How to Make 2017 the Year That You Get a Flexible Job

How to Make 2017 the Year That You Get a Flexible JobHow to Make 2017 the Year That You Get a Flexible Job1 has done research showing the growing number and fonts of people who want to get a flexible joband why. Perhaps youre among those who seek greater flexibility in your jobfor better work-life balance, or for reasons relating to your family and/or health.But if you havent found a way yet to get the flex options that you seek, you may need to take a strategic approach to reaching your goals.Here are three ways to help ensure that this year is the one when you finally get a flexible job and gain more job flexibility1. Build your case.If youre hoping to work more flexibly for your current manager, understand that its that persons job to be sure your work gets done.While you may feel confident that, like many people, youll be even more productive working from home or in another type of nontraditional work arrangement, your boss needs to be convinced of this fact before making a chang e to your schedule.Make it easy for your supervisor to see the benefits by proposing a trial period- for example, working from home for a day or week, or working different hours than the company norm. If you can get this approved, youll be in a great position to show your stuff and prove exactly how much work you can get done working flexibly.Remember to be ultra-available and responsive when working offsite so that people have nothing but good things to say about their experience in working with you while telecommuting.2. Know what you want.Whether you plan to talk to your current boss or negotiate with a potential new employer about flexible work options, it helps to be very clear about the type of arrangement you need.There are many possible types of setups when it comes to working flexibly, and different employers may be more willing to green light some than others. Know and communicate clearly whether your preference is toTelecommute or work from home, either full-time or part- timeWork an irregular schedule (for example, starting later in the day but staying later in the evening)Work fewer days a week but longer hours each day, such as four 10-hour daysHave some flex time around family needs, such as school drop-offs and pickups at the start and end of the workday3. Just ask.In corporate jobs in particular, you will likely get tracked into a traditional schedule unless you ask for something different. The time of highest negotiating power is after youve been offered a job but havent yet accepted it.If workplace flexibility is important to you, consider negotiating for it as part of your package, alongside salary and other benefits. If an employer is excited to bring you on board, they will be more likely to grant your wishes to seal the deal, so it cant hurt to ask for the particular arrangement that you want and will make you the happiest.As the saying goes, if nothing changes, nothing changes. If youve been dreaming of a job with more flexibility, then take initiative this year. Start planning now to either transition to another job that is more flexible, or leverage in-house resources to gain more flexibility from your current employer.Start Searching for a Flexible JobReaders, are you trying to get a flexible job this year? Tell us about your job search experience in the comments section below.