Many affluent families are confronted with a dilemma in midsummer when their couple leaves or is terminated. Should they look for a replacement right away or wait until the end of the summer to find a new couple? There are arguments to be made on both sides. On the one hand, there is much to be said for waiting since the biggest turnover of domestic staff traditionally takes place after Labor Day. Therefore there should be a greater number of couples available to be interviewed after the summer season is over. On the other, it has been my experience in 30 years as a domestic placement counselor that midsummer may be the best time to find a quality couple. There are several reasons for this. First many couples who are planning to leave often begin their job search during the middle of the summer and begin actively interviewing with other families at this time. Next, even if the couple plans to stay at their old position through Labor Day, there is nothing preventing the family from hiring the new couple with the understanding that they start after Labor Day. Finally, hiring in midsummer allows the family to get the jump on other families who will be competing for new couples in September once they find their couple is leaving them.
In sum, the choice to either wait until summers end or pursue a couple during the middle of summer rests with the employer and what is best for them. Those with a heavy entertainment schedule at their summer home may find it difficult to pursue new help until the summer ends. By the same token, those clients with the time to search for a quality couple, may find midsummer a very rewarding time to get the best, most qualified couple for their home.