Gao Xuefeng, a domestic service worker at Meihua Community of Loufeng Sub-district in Suzhou Industrial Park, got a special job offer this summer. One of her foreign employers asked if she would like to go with the family back to their hometown in Canada this September. She was not surprised though, for this is the third time an employer asking her to work abroad.

The 49-year-old used to be a laid-off worker and is now an extremely popular maid, especially among foreign families. She knows a little English and a lot Western recipes. She's also excellent around babies and kids. Starting her maid career at the end of 2005, Gao has steadily accumulated experience of household services and praises among employers. She's also one of the "Top 10 Domestic Service Workers in Suzhou" recognized by the city authority.

From a laid-off worker to a popular maid
Ms. Gao was laid off from a local textile factory in 2005 when her son was admitted by college and needed money to pay education and accommodations. When she heard about a community program for training domestic workers, Gao decided to give it a try. "I was reluctant at first, because to be a maid is not a good job."

Some of her first customers were not satisfied with her work, so she talked to several experienced maids and learned useful tips of how to clean, how to do laundry, and how to cook.

Being honest, sincere, reliable, hard-working, and thoughtful, Gao steadily expands her clientele base and has become increasingly popular among both local and foreign families.

Getting seven vocational certificates and working hard to be the best
"To do housework is not easy," she told the reporter. "You have to work hard. More importantly, you have to know how to do your work." To keep improving the scope of skills, she signed up for a series of programs learning Western pastry, baby care, maternal care, and nutriology, and got seven qualification certificates in three years. "It was hard to keep up the tight schedule of work, study, and my own family. But it's worth it. These programs make me more professional and more confident."

To serve foreign families, she bought books and taught herself such common Western dishes as steak and salad. She learned English from primary school textbooks and gave her employers a big surprise. "You work hard and they'll know it," she said.

Doing volunteer work and giving back to society
Gao gathered other fellow maids and founded a volunteer team providing free household services to local empty nesters as well as families with disabled members or facing financial challenges. "We do cleaning, cook, and talk to them. It's not much but it means a lot to me."

As for the offer of working in Canada, Gao finally decided to decline. "It's a good job and I can earn more. To tell you the truth, I'd already got my passport ready. But my mother had a stroke and I have to stay to take care of her." Having made the choice, Gao moves on along the rewarding path of serving people.