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Click
here to learn more about this guide to the world of flexible
jobs -- available exclusively here!
Flex-Friendly
Companies: Where to Find Them
People
are always asking me if there is a list of companies that offer
family friendly benefits. While
there is no one comprehensive list, you can piece together some
good information through a variety of publications.
Here are some worth checking out:
100
Best Companies to Work for in
America
( lists section)
The
100 Best Companies for Working Mothers New winners
are announced each October.
Forbes
- The 200 Best Small Companies
Features
growing small companies.
While these lists are helpful, I believe that one of the best
ways to find a flexible employer is to target small employers.
While small companies can’t offer the same level of
benefit offerings as their corporate counterparts (e.g. health
insurance, retirement plans), they can offer more flexibility
than many of the larger and more bureaucratic corporations.
Small business owners have discovered that flexible
scheduling is a relatively low cost benefit that helps them to
recruit and retain top-level talent.
Here are some tips for finding employment with small
businesses:
-
Networking
is the best way to find job leads.
Speak with friends, alumni groups, volunteer contacts and
business associates for leads.
-
Ask
your local Chamber of Commerce or small business advocacy group
for a membership directory and then contact target businesses
directly.
-
The
local newspapers often feature stories about “up and coming”
businesses. Go
online or to the library and do some research about local
companies.
-
Peruse
the classifieds to see who is hiring.
Even if a company doesn’t have a current opening in
your field of expertise, use the information in the ad as a way
to learn about small business employers in your area. Craigslist.com is an excellent source of part-time
classifieds.
This
above is a small sampling of the information and resources
contained in our special report FlexJobs:
Your Work, Your Life, Your Way!
Other
Flexible Work Opportunities
Sometimes
the best way to get a flexible work situation is to pursue
options outside of the “one-employer, one-paycheck model.”
While these options are not traditional “jobs” since
you will be paid as an independent contractor, they can provide
favorable working solutions for some moms.
Direct
Sales: Many women
want to work from home, but they don't want to create their own
companies. Direct Sales Companies provide infrastructure,
support and training -- thereby eliminating many of the
stumbling blocks involved with starting your own business.
And, if you think selling from home translates in mere "pin
money" think again. Direct selling is a $30 billion
dollar industry and many of the people sharing in that money are
women. To
learn more about this option, click here.
Franchises:
If
the thought of buying into a franchise conjures up an image of
yourself wearing a white hat and asking, “Would you like a
coffee with those donuts?” think again. The world of
franchising has expanded way beyond the highway fast-food chains
to include many businesses you can easily run on a flexible
basis from home.
Interested
in Creating a Flexible Work Schedule at Your Job?
Workoptions.com:
Fantastic resource to learn about the "how-tos" of
winning a flexible schedule at work.
Gil
Gordon Associates:
Great information about telecommuting. Gordon knows his
stuff!
Find
the latest statistics on flexible work arrangements:
Families
and Work Institute is a non-profit organization that
addresses the changing nature of work and family life.
Work
and Family Connection Home Page: Extensive
on-line resource - highly recommended!
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