Factoring in “transaction costs” in extension decision

[Anonymous]

DH and I would like to extend with our current AP, who is great—no issues, but tbh a big reason is simply not wanting to deal with finding and training a new AP and hoping it works out. We’ve had extension APs before and we know the second year is not as good as the first, but after the stress of dealing with work and childcare during covid we just want it to be as easy as possible and keep the status quo. We’ve haven’t discussed yet with AP but would welcome any thoughts on how much of a factor this usually is and whether there’s anything we’re missing.

[Anonymous]

We did a second year with our last AP. Pros - not having to train someone new, kids already comfortable with AP and the agency charges slightly less (maybe 1k less?) the second year.

Cons - our AP slacked in her second year. She also seemed to expect more from us in terms of gifts and general generosity. By the end, no matter what we did for her, it never seemed enough. I also think when they’ve been in the US two years, and with a single family for those two years, it’s harder for them to leave. Maybe they have a serious boyfriend or they start to think that you’re their family, so there’s a lot of big emotions when their contract finishes.

I wish I would have done 1.5 years!