E86 and York - Maid for Success

"I'm leaving in a few years and going back to the Phillipines," the maid responded when I suggested she convince my clients to hire additional help to maintain what will soon be a 4000 square foot apartment.

"I don't like living in the city." she continued. She moved to NYC a few decades ago as a single mom with five children. As a maid and nanny, she managed to send all five of her children to college who are now successful in their own rite. The money left over was spent investing toward her longtime dream of returning to and living comfortably in the Phillipines.

She bought a house, then another. "I have 5 houses now that I rent out in Manila," she said proudly. "I also own a grocery store which my brothers are running," she added. "But I don't like living in the city so when I go back, I'm going to live on my coconut farm and help with the harvest." That was how she grew up and, judging by her excitement, was obviously the happiest time of her life.

Funny how many of us work so hard with the goal of reliving our childhood. In any case, I may be harvesting coconuts in a few years.