Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Do you always seem to be busy with four different jobs between 2 and 3 pm? Or, maybe you have an unnerving commute outside of rush hour, and then it gets really bad! Have you ever thought how great it would be if you could start work an hour earlier and take a long break in the afternoon?
Maybe what you need is a job with a flexible schedule.
If you’re considering the best way to grow your career while creating a work-life balance, a flexible work schedule can be one of the best gifts you can give yourself. While there are many types of flexible work options, the most flexible is a job that gives you the ability to create a flexible schedule.
However, not all flexible jobs offer the same planning options, so understanding the nuances is important to avoid moving to a new role only to find that it still doesn’t meet your needs.
What is Flexible Work?
A flexible job is a job that offers more flexibility than a traditional 9-to-5, office job. Although people often think of flexible schedules when looking for flexible jobs, there are positions available that offer other types of work flexibility.
Remote, hybrid, part-time, per diem, and compressed schedule jobs are all examples of what flexible work can be.
For many people, however, a flexible work schedule is a major career benefit. Choosing when you work can make a big difference in your life, and is one of the most important things to consider when looking for a new job.
It is important to remember that not all companies offer the same level of flexibility.
Control Your Schedule
Basically, flexible schedule jobs allow people to have more control over what hours they work. These hours can vary by day, week, month, or year.
Flexible schedules can be created and managed by the employee, or the employee and employer can work together to create a flexible schedule that works for both parties.
If you’re looking for flexibility, be sure to ask about the company’s flexible work policy before applying for a job. With an increasing number of companies offering flexible schedules, finding a job that fits your scheduling needs is becoming easier.
So, if you find that the company you’re considering doesn’t offer the flexibility you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find a different company that does with more digging.
7 Types of Flexible Schedule Jobs
There are a variety of flexible schedule jobs available, including full-time and part-time opportunities.
Some allow employees to work outside of the 9-to-5, while others offer a compressed schedule. There are also freelance or part-time jobs for workers who choose flexible jobs.
It’s all a matter of knowing what job flexibility you want and where to look for it.
The following is an overview of the types of jobs that may include flexible schedules or other types of flexibility in hours.
1. Another Plan
Alternate schedule jobs are jobs where your work hours are not traditional 9 to 5. Jobs with alternative schedules may allow you to take on a second shift or work only on weekends, leaving weekdays, the hours of the day are available.
Some examples are jobs where you work early in the morning or in the evening, which allows you to do other activities during the day, such as going to classes or taking care of children.
Note that jobs with alternative schedules are similar but not the same as jobs that offer flexible schedules. The main difference is that flexible schedule jobs give employees more control over what hours they work.
2. Compressed Schedule
Having a job with a compressed schedule means working long hours on few days. A prime example of this type of schedule is the four-day work week, where employees work 10 hours a day for four days.
The benefit of the jobs that this program offers is a three-day weekend without a reduction in pay.
However, this is not the only schedule compression available.
For example, there are jobs where employees cannot work 12 hours, three days a week. In this arrangement, employees get four days off each week that they can use to relax or devote themselves to other interests.
3. Independent
While there are jobs that allow workers to set their own schedules, freelancing allows people to have more control over what hours they work.
Freelance jobs can be great for self-motivated people who would like to work for themselves. Freelancers have the freedom to pick and choose who they want to work with from project to project.
In addition to choosing their work schedule, freelancers can work anywhere.
4. Full Time
While a full-time job is often thought of as a structured 9-to-5, there are employers who structure their schedules differently, both in terms of working hours and location. Full-time jobs with flexible schedules allow employees to plan their workday around the hours they feel most productive.
On the other hand, a full-time hybrid job creates a balance between working in the office and remotely. Both these and other flexible options offer employees the benefits of full-time jobs combined with greater daily variety.
5. Part-time
In general, part-time jobs are those where employees work 35 hours or less in a single work week. Despite the short work commitment, this type of job can allow you to work outside normal business hours.
In fact, some employers even allow part-time workers to choose their own hours or days to work. Part-time flexibility means you can schedule classes, appointments, or even freelance gigs while still having a steady job and gaining professional experience.
6. Far away
Today, there are more than one remote application. Some employers offer the option to work remotely, while others offer hybrid arrangements where you spend some days in the office and others work from home.
There are also remote and 100% independent positions where employees have the freedom to set their own work schedule. The main benefit of remote work, regardless of the specific arrangement, is increased flexibility and work-life balance, such as reducing the time and cost of going to the office.
7. Temporary
Temp jobs are temporary positions, usually opened when an employee is on leave or at times of the year when employers need additional workers to meet demand, such as tax season or busy holiday seasons.
These positions require a short-term commitment only. Temporary workers can enjoy a steady income for a period of time and have the freedom to plan travel or other work projects when that period ends.
Find Hiring Companies With Flexible Schedules
While you can find flexible schedule work in almost any industry, we’ve rounded up companies that post flexible schedule positions to give you an idea of job opportunities in the flexible job market.
- Aramark is an award-winning facility management, food service, and uniform supplier serving a variety of industries, clients, and businesses around the world.
- Lockheed Martin is an international security company that researches and designs, develops, and manufactures systems, products, and technology services.
- Next think is a software company that integrates end-user feedback and real-time end-to-end analytics to help other information technology (IT) businesses improve the way they interact with their customers.
- Post office is a private startup that provides a complete API development environment that allows developers to use tools during each phase of the API lifecycle.
- Localizea global translation and localization company, helping brands capture global business by reaching, engaging, and growing their international audiences with multilingual content and data conversion.
Many Companies Have Flexible Plans
- Medical Circle is a health care services company that employs board-certified physicians who visit patients in their homes or offices to provide preventive and lifestyle health care services.
- Khan Academya non-profit organization specializing in the support of online instruction and teaching, provides an online learning platform to provide free, world-class teaching tools to people everywhere.
- Prime Therapeutics helps people get the medications they need to manage their health by managing patient pharmacy coverage through employers, health plans, and government programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare.
- TELUS is an award-winning, Canadian-based company that provides high-quality broadband and communications systems to customers throughout the northeastern United States.
- WalletHub is a financial services company that provides a one-stop resource to help individual consumers and small business owners make informed financial decisions.
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