i think that if the cleaning lady/dude negotiates their pay and they are treated well there is nothing to feel guilty about. if you are hiring independent workers, you are actually supporting that person's business. yes, they are often off the books, but who cares (after you can buy enough food for your family, etc. then you should get on the books, pay taxes etc, but if the gov't is screwing you why not try to get around it until you are on your feet?)? my father's side came to this country only 25 years ago and now we have a family business worth a couple million dollars. they started out selling stuff out of the trunk of their car - mostly off the books of course. i dont think that they felt the work was demeaning. if you start with nothing and want more you have to work hard - i am sure that many of the cleaning people feel that way. dont feel bad. i think its good for them and for you - just as long as they are paid and treated fairly.
i think that if the cleaning lady/dude negotiates their pay and they are treated well there is nothing to feel guilty about. if you are hiring independent workers, you are actually supporting that person's business. yes, they are often off the books, but who cares (after you can buy enough food for your family, etc. then you should get on the books, pay taxes etc, but if the gov't is screwing you why not try to get around it until you are on your feet?)? my father's side came to this country only 25 years ago and now we have a family business worth a couple million dollars. they started out selling stuff out of the trunk of their car - mostly off the books of course. i dont think that they felt the work was demeaning. if you start with nothing and want more you have to work hard - i am sure that many of the cleaning people feel that way. dont feel bad. i think its good for them and for you - just as long as they are paid and treated fairly.