Source: Freepik
Robert has been very handy since he was little and can do a lot of things. So he decided to earn extra money as an hourly husband. He looked forward to jobs where he could use his skills. But some clients have different ideas about his services. First of all, single women are often not only looking for a helper at home.
When one long-term business ended, I was thinking about what to do. Then a relative, whom I sometimes helped with painting or repairs, gave me the idea of how I could use my handy hands.
About the work of an hourly husband, I had a clear idea – I will come, repair, assemble and solve everything that is needed, and in a moment I can be home. It went great from the beginning. Small repairs, assembly and various household jobs that I enjoyed and earned a decent amount of money. “It’s great how handy you are, Rob,” my girlfriend told me proudly. But over time, this “business plan” got a little twisted.
Since then, however, I started getting other strange jobs, where everything was possible, except for repairs. These are mostly single and passionate women who will use the problem in the household as well as the opportunity to banish their loneliness. One customer opened the door for me in a light dressing gown with sexy underwear peeking out from under it. The other one tried to convince me that the bed was very uncomfortable for her. And he has to show me – ideally during passionate sex. Fortunately, I escaped in time. And he even forgot the tools there because of it.
I’m not saying that I’m not flattered as a guy to be wanted. But it bothers me that some customers use me and do not take the word NO seriously at all. When I clearly say that I don’t offer sexual services and that I’m engaged, they just smile and it doesn’t deter them in any way. They make up all sorts of problems just so they can call me again. Maybe if I was an old, fat, sweaty repairman I would have peace of mind. But they see a nice young man and I’m immediately good prey.
I’m not saying that sometimes I like to stay somewhere and I won’t refuse a coffee with a cake. And sometimes I hear incredible life stories. And I’m glad that I can help someone feel better just by listening to them. But I try not to let customers touch my body. And literally. Recently, a customer was so clingy to me while assembling furniture that I told her to finish it herself and he left angrily. However, I invoiced her for the hour I spent with her.
My girlfriend is not happy with my work
“Damn, does he really think I’m here for some kind of distraction?” I sighed as I told my girlfriend about it at home.
“Then just leave it if you don’t mind” she replied. And I understood that she was not at all enthusiastic about my trips to see customers.
„What if someone really seduces you one day and pays for the repaired washing machine in another way,” you dug into me. I really don’t need it, but how do I explain it clearly to some?
And so I wonder what to do next. I really enjoy my work, but customers who want company rather than repairs are difficult for me to handle.
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The text was prepared based on a true story, the photo is for illustration only. Do you have a similar experience? Trust us with your story, write to [email protected].
Bára Basiková on the complicated relationship with her mother: I forgave her only at the coffin
Bára Basiková on the complicated relationship with her mother: I forgave her only at the coffin
(in a dry, witty tone, a la Jimmy Carr) Ah, the life of an hourly husband. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Get paid to fix a few leaky faucets, assemble some IKEA furniture, and… well, apparently, fend off the advances of lonely single women. (pauses for comedic effect)
Now, our hero, Robert, is a handy chap, isn’t he? (Rowan Atkinson-esque awkwardness) He’s got the skills, the know-how, and the occasional enthusiastic customer who thinks he’s there to fix more than just the pipes. (chuckles)
But, in all seriousness, it’s a bit of a tricky situation, isn’t it? I mean, who doesn’t love a good DIY project, but when the client starts getting a bit too handy with the repairing of your ego… well, that’s when things get complicated. (Ricky Gervais-style sarcasm)
And let’s be real, Robert’s girlfriend is not exactly thrilled about his line of work, is she? (Lee Evans-style exasperation) I mean, who would be? “Oh, dear, I’ll just pop out to fix the pipes at Mrs. Johnson’s house for a few hours… again.” (sarcastic tone) Yeah, that’s not a recipe for relationship disaster at all.
But, in all seriousness, Robert does have a point. It’s not like he’s asking for these, ahem, ” extras” to be included with his hourly rate. He just wants to fix the blasted toilet and collect his pay. Is that too much to ask? (incredulous tone)
And so, dear readers, the question remains: what should Robert do? Should he stick with his hourly husband gig and risk more… unconventional… requests, or should he pack up his toolbox and look for more… normal… employment? (pauses for comedic effect) Well, that’s up to him, I suppose. But if I were Robert, I’d start wearing a “Repairman’s Union” t-shirt to work. You know, just for clarity’s sake. (winks)
( mutters to himself ) Ah, the hourly husband. Who knew it was such a… delicate… profession? (chuckles)
Robert, a skilled handyman, embarked on an unconventional journey as an hourly husband, offering his services to clients in need of household repairs and assistance. However, his enthusiasm was short-lived, as he soon discovered that some clients, particularly single women, had ulterior motives for hiring him. These women were often seeking companionship rather than genuine help, which left Robert feeling discomfited and uncertain about how to navigate such situations.
Initially, Robert’s idea of being an hourly husband seemed straightforward – he would provide skilled labor, tackle various household tasks, and earn a decent income. His girlfriend praised his handiness, saying, “It’s great how handy you are, Rob.” As the business gained momentum, Robert encountered a surge in unusual requests that deviated from his original plan. He began to receive calls from single, passionate women who would use any excuse to alleviate their loneliness. In one instance, a client answered the door wearing a provocative dressing gown, leaving Robert feeling uneasy and eager to escape the situation. Another client attempted to convince him that her bed was uncomfortable, offering to demonstrate the issue through intimate means.
Robert acknowledged that he was flattered by the attention but grew concerned that some clients disregarded his clear boundaries. When he explicitly stated that he did not offer sexual services and was in a committed relationship, some clients would simply smile, unfazed by his rejections. They would fabricate problems to justify calling him again, causing Robert to feel like prey. He began to wonder if his youthful appearance and charming demeanor were contributing factors to these unwanted advances. Robert found solace in the occasional opportunity to engage in conversation with clients, listening to their life stories, and sharing a cup of coffee. However, he remained vigilant, ensuring that clients did not overstep physical boundaries. On one occasion, a client became too clingy while he was assembling furniture, prompting him to terminate the session and invoice her for the time spent.
Relationship Strains and The Future of His Business
Robert’s girlfriend was increasingly unhappy about his work, sensing that some clients saw him as a potential romantic distraction. When Robert shared his concerns with her, she suggested that he abandon the business if he felt uncomfortable. Her words struck a chord, and Robert began to worry about the potential risks of his job. His girlfriend’s concern that someone might successfully seduce him in exchange for his services resonated deeply, leaving Robert uncertain about how to communicate his boundaries effectively to clients. As he contemplated the future of his business, Robert struggled to reconcile his passion for helping others with the uncomfortable reality of dealing with clients who blurred the lines between his professional and personal life.
