In the late nineteenth century, male domestic service was rare. But not every woman would be a suitable servant either. What was taken into account? And was it worth the effort?
This is a definitely female profession. Many positions available, a young, dynamic team. The "guild" of servants includes both the governess and the cook. Different duties mean different position, conditions and requirements. Just ... not to be too conspicuous.
Recruitment
For decades, the prestige of the profession of servants has been declining. Almost anyone can get this job in the 19th century. For some, it is a transitional phase, for others - a lifetime occupation. Especially if someone works out. Because "seek good service".
What is the candidate's profile? First of all, matters ... gender, age and marital status . The ideal maid is young and lonely. While marriages among employees in one home are still acceptable, marrying someone "from the outside" raises many problems. Why? A permanent servant lives at her workplace. Own family makes it impossible. So the status of the investigating service remains . Such persons report to the employer from time to time, when necessary. Which of course means much lower wages.
There are a few rules to follow during the interview. The process itself is known as reconciliation.
Requirements:a calm temper, modesty and honesty. And besides - courtesy and polite treatment of employers. An additional advantage will be a service booklet with positive references. Several rules apply to the interview. The process itself is known as reconciliation. Detailed advice can be found in a guide by Elżbieta Bederska from the beginning of the 20th century: A girl who intends to agree (...) should first of all be polite (...) and always answer the truth modestly. For God cannot bless work that begins with a lie.
The author also warns against too bold and confident telling about her own abilities, even if it is true. Why? "Bragging" does not inspire confidence in future employers. While educated or experienced people are the most valuable, beginners also have a chance. Kitchen helpers and cleaners taking up their first job await training by the senior servant. A patient, educated and articulate woman can apply for a governess position.
Working conditions
Employment on duty includes food and accommodation. At the employer's home, of course. Unfortunately, almost no chance of your own room. There is a kitchen, a hall and a stable intended for servants. Working time is not regulated - often from dawn to dusk. Responsibilities vary depending on the position held. A nurse with children can count on the lightest work. Additionally, if her charges require it, she can sleep in a children's room (more conveniently than other employees). Of course, not every family can afford a large amount of service. Some houses employ the so-called "all girls" . What are the toughest classes? According to 20th century polls:carrying coal, scrubbing floors and doing laundry.
The salary is rather small. On the other hand, it's hard to spend it. Sometimes the money earned goes to a poor family in the countryside. At other times, they become the wedding wreath of the bride-to-be or allow them to find their own corner and move to work in the factory. Why? The maid simply doesn't have much time to spend her paycheck. You can count on a day off once a week - for several hours. A whole day off is rare.
What are the toughest classes? According to 20th century polls:carrying coal, scrubbing floors and doing laundry.
Interestingly, too much religiosity is not welcome. The service should, of course, be moral, but ... participation in the holy mass must not interfere with responsibilities . The already cited guide mentions people who are too pious. (...) This kind of girl would not go to a place where she would not be allowed to hear the Holy Mass every day. She praises it very much, although she does not always act wisely. There are very few houses in which you can agree to the above conditions. The period of notice for dismissal is two weeks or one month . The lady of the house then completes the obligatory service booklet. A positive entry makes it easier to find another job. A complaint is usually a wolf ticket.
About the employer
If you choose to serve, you can probably forget your name. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, families often do not see the need to remember the names of employees. It is a common practice to call the maid Kasia. Only governesses are entitled to honorific titles. Of course, there is no shortage of people who are attached to their service, especially if they raise children and work in the same house for years. It even happens that the oldest servants are treated like family. However, this is the exception rather than the rule. And this is by no means to be expected.
Mostly the fate of women on duty is rather sad. They are lower class people, de facto at the mercy of employers.
Mostly the fate of women on duty is rather sad. They are lower class people, de facto at the mercy of employers. The sexually abused maids can do little. Most of the time, no one believes them anyway. And moving to a different home is associated with the risk of a critical entry in the booklet. Hygiene usually lacks the time and energy. Some of them do not pay much attention to it. In the twentieth century, every fifth person working in this profession asked admitted that they did not wash at all. Entrance through the main door? Unthinkable. So is sitting in front of employers. Despite the common space, service is a second, separate world. And it is best if this world does not catch your eye.