Flexible work options: Which one is best for you?



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Which Work Option is Best for You?

Your home life, finances, and career goals will help you determine which work option is best for this phase of your life.

Here is an overview of the most common full-time and part-time flexible work arrangements to consider.

Full-time Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexible work options which retain your full-time income include flextime, telecommuting and compressed workweek. Here's a brief overview of full-time work options:

Flextime allows you a flexible starting and quitting time within management-set limits.

For example, if your normal work hours are from 8 - 5, a flextime schedule might allow you to work from 6:30 to 3:30, 9 to 6, or whatever start/stop time worked best for you, while still being workable for your employer.

Flextime is so popular, widely-used and easily implemented that a proposal is usually unnecessary to win approval.

Choose the flextime option if you want to preserve your visibility on the job by your daily presence, yet could use the restructured 'extra' time provided in the morning or afternoon.

Telecommuting would allow you to work at home during part of your scheduled hours, usually one to three days a week.

Typically, telecommuters come into the office two or three days a week to attend meetings and to stay visible and in touch.

If at least some of your job tasks can be done away from the office, choose the telecommuting or work-from-home option. Employers reap the benefit of productivity jumps typical of remote workers. For you, the flexibility payoff includes cutting the costs and stress of commuting, plus trading drive time for more hours of personal time.

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WorkOptions.com's articles on telecommuting
Telecommuting Flex Success Proposal Template details

The compressed workweek has you working 40 hours in fewer than five days. The most widely used set-up is 10 hour days for four days a week.

Choose this option if you need that additional day off, have the stamina to consistently work 10-hour days, and if outside scheduling commitments and arrangements (e.g., child care) can fit into this non-traditional schedule.

WorkOptions.com's articles on compressed workweeks
Compressed Workweek Flex Success Proposal Template details

Part-time Flexible Work Arrangements

Would you say you have an over-scheduled lifestyle? Choosing a part-time work option can be just the ticket to a downshifted pace, while still remaining active and visible in your career.

Consider the following options:

Are you often tired with little time for yourself after you've taken care of everyone else's needs?

If so, a shortened workday of five, six or seven hours can help make the difference between stress and sanity as you juggle your work and personal lives.

With fewer hours on the job, you may find yourself with more energy to get the job done.

If you'd like a full day off during the week, a shortened workweek may be your best option. A three or four day workweek can be an affordable option that works well in most professional positions. Fewer than three days a week and you may be unable to meet your job duties—unless you job share.

WorkOptions.com's articles on part-time professional work
Part-time Flex Success Proposal Template details

A job sharing arrangement is a form of part-time work where two people share the responsibilities of one full-time position.

For professionals or managers and others in high level career paths, job sharing is an attractive work option for keeping on the career track while still allowing more time outside of work.

Careful consideration of your priorities in your personal, financial and professional life help guide your choice of the best work option for you.

WorkOptions.com's articles on job sharing
Job Sharing Flex Success Proposal Template details

Try One On For a Good Fit

You can Redesign Your Job to see if it fits your choice of flexible work arrangement. Free self-paced planning exercises right on this site. Start here.

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