Key Ways for Boomers to Land a Flexible Job That Fits Your Life

Key Ways for Boomers to Land a Flexible Job That Fits Your LifeKey Ways for Boomers to Land a Flexible Job That Fits Your Life4Flexible work is attractive to people for a number of different reasons, whether its having a flexible schedule, working from home, or working part-time instead of full-time. But those reasons may vary depending on your generation, according to a recent survey from of over 3,000 people interested in flexible work.When comparing respondents who identified as baby boomers or the silent generation versus those who said they were millennials, there were some notable points of differentiation.Different Reasons Generations Value Flexible WorkWhen asked why they value work flexibility, boomers and silent generation respondents were much mora likely than millennials to identify as caregivers for another loved one, to have chronic physical issues or illnesses, and to live in a rural area.On the other hand, millennials were mora likely to identify as introverts, trave lers or digital nomads, and students. They were also twice as likely to cite mental illness as one reason they value flexible work options.When it comes to why they work, both groups said paying for basic necessities was the main reason, but secondary reasons also differed boomers and the silent generation said they work because they enjoy working, while millennials said paying for travel was their second most important reason for working.Where the Generations Intersect on Work FlexibilityDespite these differences, each generation is clearly most interested in flexible work options, such as working from home and having a flexible schedule.mora than 60% in both groups said theyd be more productive workers if they worked remotely. Both groups are most interested in working from home 100% of the time, and both groups are about equally interested in freelancing.Less than 10% of each group said they would choose the office as their preferred place to get important work done. The vast maj ority would rather work from home, a coffee shop, the library, or another place outside the office. And both groups said a critical factor for accepting a job is to find the work meaningful.Living Your Values with Flexible WorkDepending on your situation and lifestyle needs, a flexible job may be just the ticket. But to be successful in a flexible job search and land a flexible job,youll need to be smart in your approach. Heres how to find a flexible job that fits your lifestyle1. Focus on your qualifications rather than your needs.Job seekers, especially those with difficult circumstances at home that necessitate a more flexible job, are often too quick to explain to employers why they need flexibility at work. Emotional and personal reasons for needing flexibility arent ideal to share with a potential employer.Stick to more professional topics of conversation, such as your experience, training, skills, and aptitude for working well in a flexible environment. If an employer asks wh y you want a flexible job, keep your reasons strictly professional. For example, youll be more productive or youll have less stress from commuting and be better able to focus.2. Pinpoint your search on jobs that truly fit your lifestyle.Each type of flexibility has benefits and challenges and you should assess them before deciding which flexible work arrangement might be ideal for you. Heres a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the most common flex typesRemote work Youll ditch the commute and can be more productive, healthier, and happier, but youll work alone much of the day and may be distracted by things at home.Flexible or part-time schedules Your work will better align with your life, but youll also have to work diligently to stay productive and focused if your hours shift regularly. Part-time hours may also bring reduced income.Freelancing Youll have more control over when, where, how, how much, and with whom you work. But youll also be responsible for business administrati on tasks, such as paying employment taxes, getting your own health insurance, and finding work and projects.3. Showcase your best qualifications in applications and when talking to people.If you have previous experience working remotely or flexibly, it should be clearly denoted on your resume and in your cover letter. Skills like being able to work independently, written and verbal communication, comfort with technology, and focus should also be leveraged in application materials.When youre talking to friends, family, and networking contacts about your job search, dont just ask what they do for a living- ask them how they do it. Youll likely find that more people work flexibly than you knew, and you can ask them how they landed their own flexible jobs and what tips they have for you.4. Know where to look for flexible and remote jobs.Certain companies and jobs are more likely to offer flexibility than others. Some of the most common remote and flexible jobs areAccountantProgram Manag erTeacher/FacultyWriterConsultantEngineerProject ManagerBusiness Development ManagerAccount Manager/Account ExecutiveTutorDeveloperCustomer Service RepresentativeSales RepresentativeAnalystEditorIn researching 50,000 companies with flexible jobs, the following companies have offered the mostKelly ServicesUnitedHealth GroupATTReal StaffingAetnaRobert Half InternationalHiltonAjilonSAPAccounting PrincipalsKforceCyberCodersKaplanPearsonAtrium HealthLeidosAnthem, Inc.DellTEKsystemsAFIRMWhile different generations may have different reasons for seeking and valuing flexible work, one thing is clear all generations benefit from flexible work arrangements. And with current employment trends favoring job seekers, now is a great time to be seeking jobs that offer work flexibility.Browse Open Flexible Jobs