Ironing for Relaxation – Interview with Lidia Molnar

Lidia Molnar, 48, grew up in Alba Iulia, Romania, where she later met her husband. In 2001, after the birth of their two sons, the family immigrated to Seville, Spain, for a better life. Her sons, friends, and heart are still there. She herself has been living and working with her husband in Switzerland for seven years.

How did you become a household help?

I worked in service for many years, including eleven years as the manager of a hotel with an adjoining restaurant. In Switzerland, I wanted to continue in that line, but I lacked the necessary German skills. So I contacted a few cleaning companies because many of the employees spoke Spanish or Portuguese. Although doubts arose after deciding to give up my old job, I realized over time that working as a cleaning assistant has many advantages. Now, I have weekends and holidays off.

What is it like for you to have multiple employers?

I like to create my own work schedule. Currently, I work for four families. I know all of them personally and how they want their home to be left. It was different at the cleaning company: I was simply assigned to different jobs, had different employers, and didn’t know how the previous cleaner had done things. I found that too stressful.

What does a typical workday look like?

I work about 35 hours a week. Most of the time, I’m with a family of six from Sweden. When I arrive there at 8 a.m., the dishwasher is already running. I finish cleaning the kitchen, make the beds, do the laundry, and fold the clothes. Then, I tidy up the toys. Sometimes, I also cook for the children. And when the weather is nice, we go to the playground or ride bikes.

What is your relationship like with your employers?

Good! With my employer from Seville, we enjoy having coffee and chatting. Sometimes we lose track of time, and I don’t get any work done. «Just do it later», she tells me (laughs). Another family recently invited me to dinner, which was very nice. On birthdays, I receive gifts, and when the children have birthdays, I give them something. I love spending time with these children, especially as mine are already grown up.

Do you have a cleaning trick?

I like to separate my cleaning cloths by color, one color for each cleaning area: green for the kitchen, yellow for the bathroom, and blue for the living room. This makes it more hygienic. I learned this system at the cleaning company and I also use it at my own home.

Who cleans at your home?

Me. I enjoy doing that, especially ironing. I listen to music while doing it and can relax. My son finds it strange because he always buys clothes that don’t need ironing (laughs). My husband takes care of cooking because I don’t enjoy it.

What music do you listen to at work?

I love listening to Spanish music. For the past two or three months, I’ve also been listening to German music, for example, by Andrea Berg, and podcasts to improve my language skills.

Was there a special moment at work?

There are many, especially when working with children. I look after a five-year-old boy, and he loves trains. We often go to the railroad crossing nearby to count the passing trains: «One, two, three… ten!» He could watch for hours without getting bored.

Where do you go on vacation?

Twice a year, we visit my family in Romania. But my life mainly takes place in Seville. All my friends and the sea, which I miss so much, are there. That’s why we use Christmas, Easter, and every other free minute to travel to Seville. Although my children are already grown up, we place great importance on spending a week together in the summer.

How do you spend your day off?

There are many beautiful mountains and lakes in Switzerland. Recently, we bought two kayaks, with which we go to Lake Zurich or the Limmat River in good weather. In the evenings, we enjoy watching Spanish television programs, which are very entertaining. And whenever I have time, I read, preferably novels by Julio Navarro or Miguel Delibes.

What are your plans for the future?

Our dream is to set up our own business in Seville with our children. Maybe a small cleaning company or an organic food store. Since my husband is good at renovation work, something in that direction could also be considered. At the moment, we are very happy with our life in Switzerland and will definitely stay here for a while.