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Finding The Right Balance

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

Flexibility is working remotely. No, this simply isn't true. Flexible work policies can include working remotely, or hybrid, 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, no. Part-time is a form flexibility, but many of the flexible working options, like time-shift and remote, are just as applicable to people working part-time as full-time roles!

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 do so across all levels, and we know 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, Flexible - they are all used to describe the same thing. Hybrid is usually means a role where you can work from home and the office, whilst Agile 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 to describe all forms of work other than the standard full-time 9-5 option.

So, how do you decide which for flexible working is the right option for you?

First, you to 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 need pick up your kids from school so you need to finish work by 3pm, then you are looking at roles offering approx. 25hrs per week.

If you decide your priority is money, and therefore a full-time role is necessary, you can still at compressed hours, time-shift or hybrid working as possible 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're not sure how to work out what your values, strengths, goals and priorities are, then you should consider joining 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.