiled, responded and went inside, my heart still racing. Would I be hiring one of these men to clean my house? Inside I was greeted by a nice gentleman who was surrounded by 10 women who watched me closely. I wasn’t prepared to see so many. How would I choose? This was a mistake. I’ll just go home and clean the house myself! I’m told that I can just pick the person I want to hire by sight or I can use the lottery system they have devised. This was such a bad idea. I ask if there is anyone who hasn’t worked in a while because I knew that chance might not be fair. A woman raised her hand. I decided to do the lottery too. Another woman raised her hand. I’m told that I can negotiate with the women myself and that they usually get paid $10-$15 an hour.
We get in the car and begin the journey home. Communication was easy but still uncomfortable. The house is clean.
I know I took a chance letting someone in my house that I didn’t know but we do it everyday with repair people. Take a chance and call 310.317.4717. I will definitely be back next week for more help. This is really a great service for people who don’t live here full-time and need help.
Debbie McLeod Sears