Flexibility and parenting come hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to work. The great news for parents looking to return to paid work after a career pause, is that finding those flexible positions is becoming easier. Flexible work has become a highly sought-after option for job hunters of all types, not just parents. In response, flexible work is gaining traction amongst employers and businesses, both nationally and internationally. There are many reasons as to why, but according to one study, offering flexible work options increases worker loyalty, a major benefit for both the employee and the employer!
As a parent returning to paid work, flexible work may be the perfect fit for you and your family. Here are some questions to ask and areas to consider before diving head first into flexible work.
Is flexible work a good fit for me?
Flexible schedules or flexible work locations aren’t for everyone, but the benefits are attractive to many, especially parents. For instance, one study found that employees achieved an improved work-life balance with flexible work. This balance increases employee well-being, which is good, in turn, for the company itself. As a parent, you can leverage this when returning to work, by spotlighting the advantages to both you and the employer as a reason why they should hire you. If a flexible arrangement will work for you, it can work for the employer as well.
To prove the point further, one survey of over 7,000 professionals found four main reasons people seek out flexible work. At the top? Work-life balance. Other major reasons included family, commute stress, time savings, and cost savings. Flexible work allows parents to save on childcare costs and spend more time with their families. There are also studies that show that working from home boost productively, such as this one from Stanford, led by Nicholas Bloom. There are many reasons why flexible work may be for you.
As you are on the job hunt and considering whether a flexible job is important to you, consider your “Why?” of going back to work. Will flexible work help you achieve your overall objectives? Is it a deal-breaker? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your search.
Common Types of Flexible Work Positions
Flexible work comes in various forms for both full-time and part-time employees. Here are a few of the variations that you may find when job hunting:
Full-time remote work opportunities exist that allow employees to work from anywhere they wish: home office, coffee shops, co-working space, etc.
Some remote work opportunities require that you live in a specific time zone, country, or close enough to drive into the office on occasion.
Many part- or full-time positions allow for flexible hours as long as it fits into the company’s parameters, like overlapping hours during certain parts of the day or working a set number of hours a day or week, instead of on a schedule. These type of positions require that you get the work done without relying on how long the job takes.
Freelancers cover a wide variety of options. They can work on-site, off-site, or a mixture of the two. They often find remote or on-site work that’s flexible, as well. This work can be temporary or long-term.
You may some some positions involve a combination of everything: on-site work, remote work, and even travel.
As demand increases for flexible work, employers continue to offer new and creative solutions to keep employees happy and to keep good talent in-house.
Popular Flexible Workplaces
Some types of work are more popular for flexible work than others, but you’ll find flexible work opportunities in almost every type of work out there. Some of the popular job categories for flexible work include:
Computer and IT. Jobs in this category include anything from cloud-based work to computer repair. Flexible work if common for software developers, web designers, and other areas of computer expertise.
Project managers. These positions may involve managing a budget, consulting, working with vendors, and seeing a project through from beginning to end. Some project managers are required to have a Project Management Professional certification.
Customer service. These various positions include in-person, instant message, e-mail, or phone contact, providing problem-solving solutions for clients.
Sales. These positions often create a flexible work schedule by their very nature. Managing relationships, networking, and generating leads are central to success, creating flexibility.
Education and Training. Education jobs aren’t just for the K-12 level, anymore. Online teaching jobs are more common than ever, but there are training positions available that are flexible; they allow employees to work with people at college, professional, or organizational levels.
Accounting and Finance. Finance jobs are diverse and flexible. Employees may manage a client’s finances, assist with a company’s collections, or administer accounts receivable.
If flexible work is what you’re looking for, ask potential employers or their employees how flexible the work is or what opportunities you might have for flexing your work hours or location, depending on your needs.
Need a work space?
As a result of this major shift toward flexible work, including remote work, co-working spaces have been popping up all over. These spaces offer short-term, temporary, or long-term desks and meeting spaces for people who aren’t going into the office every day but need a professional place to work outside the home. In Houston, Sesh is a great place for female entrepreneurs, freelancers and independent contractors to find a desk to work and a room to meet with clients. Like many coworking spaces, you can rent a space by the hour or even rent a dedicated space that you can return to. They also offer an ambiance and camaraderie that a coffee shop doesn’t. Other amenities to look for include occasional childcare options, beverages, snacks, and business resources.
Consider Your Options
If flexible work is what you’re looking for, go for it. Flexible work could be the answer to this pivot in your life. If you’re having trouble finding something that fits your ideal situation, Parents Pivot is here for you.
We have resources for you, including tailored coaching sessions to meet your needs. You are also invited to join us for a special panel on flexible work on April 2:
Is Houston Ready for Flexible Work Schedules?
When: April 2 from 5-6:30pm
Where: Motherhood Center
Cohosted with the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, Anna will be moderating a panel on flexible work exploring topics like: How would Houston evolve if more flexible work opportunities were available? Would more employees be able to work for their dream organization—without a long commute? Would employers be able to afford their dream candidates at a reduced rate? Would Houstonians be able to care for loved ones, without guilt? Would productivity and job satisfaction increase?
Onsite childcare is available! Learn more and register here.
