Hi there - while I certainly emphasize with your desire to build up good references, and establish a client base, I have just three words for you: Don't Do It. =) 12 hours is simply too long of a day for one caregiver to handle. You need time to be "off the clock" so that you can come back and do it all again the next day You may also need a few evenings during the week to complete errands - some daycare related. i.e. I have to buy fresh fruit a couple times during the week. Then there will be your own needs. Trust me - it's hard enough finding a dentist/doctor who has evening hours; what happens if your kids want to participate in Brownies or Swimming lessons, or your dog has a vet appointment. When I encounter parents who are looking for those kinds of killer hours, I re-direct them to a liscenced daycare centre. Centres have multiple employees who work overlapping shifts because who's at their best after 10 hours ! =) Hang in there - you'll find good clients without having to sacrifice all of your personal time. Parents who don't recognize that their caregiver is a person (just like them) who needs a healthy work/life balance are not people that you want to work with long term anyways.