Is it better than nothin?

I rely so much on help; both work-study help and household help. More here.

The work-study situation is highly variable depending on the quality and longevity of the students. If we have a new work-study student every year, they will be tearing down and setting up my labs only once. Therefore, I must train them to help me every lab. If the same amount of time is used to set-up and tear down a lab as is required to teach someone to do so, then perhaps I should skip the help.

Last week, my help forgot some important components of the lab, and I had to scramble. The week before, I said we needed enough for 6 *teams*. They brought me six of each item (when it called for 3 per team). Sure, it is helpful, but I have to schedule extra time to double check everything the help does. At what point do I "call it" and just do it myself? This really isn't an option, unless I bring my toddler in the lab past his bedtime (there are just so many components of "bad idea" in that statement).

At home, we have hired someone new to help around the house who, though helpful, is not nearly as good as hir predecessors. Ze doesn't remember instructions, forgets where stuff goes from week to week and in a vague situation, makes the wrong judgment call. For example, ze cleaned the bathroom floor and put the bath mat back upside-down. Last week ze stacked the pots and pans such that there was an avalanche when the cabinet was opened. At the beginning ze couldn't figure out how to open the box of laundry soap and just shredded the top. Each week there is something new and annoying. Again, I am asking myself, is it better than nothing?? It is. And I am grateful. But should I settle for 75% helpful when I know there is 95% helpful out there?