Amy Jaques’ Post

As we head into the end of the week, I always think of the many cleaners that are either finishing the week or have cleans to be performed. And like Rosie in the video, the question I ask is - are the cleaners getting treated as they should be? Yes, the impression in the video is of a gig worker, and the first impression that comes to mind is an Uber driver, or maybe a DoorDash delivery person, but what if I told you that the Fair Work Commission changes, due August 26, 2024, class cleaners as gig workers in Australia. Why? Because most cleaners are underpaid, mistreated, and incorrectly classed as contractors (over 80% percent of the cleaning industry operates like this - Sham Contracting) when they actually employees. So I ask you, if your cleaners, like Rosie are trying to earn a living, but getting to some payment that equates to $7 per hour, do you think this is fair? There is a solution - for everyone to accept that all workers deserve to be paid correctly, even if this means that the cleaning costs will go up. And just like Rosie, when she sees an opportunity to get a well paid job, where she is treated well, we get cleaners approach us. Cleaners hear from their relatives, their friends, and our current cleaners about how we treat our team, and contact us, asking how do they get a job with us. And to you, what is the outcome? A cleaner that is so appreciative to have the job, so happy to at last be paid correctly, so happy to have the training and support, they do their ultimate best to deliver to you, our clients and us, the best standard they can. So as we all end a week, I ask for some thought to be given to the Gig workers - the ones that work the hours most of us don't like to even think about working, and ask are they being treated fairly?

One Night in Atlantic City: The Beauty of Long Dinners Last year at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Convention in Atlantic City, I texted several friends (John Brewster, Timothy Thrasher, Lance Coffman, Shawn Williams, Curtis Kelley, Dan Brower, Tony Christoforou, Tyler J. Riggs, Joshua Baugus, Joe Rodriguez) about having a fun night of dinner, conversation, and laughter. One friend even brought cigars for everyone. From a year full of fun and travel, this festive feast was one of my very favorite memories. It reminded me of the Tim Ferriss quote, "Have at least one 2-to-3-hour dinner and/or drinks per week—yes, 2–3 hours—with those who make you smile and feel good." So why hold your own big binges? We'll get to that. First, let's look at the risks for home inspectors: Lonely job. Most inspectors are solopreneurs or work for themselves under a bigger company. One can go days without personal interaction with friends. Lots of travel. Many residential inspectors, particularly early on, drive 3-5 hours a day for work. The same applies for many tradesmen. Long hours. Starting a business is arduous, thankless, quiet work. Why look first at hardships? Just remember - if we don't connect, we wither. So here's how big dinners - with family, friends, colleagues, or strangers - link us together: Foster social connection. For parents and children, husbands and wives, work colleagues, strangers, friends old and new, bountiful banquets are the glue of family ties and deep friendships. Build life quality. Large meals embody exactly what their members seek - a rich life. A full table, happy friends, lots of leisure time, food overflowing - these visualize and presence abundance, as real as our flesh and bone. Improve mental health. Large meals improve self-esteem and group functioning, while reducing felt stress, substance abuse, eating disorders, violence, and depression. Plus, they offer a safe place to talk about mental health. Schedule easily. Just pick a night (Sundays and Thursdays are popular), brainstorm the burly banquet, and invite away. Even the pre-discussion discussions can build anticipation. Our mission is human flourishing. It's why we partner with so many home inspectors, commercial inspectors, commercial assessment firms, architects, environmental engineers, and construction developers - eating lavish, colossal feasts all along the way. Come thrive with us. Eating together is one part of the path to healthier men, families, communities, and nations. https://lnkd.in/gdtfiXnp

Spring break staycation in full effect! Since this guy could eat real food, we have gone on “cake dates.” This is what he called them at 1 years old because he has always loved pancakes. We would visit local coffee shops and diners for pancakes once a week. Our “cake dates” have gone from coloring the kids menu to having intellectual conversations about abandoned historic buildings and how to navigate friendships. This is when I can get my now “tween” to open up to me about life. We both cherish our “cake dates.” It’s a safe space. No one is too busy to carve out an hour or two once a week for a “cake date” with their kid. It’s on the calendar. No excuses. This is what matters. Ryder doesn’t care about my resume, my degrees, or what I am wearing, he cares that I have made our relationship a priority. Take this as your sign to pause for a few minutes, and plan something basic with someone in your life. Create your own version of a “cake date.” I promise, this will create an meaningful impact on both of your lives. #relationshipsmatter #workingparent #impactdaily

Craic (careful now) & Property ☘️ 🏠 Two phrases that sum up the Irish way of life. In my latest clip, I’m sharing two of my favorite Irish slang expressions – ones that often raise an eyebrow (or a laugh) among international clients. 🇮🇪 “A bit of craic” – No, it’s not what you’re thinking! Over here, it represents a variety of types of fun, banter, and good times (sometimes ironically!) Whether it’s enjoying a conversation, connecting someone or closing a deal, its key to keep it enjoyable. The handy thing is it also applies to the sarcastic view of pain or discomfort. 🇮🇪 “It’ll be grand” – The ultimate Irish outlook on life. From spilled coffee to big challenges, it’s a reminder to take a breath and carry on. Even in property searches and “adulting” in general, where decisions can feel daunting, keeping perspective helps. These sayings capture the balance I strive for in my work – professional, yes, but never too serious to enjoy the journey. What’s your favorite Irish saying? #irish #property #expat

Listening to the news regarding the Inquiry into the Salisbury Novichok incident, I am reminded about how difficult it was for those directly involved, the people of Salisbury, and businesses in the area. It was a bleak time and it is a travesty to think that those responsible will never face any repercussions. Here is my blog on the incident, which I have republished from last year. https://lnkd.in/ev2T7kSs My thoughts go out to Dawn's family as the Inquiry progresses. #novichok #salisburypoisonings #reflectionsofareluctantlandlady #hospitalitymanagement #pubs #pubmanagement #businesscontinuity

Seasons may change, but here at Tracey’s, our commitment to our clients’ needs remain. We aim to provide clear and independent legal advice and achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Here are some of our favourite springtime jokes. • How can you tell the weather’s getting warmer? There’s a spring in people’s step. • Why couldn’t the little flower ride a bike? It didn’t have petals. • What’s the difference between Winter and Spring in Ireland? The rain gets warmer. #FunnyFriday

A grass hopper hopped and hopped onto the table. I was having a group call at the dining table in our open kitchen and it landed right next to the laptop, staring at me with two tiny, round black eyes. I had to interrupt the discussion, excused myself, stood up, picked up my flip-flop and brushed it off the table probably with slight terror in my eyes. The video was on. All the participants knew I have been living in the country for about 5 years now. "If that was a grass hopper and that was your response, you are not very 'country'." one of the participants remarked. No, I am not "country" at all. I just live in the country. I prefer lounging on the sofa in a natural constant 27 degrees Celsius environment, smelling good and dry. At the same time, I seemed to be attracted to tropical environment where I couldn't control sweating. I tend to have headache and resistance when there are heavy structures, organizations, frameworks and rules. At the same time, I created an impressive corporate career by navigating frameworks and rules and built many structures in the company along the way. I am not all comfortable, even sometimes, scared when in the ocean (still not). At the same time, I dropped a 15-year career to be in the ocean (surfing that is). So very often we believe that we have to be certain kind of person to do certain things and to achieve certain success and to live a certain life. Yet, here is to share with you, the true beauty of being human, 🩷 We can be so many things at the same time even when a great deal of contradiction exists among those. I am a blend of many more contradiction. I attribute all the beautiful, amazing, extraordinary experience I've lived so far to the contradiction within me. 💡Would you let go of conventional set ways of thinking about self-identity and embrace the possibilities your life has to offer? Be love and be loved. --- 🔥Do you want to have clarity of who you really are and are about? 🔥Do you want to create your ideal life through being ease and grace with all the parts that you are? If yes, DM and let's start this loving journey of yours. --- #legacyoflove #identitycreation #personalities #contradiction photo: a plate from our favorite buffet place in town. it's never the same from the same place. 😊

Tired of ringing doorbells in your job search, only to find no treats inside? Similarly to how these owners are feeling, it can be exhausting—and London’s legal market can feel like Halloween every day! Rest assured, there are still doors with treats behind them—you just need to know where to knock. Like a skilled trick-or-treater who knows exactly which houses to visit, I’m here to help you navigate the quieter streets and uncover those valuable opportunities. Keen to know where the best chocolates are? Get in touch, and together we’ll find the treats-no tricks, just a clear plan and smart choices. 📧 [email protected] 💬 direct message #montgomeryadvisory 🎃

The link to the interview https://lnkd.in/em-QwzRW Starts at 1 hour 8 mins (approx)

If you're in need of staffing, look no further! My assistant, Chino (a highly skilled weenie dog), and I are here to help you out. Chino may be small, but his attention to detail is unmatched—whether it's greeting clients with a wag or keeping things on track with his signature "bark of approval." Need help with admin? Chino’s on it. Looking for someone to fetch coffee? Chino’s got the legs for it. (Okay, I may have to help with the coffee part, but he’s the brains behind the operation.) So, if you need some extra paws on deck, just let us know. We're ready to roll... or more accurately, Chino’s ready to wiggle! 🐾 #fridayfun #doglover #weeniedog #itstaffing