Blue Collar Goes Glam, Lucrative: Residential Cleaners for the Rich and Famous

Yes, there are certifications for this emerging career path: house cleaners for wealthy. 

The best fit could be the one from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). That's because it covers the science of dealing with surfaces such as antique furniture and art which require special handling, along with specialized products. In addition, you would be licensed, insured and bonded. 

Bloomberg describes this glam kind of work which can compensate at the rate of $100,000 annually. Essentially, notes Bloomberg, those doing it:

" ... reportedly view their job description as having changed from purely cleaning and upkeep, to maintenance and preservation – more akin to museum curators."

The high compensation of cleaning for deep pockets, though, is nothing new. For years, this line of work has been creating a financially comfortable niche among the blue collar. Usually they're treated well by those contracting their services. After all, there's a certain intimacy in the commercial relationship.

One house cleaner I coached reported receiving a bonus because of their alertness and honesty. They flagged the house owner on a bundle of cash in the driveway. Of course, they retrieved it and returned it. All on a discreet basis. A bit of "Downton Abbey?'

But even at the low end residential cleaners tend to experience career satisfaction. Their "work product" is quite visible. That creates pride. Owners and apartment dwellers appreciate this weekly transformation. According to Glassdoor their annual compensation ranges from $38,000 to $55,000. The American Housecleaning Association provides certification for $129. That takes about a week or two.

Like positions in healthcare, hands-on personal care and some facets of AI, this way of earning a living currently is sustainable. In addition, it's wide open for solopreneuers. 

Soon enough parents could be boosting "My son/daughter the Cleaner." That could replace "My son/daughter the lawyer." 

Chair of elite law firm Paul, Weiss Brad Karp has gone on record forecasting a significant drop in demand for junior lawyers. They will be replaced by AI and technical experts. Paul, Weiss has been the first law firm to partner with AI Harvey to innovate the unique AI workflow tool. Meanwhile, though, not all kinds of AI jobs are safe. Meta recently laid off 600 in that unit. 

Tip from The Coach: If unemployed in your knowledge work field or you can't land an entry-level job related to your university major you might investigate residential cleaning. Start out working for a company to learn the ropes. Then you can build your own business. Maybe even franchise. 

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.