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Flexible Work Arrangements - You Can Make Them Work For You

© Bonny Albo

Many parents who wish to work from their homes cannot. Perhaps their budgets will not allow for a one income family arrangement, or maybe it is not an option that is currently available to them. Or, in the words of a parent who recently emailed me, "I have to work, if only to get out of the house and take a break from the kids!"

Whatever your reasons, you are not alone. There are several different flexible work options for you to consider: permanent part time, job sharing, a compressed work week, flextime, and telecommuting. You may just find an option here that is perfect for you and your family that you never considered before. Or, you may re affirm the choices that you have already made, and continue from there. No matter what the outcome, make sure that your fear of the unknown does not stop you from spending time doing the things that mean the most to you - and if one of those things just happens to be your family, then read on, and consider the possibilities!

Permanent Part Time

This is the oldest of the alternate work options, and the most common. Any position that offers you the opportunity to work less than the traditional full time hours (which is usually 35-40 hours a week), is a part time position.

If you are currently in a position where you are considering working only part time, you will most likely need to approach your employer to determine if this option is available. And, for the most part, your wage will remain the same, although adjusted to the amount of hours that you work. However, if you are looking for part time employment, you may discover that the wage offered will be less than the full time worker's. As well, many companies only offer benefits to full time employees; make sure that you check this out before making any employment decisions.

Job Sharing

Job sharing occurs when two people share a full time position, including salary and promotions. Responsibilities can be divided equally or separately, depending on the employees and the employer.

If you are currently working at a position that you are considering to convert to a job share position, you will most likely be able to keep both your seniority and benefits. However, if you do not get along with your partner, this may create more problems than it can be worth. Usually companies who have enacted this option in the past will be open to any employees who are willing to try this option, depending on their past experiences, of course. Companies who have not used Job Sharing in the past however, may not be so open to this new venture.

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