An unpleasant surprise for Max Brugger, the 50-year old department manager in a cookie factory: instead of the much-desired promotion, he is fired on the spot. At the same time, his wife Angela finds a new job as personal assistant. Max agrees to take over the household until he finds a new job. Max, as housekeeper, is immediately confronted not only with the problems of his new position, but also with his rebellious 14-year old daughter. The family is completed by Angela's brother Erich, a passionate film fan, who is staying in the guestroom 'for the time being'. To add to all this misery, there is a nouveau riche, cynical neighbor named Eliane - and it is just she who is Angela's boss. Eliane delights in putting Max down, for in her eyes he is an absolute loser. First, because he is a man. And second, because he has lost his job...