Before we talk about whether working flexibly is right for you, let's clear up some assumptions, myths and misunderstandings.

  • Flexibility is working remotely. It can include this form of flexibility but there are so many other options like compressed hours, time-shift, job-share and micro-agility to name just a few.

  • Flexibility = part-time. Again, part-time is a form of flexibility but many of the flexible working options, like time-shift and remote, are just as applicable to people working full-time roles as part-time

  • To work flexibly I need to look at junior/lower-level roles. Couldn't be more wrong! Whilst it might be potentially easier to find lower-level part-time roles, if a company genuinely offers flexibility it will across all levels, and we know of many senior-level professionals working 3 and 4-day weeks.

  • I was advised to look at Hybrid roles, not Agile roles. What’s the difference? Hybrid, Agile, Flexibility - they all describe the same thing. Hybrid tends to describe roles that incorporate a percentage of remote working, whilst Agile usually refers to roles that offer time-shift or a ‘work anytime’ policy. But both terms can also mean working flexibly. So, to avoid confusion, we use Flexibility as a way of describing all forms of work other than the standard full-time.

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So how do you decide which form of flexible working is the right option for you? Well, first you have to look at your values, strengths, goals and priorities to work out what kind of job you are looking for. Once you have figured this out, deciding what kind of flexibility you need becomes significantly easier.

For example, if you decide your priority is making sure you can pick the children up from school, so you need to finish work by 3 pm, then you are looking at roles offering 24-26hrs per week.

If you decide your priority is money, and therefore a full-time role is necessary, you can still look at compressed hours, time-shift or remote working as possible flexible options.

But you may also decide that, actually, you don’t need any flexibility and a standard Monday to Friday 9-5 job is what you are looking for. And that is absolutely 100% fine. We are all about helping you find the right job for you.

If you are not sure how to work what your values, strengths, goals and priorities are then you should consider The Returners' Tribe which offers all the guidance, mentoring and support you need to Return to Work including advice on how to write a CV, excelling at interview and succeeding in your new job.