Decide exactly what to hire for

"I need help" isn't a job. Before you hire, get specific about the role — the tasks, the hours, and whether it's an employee or a contractor. A clear role means you hire the right person and they can actually succeed; a vague one means confusion, frustration, and a bad fit.

Do this

1. List the actual tasks you're handing off, and roughly how many hours a week they take.
2. Decide the type: an employee (you control how and when, ongoing) or a contractor (their own tools and schedule, project-based). Miles' "Employee or Contractor?" skill can help you get it right.
3. Write a simple job description: the tasks, the hours, the pay, and what "good" looks like.
4. Be honest about what you need now versus someday — hire for the real gap in front of you.

A one-page role

Fill this in before you post anything:

ROLE: (e.g. "Part-time lube tech" / "Weekend cleaner") TASKS: the 3-5 things they'll actually do HOURS: ______ hrs/week, when PAY: $______/hr (or per job) — check your local going rate TYPE: Employee or Contractor? (see the Taxes track / Miles) "GOOD" IS: how you'll know they're doing it right

A person hired to a clear role succeeds. A person hired to "help out" flounders — through no fault of their own.