You’ve Secured a Private Household Role - What Happens Next?

Have you ever considered working within the private household sector and wondered what this really looks like? In this article we delve into the different types of UHNW (ultra-high-net-worth) households, the differences between them and what to expect in each unique employment setting. Each elite household can vary dramatically in terms of culture, expectations, formality, and scale and it is crucial for private household staff to understand and appreciate these differences.  Royal residences and palaces Royal households are among the most formal and structured environments within the UHNW world and perhaps the most traditional luxury household settings. Protocols, uniforms, and rank-based service are standard, and staff typically operate within clearly defined roles as part of larger teams. Discretion is essential and loyalty and longevity within the household is highly valued. This is often rewarded, with many staff enjoying long-term careers and opportunities for progression within the residence. Working in a royal setting requires professionalism, attention to detail, and a deep respect for tradition and discretion.

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, weighing the appeal of an exciting, new temporary opportunity against the stability and long-term growth promised by a permanent role? It’s a common dilemma, and finding the perfect balance between stability and diverse experience can feel like a continuous challenge. The traditional career path is evolving, and the private household sector is no exception. Employers often seek candidates who possess the dynamic adaptability gained from temporary work, alongside the loyalty and longevity that comes from sustained commitment. In this blog, we'll delve into why this balance matters, exploring the unique benefits and challenges of both temporary and long-term roles, and how you can strategically navigate your career to achieve both. The Benefits of Temping Temporary employment can unlock a wealth of opportunities and often serve as an excellent entry point into the industry. These positions often provide higher compensation, given the inherent compromise on long-term stability. Beyond financial benefits, the exposure to multiple families or principals over a period of time can become an incredible opportunity for both personal growth and professional networking. Operating in diverse environments allows you to develop remarkable flexibility and agility that will significantly enhance your CV and appeal to future employers. Embracing short-term roles can also give you more flexibility in your personal life and greater control over your work-life balance. This can be incredibly appealing, compared to the demanding hours and limited time off often associated with permanent contracts. It's worth noting that this flexibility isn't always just a benefit for the candidate; it's often a strategic choice for the employer as well. Many households recruit on a temporary basis with the intention of offering a permanent contract once the initial term concludes. This allows the principal to ensure their needs are truly met and that the temporary staff member integrates into the household's unique requirements. Given these possibilities, it could be beneficial not to disregard temporary opportunities, even if your career goal is to build longevity on your CV. The Value of Longevity Despite the clear appeal of short-term roles, clients often value stability and loyalty deeply. Given the significant time and financial investment involved in recruitment, proven longevity is often highly sought-after when reviewing CVs. Permanent contracts offer considerable scope for career progression and increased responsibility within a single role. Beyond that, the chance to develop a profound understanding of a specific household's unique preferences can become incredibly desirable for your next career move. There are also various financial benefits to developing trust and loyalty with one principal. Bonus structures and pay increases are often popular once probation periods have been completed, and there are often opportunities to develop and train alongside their other staff and household members. Every private household will operate with its own distinct routines and the ability to seamlessly integrate with these is highly beneficial. Principals and Heads of Department (HODs) often seek candidates' longer term commitment because it leads to the knowledge of unspoken routines, consistent service styles, and reduced training burdens. The Challenges While temporary contracts offer the flexibility many professionals seek, this lifestyle inevitably comes with its own set of compromises. Constantly moving from one household to another means facing different on-boarding processes and unique family dynamics with every new adventure. Additionally, it can make it more challenging to create deep connections with colleagues and principals. If navigating between temporary roles introduces uncertainty, does a long-term commitment offer a completely flawless career path? Not necessarily. Even the most stable roles can present their own challenges. Committing to a full-time, permanent position can sometimes lead to the risk of stagnation, potentially limiting professional opportunities outside of your current role. As mentioned, the traditional career path is ever-changing, with new opportunities constantly emerging. At EHC , we believe that finding a strategic balance between loyalty, longevity and adaptability is crucial for elevating your career within the private household industry. It's not about choosing one path over the other, but rather about creating a successful combination of both. This might involve strategically blending temporary and permanent roles throughout your career, or it could mean demonstrating adaptability within a long-term role - for example, if your principal frequently changes locations or lifestyle. Finding the Balance So, how do you find that sweet spot to create the most effective career strategy? It really comes down to personal preference and which work environment suits you best. At EHC , we encourage all candidates to explore both career paths with intention. It's crucial to first understand what you aim to gain from working within the industry, and then to make choices that align with your goals. Naturally, the right path for you may also shift over time as you progress through various roles, gain experience, and as your personal priorities evolve. Cultivating a relationship with a recruiter you trust, one who truly understands your individual career aspirations, is key. If you are looking for the ideal role to elevate your career, we invite you to connect with us at info@ehc-ltd.com . Our team of professionals are ready to provide expert guidance and dedicated support throughout your land-based journey.

We are excited to offer a full-time, live-in Housekeeper/Cook position on a stunning 100-acre estate in Staffordshire, UK.

Are you a proactive and reliable individual looking for your next housekeeping opportunity in Mallorca? We are recruiting a Housekeeper to join a warm and respectful household, in one of Mallorca’s most beautiful villages. General Information Contract: Permanent Required Experience: Previous experience in luxury private households or superyacht housekeeping is preferred, but not essential. The House Manager is happy to train the right person with a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Working Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. No weekends. Location: Deià, Mallorca Salary: Competitive salary and package offered General Requirements: Speak English confidently Have the right to work in Spain Possess their own transport, a s the location is not accessible by public transit A proactive willingness to learn and a highly adaptable approach. Main Duties: Ensuring the residence is maintained to a consistently high and professional standard. Maintain exceptional household organization Daily cleaning tasks including laundry duties How to Apply Interested candidates are invited to apply with an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to info@ehc-ltd.com .

Are you an experienced Butler, dedicated to impeccable service, and seeking your next distinguished role? We're looking for an experienced discreet Butler to support a highly skilled team across multiple residences.

The demand for exceptional land-based staff within high-net-worth environments is steadily increasing, reflecting the need for seamless management and unparalleled service in private residences across the globe. In this article, we will be breaking down some of the typical responsibilities and common requirements of some key roles we recruit for. Please note this is not an extensive list, but an overview of some of the key candidates we chat to each day. Whether you’re looking for your next position or transitioning from another industry like yachting or hotels, let’s take a look at some of the positions available and the experience you need to succeed. Butler

Are you an experienced and energetic Personal Trainer looking for an exciting opportunity to work for UHNWIs?

We have an incredible opportunity available within a private residence in Mayfair, London, for an experienced individual to join the team as a Housekeeper with formal service experience.  This is a travelling role, where you would spend up to 8 weeks of the year overseas. General Information: Contract: Permanent Location: Mayfair, London Salary: Up to £50,000 a year D.O.E Living Arrangements: It is a live-out position, so candidates should already have accommodation in London or be able to easily secure some. General Requirements: This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is flexible, adaptable, and happy for their schedule to change throughout the year depending on where you are and what is occurring. Yachting background preferred, formal training in service Main Duties: The principals are only in residence in Mayfair for approximately 90 days of the year. During this time, you would be required to work 6 days per week. For the remainder of the year when in London, you would only be required to work 3 days per week. How to Apply: We invite you to apply with an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to info@ehc-ltd.com .

We currently have an exceptional long-term opportunity for a professional couple looking to settle into a beautiful and welcoming estate west of London.  This graceful, character-filled family home is seeking an experienced Housekeeper and Gardener/Driver/Maintenance to help manage the smooth day-to-day running of the property. General Information: Job Title: Housekeeper & Gardener/Driver/Maintenance Contract: Permanent Location: Estate west of London Living Arrangements: Beautiful private cottage on-site provided to the successful couple Salary: Starting from €55,000 per year (tax-free) General Requirements: Experience in private households or super yachts. Confident and experience driving through London traffic. We are looking for candidates who remain flexible and adaptable with working hours and schedules as needed. Main Duties: The Gardener/All-Rounder must be comfortable driving the principals to London occasionally and working different shifts. The Housekeeper will be responsible for maintaining the home to a high standard and assisting with occasional service when the principals are entertaining. The couple will work as a team to ensure everything is always running properly and things like light lightbulbs are never out. How to Apply: We invite you to apply with an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to info@ehc-ltd.com .