I work by myself on all my residential but have a helper on my commercial jobs its just faster. driving is what will always kill you not only at the pump but also the guy pumping the gas. My buddy runs a landscaping bus. and his guys will leave the a/c on the whole time they cut. that is messed up! i never run my a/c even with that oven behind my seat!
You can't beat a good helper if they can settle for part time until you get swamped. If you helper isn't making you more money and saving your energy then lose them and find another. Some people catch on real quick and some people never do. Don't waste your time and $ on someone that won't.