What a full-time arrangement means
A full-time live-out arrangement is the default for most households: roughly eight to ten hours a day, six days a week, with the staff member travelling home each evening. It keeps the employment relationship simpler than live-in — no accommodation obligations, no privacy questions in either direction — and it suits the majority of households that need consistent daily coverage without round-the-clock presence.
Who this suits
- Households with predictable daytime needs rather than early-morning or overnight demands
- Families who would rather not take on accommodation obligations
- Homes without a spare room suitable for a live-in arrangement
- Employers who want a clear boundary between working hours and their own family time
Settle these before day one
- Exact start and finish times, and what happens when you need them to stay late
- The weekly off day, fixed rather than "whenever things are quiet"
- How they will commute, and whether you contribute to transport
- Whether lunch is provided during working hours
- Who has keys, and the arrangement if you are out when they arrive
What a full-time cook covers
Home cooks for everyday family meals. Not trained chefs, just reliable daily cooking.
- Daily Pakistani, continental and Chinese menus
- Grocery planning and kitchen stock control
- Dietary needs: diabetic, low-salt, allergen-free
- Kitchen hygiene and utensil care
How pay works
PKR 35,000 / month is the typical starting point for cooks in E-7, Islamabad.
The full monthly figure is paid in cash, with no board or lodging offsetting it. Add a transport allowance where the commute is long or the shift starts early — it costs less than replacing someone who quietly leaves for a job closer to home.
The mistake to avoid
Ignoring the commute. A candidate living ninety minutes away will be genuinely late in winter fog and heavy rain, and no amount of good intent fixes that. Confirm the actual journey at shortlist stage rather than discovering it in the first week.
Full-time staff in E-7, Islamabad
Commute is the deciding factor in Islamabad more than most cities. The sectors are spread out, public transport barely exists outside the Metro corridor, and a candidate living in Rawalpindi or a far G-sector faces a real journey to DHA Phase II or Bahria Enclave. Expect to lose otherwise strong candidates on travel alone unless you offer a transport allowance or accept a later start. Staff already living in or near your sector are worth prioritising for exactly this reason.
A quiet, low-density sector at the foot of the Margalla Hills with some of the city's largest private residences and embassy staff housing.
Frequently asked questions
What does a full-time cook arrangement actually mean?
A full-time live-out arrangement is the default for most households: roughly eight to ten hours a day, six days a week, with the staff member travelling home each evening. It keeps the employment relationship simpler than live-in — no accommodation obligations, no privacy questions in either direction — and it suits the majority of households that need consistent daily coverage without round-the-clock presence.
What should we agree before the first day?
Exact start and finish times, and what happens when you need them to stay late. The weekly off day, fixed rather than "whenever things are quiet". How they will commute, and whether you contribute to transport. Whether lunch is provided during working hours. Who has keys, and the arrangement if you are out when they arrive.
How is pay handled for full-time staff in E-7, Islamabad?
PKR 35,000 / month is the typical starting point for cooks in this market. The full monthly figure is paid in cash, with no board or lodging offsetting it. Add a transport allowance where the commute is long or the shift starts early — it costs less than replacing someone who quietly leaves for a job closer to home.
What usually goes wrong with this arrangement?
Ignoring the commute. A candidate living ninety minutes away will be genuinely late in winter fog and heavy rain, and no amount of good intent fixes that. Confirm the actual journey at shortlist stage rather than discovering it in the first week.
How are candidates verified?
Every candidate goes through the same 40-point screening regardless of arrangement: identity confirmed against NADRA records, a police character certificate from their own local station, and previous employers contacted directly by phone rather than a written reference taken at face value.
How long does placement take in E-7, Islamabad?
Most requests are matched within 24 to 48 hours from a standing local pool. Specialised requirements can take longer, and we confirm a realistic timeline after reviewing your brief.