City vs. Rural Working

We have placed household staff into roles in many countries around the world, into widely varying positions and every type of home, family, entourage and estate conceivable. Taking the huge number of variables into consideration there’s still one either/or factor that often seems to apply: is the role city based or in a more rural setting?

There are no hard and fast rules of either city or rural working, however we are able to offer some useful generalisations.

Working in the City

• You’ll likely have the benefit of a public transport system – but of course the reach and efficacy of these vary from city to city – so a driving licence might not always be necessary.
• Positions are more likely to be live-out than live-in. Naturally, if living off-site you’ll need to be within a commutable distance.
• Often you will be working in smaller teams, and often with a more modern, less formal or traditional approach. This does differ from time to time however, as larger more complex and more formal city-based roles do exist.
• Salaries will often be slightly higher compared to a rural role.

 

Working in a Rural Setting 

• If the role is anything other than based solely at one location, you’ll very likely need a driving licence. Public transport is likely to be rudimentary at best.
• Roles are much more likely to be live-in. However if they’re not, and considering transportation options, you’ll need to live nearby.
• Jobs are more likely to be within a larger, more formal and often more complex estate or household, often a fully staffed residence.
• You might have additional elements less likely to be found in city-based roles, for example looking after horses, pets or other animals, a fleet of vintage cars or members of an extended family.
• Salaries will often be slightly lower compared to a city role, however the cost of living is usually lower too.

Whether these points are considered as pros or cons of a role will largely depend on you. One person might love the idea of an idyllic countryside estate, but a committed city-dweller might find this far too quiet for their tastes. Likewise, a formal setting with uniforms, rules, ranks and clear delineations might appeal to many career household staff members, but be considered to be rather traditional and old-fashioned by those with a more modern outlook. Similar ideas apply to whether a live-out or live-in role is preferable – some people will want to live and work on site as part of the team, others prefer the greater autonomy and separation of work and life that living out provides.

Fortunately, this works both ways. Our clients – that is to say, the owners of these houses, estates, yachts, etc. – are not of one mindset either. For every traditionalist who wants a formal staff for their country home there is an informally minded family who simply want staff who fit in with their lifestyle.

We are always happy to arrange consultations with candidates to discuss how and where they’ll best fit in, and assist with developing their careers in their chosen direction. Please contact us to find out more.