Georgetown student advertises for a personal assistant
Filed under: Money College
Georgetown University sophomore Charley Cooper is absolutely swamped.Between homework, a part-time job, and an illness in the family, he just can't possibly find time to do the tasks that every single other college student in America does for himself. The 19-year old posted an ad on the school's student employment Web site, advertising for someone to help with "some of my everyday tasks."
He's looking for someone to help him three to seven hours per week at a rate of $10 to $12 per hour. From the listing:
"As my PA you will receive an email once a day by 9:00 am with a task list for that day and a time estimate for each task. . . PA example tasks -Organize closet -make bed -Drop off / pick up dry cleaning -Drop me off / pick me up from work -Do laundry -Fill up gas tank -bring car for servicing -schedule appointment for haircut -Pay parking tickets -manage electronic accounts -shopping and running errands -other random tasks.
Doesn't he just sound like a joy to work for?
But the pretentious tone aside (i.e. who does this dweeb think he is?), is it really such a bad idea? If he's got a lot of money and wants to spend $70 per week having someone do the tasks he hates doing, why should we judge him? And after all, he is creating a job.
And if the part-time job he's working in the financial services industry pays more than what he'll be paying his assistant, this could be a great example of wage arbitrage -- paying someone else to do your tasks and working at another task that pays more money, pocketing the difference without actually doing any more work. Perhaps he's a disciple of The 4-Hour Workweek?
Bottom line: For most college students, hiring domestic help is a grotesque waste of money. But it's a personal decision and if it makes sense for Charley, then that's exactly what he should do. It's a lot better than blowing cash on bottles of Grey Goose.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
10-24-2009 @ 6:46AM
Craig said...
I'd do it. If I could find a few more like him I would do it full time. Of course I would need someone to be in Prov. RI area.
Many of us are looking for work. Just enough needed to get by.
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 10:21AM
Kathy said...
He's looking for a good wife. Or Mommy.
10-24-2009 @ 6:22AM
Shannon said...
Is this kid a real-life Van Wilder?
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 6:40AM
annie said...
AmyS, Go peddle your crap sites elsewhere.
Can't you read?????
Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. I
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 7:08AM
Cin said...
He really needs to wait until he actually becomes a lawyer or whatever! He's not a big dog yet!!!!!
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 7:24AM
Alicia said...
OMG~Muhahahahahahahahahahaha
Too funny!
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 7:28AM
Terry said...
This is great! As a mother of a college student... my daughter always says she needs a personal assistant. I believe this man is creative and should be encouraged.
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 7:36AM
guarded said...
HKow Stupid.. Handle my electronic accounts...what a perfect way for identy theft, or at the very least having those accounts emptied or huge charges added..
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 11:29AM
cac73104 said...
guarded.....you're so right!!!
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 7:50AM
MrksWmn said...
I think it is a great idea -- when I was in college at 17 I made extra money doing laundry for a male student -- who was a fashion statement and changed his clothing 3 to 4 times per day -- would study in the laundry room while doing it -- I would even bring my typewriter and do my term papers down there -- that was before laptops and such -- hey, he could afford it and be able to do the other things he had to do and it gave me extra cash without taking much from my schedule. I think it is a great idea! If he can afford it and it helps someone else why not? I am sure there are other college students who would like an extra $70 or so per week.
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 1:40PM
nauticam said...
OMG.. type-writer...lol (no you didnt) Lugging that big thing around. lol
10-25-2009 @ 3:18AM
kira said...
Hahaha @ Type writer. Now a days people would just tote around a laptop or one of those mini note books. But hey, Imagine if you worked for like 3 or 4 kids doing this. Doing their laundry, cleaning their dorm up. Could make a good amount of money doing it if you're really into cleaning.
10-24-2009 @ 7:50AM
BeachboiRob said...
I think this is a great job and I'd encourage Charley to come up with ways to keep his PA busy as much as possible. I would also say he could get a person with a better attitude if he doesn't give a time limit for each task.
To "Guarded": Your comments are ridiculous and I'd be surprised if anyone who got this job would ever consider stealing an employer's identity. There would undoubtedly be a trail so that anything the PA does will be on record. I applaud the job offer and I hope someone applies. I would if I were a college student in the area. I used to do house sitting and pet sitting when people went away. It was heaven to have a house to myself for a time. Anything creative is a great experience during college.
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 7:54AM
Joe said...
What's really funny are all the people who are bashing this guy. He's doing what he WANTS and paying someone to do the things he doesn't like...what's wrong with that???? Sounds like this guy has a plan and will do just fine, maybe that's what's got you all fired up? Knowing this guy will probably go places in his life, taking control and doing whatever he wants regarless of what others happen to think or say. I say good for him! He knows what he wants and he goes for it! Hell, if you don't liek what he's offering then by God, don't work for him! lol Pretty simple huh. Of course, that sure doesn't give many people the same feeling inside than bashing someone else for doing what they feel they want to do and not taking advantage of people in the process.
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 3:10PM
demillicent said...
It's probably a joke. But $10 to $12 and hour isn't bad if a person has no job. Even if you have a job, this might make a good part time job for extra money.
I'm not sure I would want anyone to have access to my personal information however. I have had my identity stolen before. It's a horror, expensive and it takes time to get your credit straight.
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 8:01AM
Beth said...
Wait a minute...he needs someone to schlep him around AND pay his parking tickets? Sounds like Mr. Junior Corporate America lost his license. Red flag!
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 11:08AM
marie said...
Oh Beth!!! Give the guy a break. Do you have an idea what it's like living in a college town? Housing and parking is limited. He needs help with tasks. Simply stated: he's dealing with family illness, part-time job, school, homework, etc...What's wrong with a guy wanting to live in a clean environment, clean clothes, and a ride to work? If you're employed, someone pays you to do tasks for them. So? What's your point? Many people take a taxi to work/school/shopping, wherever....That isn't a "Red Flag" they lost their driving license.
10-24-2009 @ 11:23AM
Beth said...
Oh Marie!! My son lives in a college town too. He was taught at an early age to do his own laundry. He has a car; he parks on campus in the lots designated for his class only. Any infractions are his responsibility. In addition to coping with a crippling throat infection, he has had to juggle a rigorous schedule and extra-curricular activities. He makes his own bed; he does his own laundry. He takes buses on campus and prioritizes his time accordingly. I believe the laziness -- yes, that's what it is -- of the Georgetown student has its roots in the way he was raised. Further, I think he needs to learn not to bite off more than he can chew -- a valuable lesson for a future financial expert, in my opinion.
10-24-2009 @ 8:04AM
NotImpressed said...
Beachboirob, don't be so naive. This happens all the time. A relative of mine had live-in help because he was frail. The 'help' stole checks from his checkbook and wrote checks for her electric bill, rent, and other utilities for her family's home.
As for this kid - if he can't manage his time and life at this point, how will he ever survive once out working, with family responsibilities, etc? I can't think of a major more time demanding than medicine, and I knew no one who needed a 'personal assistant'. This is arrogance at its best.
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 8:04AM
YoYo said...
I think this kid is a genius! If he has the resources, good for him! Hey, I wish I would have applied for a job like that when I was in college. I sure needed the money back then. Kudos for you!
Reply