Demand for cleaning and security services is skyrocketing ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in Ho Chi Minh City, providing attractive job opportunities for many people, especially college students.

While the Tet festival is a perfect time for people in Vietnam to take a break from their daily responsibilities, many consider it a good opportunity to earn some solid income.

In Ho Chi Minh City, house cleaners and home security guards have emerged as in-demand positions ahead and during this year’s Tet holiday.

In Vietnam, the 2018 Lunar New Year begins in February 16, but preparation and celebration often take place one week before and after the date.

Luong Thi Thuy Quynh, a resident in Phu Nhuan District, said she often seeks house cleaning services during this time of the year, adding that she would pay about VND1.5 million (US$66) for the job to be done at her four-story residence.

Nguyen Minh Tam, who has earned a living by washing couches for the past decade, stated that orders for his service have tripled compared to regular days.

“I have to work day and night to finish the orders. Washing a set of couches earns me about VND200,000 [$9] to VND300,000 [$13],” Tam elaborated.

Meanwhile, many residents have been looking for the right people to entrust their homes during their vacations this holiday.

The demand for home security guards or house-sitters has never been higher.

However, it is difficult to meet such demands as not many people would want to spend their Tet at someone else’s home.

Dao Hong Hanh, residing in District 9, has been able to strike a deal with a young man who is fit for the job, after contacting multiple security guard companies.

Hanh agreed to pay him VND6 million ($264) for guarding her house in 10 days during the Lunar New Year.

Nga, a representative of a security guard firm in Tan Phu District, said her company had been trying to recruit a large number of employees, both male and female, for this kind of job.

“The salary is VND540,000 [$24] to VND760,000 [$33] for a 12- to 16-hour shift, threefold of that on an average day,” Nga elaborated.

The firm also promises a series of incentives to expand its human resources, she continued, adding that they are still short of personnel.

Other insiders expected that payment for home security services would continue rising as an unoccupied residence is highly susceptible to robbery.

Job opportunities

According to a survey by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, many university and college students have decided to stay in the southern metropolis instead of celebrating the holiday in their hometowns.

They intend to apply for a variety of seasonal gigs, which will help pay their tuition.

Pham Thi Thu Hoai, a sophomore at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, said she will offer cleaning services for several houses in the city at up to VND700,000 ($31) per day.

Hoai expected herself to accumulate about VND5 million ($220) by February 16, which will be used for her tuition after the holiday.

Dang Hoang Cong, a student of the University of Technology and Education, stated he had not returned to his hometown in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan during Tet in the past two years.

Cong will work as a house-sitter for a family in Ho Chi Minh City, who promised to pay VND600,000 ($26) a day, plus a VND2 million ($88) bonus.

“Despite being far away from home this holiday, I’m still happy as the extra income will help me afford tuition of the next semester,” the young man said.

Hoang Le Quang, a resident in District 2, has also recruited a student from a local university, and will pay him VND800,000 ($35) a day.

The ‘employee’ is required to guard the house, water the plants, feed the fish. He is allowed to sleep in the living room and must not invite anyone over, Quang highlighted.

The house owner said he had reviewed very carefully the student’s background before making the decision.

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