Asking for a flexible arrangement at your current job is the fastest way to get job flexibility. Apply the advice in the articles below, then keep scrolling for other flexible work life ideas. Want more? Be sure to sign up for my free content.
- Will Your Boss Say YES to Your Request for Flexible Work? A 3-question quiz
- The #1 Big Mistake You Can Make When Requesting Flexible Work
- Nervous? How to Build Your Confidence to ASK for Flexible Work
- How to Be Persuasive: 6 Parts to a Promising Pitch
- Don’t Get Personal! Make the Business Case for Flexible Work
Telecommuting
- How Many Days Working from Home Should You Request?
- “If I Let YOU Telecommute…” How to Handle the Objection
- How to Telecommute Long-Distance and Full-Time
- Copy Page 1 of Your Telecommuting Proposal
- Resource: Telecommuting Premium Proposal Package
Compressed Work Week
- Pros and Cons of CWW as a Flexible Work Arrangement
- The Four-Day Cure for Burn-out
- Copy Page 1 of Your Compressed Work Week Proposal
- Resource: Compressed Work Week Premium Proposal Package
Job Sharing
- How and When to Find a Job Sharing Partner
- How to Choose the Right Job Sharing Partner
- Four Compelling Employer Advantages of Job Sharing
- Copy Page 1 of Your Job Sharing Proposal
- Resource: Job Sharing Premium Proposal Package
Part-time Arrangements
- How to Cut Your Hours and Keep Close to Full-time Pay
- 3 Ways to Go Part-time Without Going Broke
- How to Go Part-time for Part of the Year
- Copy Page 1 of Your Part-time Proposal
- Resource: Part-time Premium Proposal Package
You can mix and modify the above four categories of flexible work to match your needs. Need help? Give me 30 minutes and I’ll give you fresh ideas for a flexible work life.
Look for a NEW Job with Flexibility
This is a harder path to job flexibility, but these steps can help smooth the way.
- How to Find a Flexible New Job
- How to Negotiate Flexibility During a New Job Interview
- I recommend FlexJobs, a premium job listings service for professionals
Keep Your “Anchor” Job + Build Your Side Business
You really want the flexibility of being your own boss, right? So you’re building your blog or small business as your main income source, but it’s too early to quit your “regular” job. The answer? Make a gradual transition instead.
- Keep your regular job as an anchor (that is, steady income and some benefits)
- Add flexibility to free some time to build your business (see the articles above)
- As your business income grows, modify your flex arrangement at the anchor job
That’s the approach I took as I grew WorkOptions until I was finally able to quit my “anchor” job. Maybe it’s the path for you, too. If you want guidance to get you there, let’s have some strategy sessions together.
Craft a Portfolio Career
This approach combines two professional part-time positions, or a part-time position plus free-lance work, consulting or contract jobs for a career that combines variety and flexibility (and sometimes a lot of juggling).
Take More Time Off
Regular job flexibility is great, but maybe you also crave more vacation leave, parental leave or time off to travel. I’ve got you covered: here’s the gateway to creative strategies for more time off.
Keep Up with Strategies, Support and Success Stories
