The demand for work-life balance has never been greater, and it’s about much more than just being able to work from home. These days, having work flexibility is a driving force for many job seekers and is a way for companies to recruit and retain top employees.
Flexible jobs give people control and freedom over when and where they work and are often adaptable to life changes. Flexible work can mean different things to different people, though, so it helps to break down the many types of flexible jobs and how each can benefit workers.
What Is a Flexible Job? Definition & Meaning
Flexible jobs are roles that include some type of work flexibility. Essentially, anything that isn’t a typical 9-to-5 office position can be considered a flexible job by definition. For example, flexible schedule jobs and flexible work-from-home jobs both offer flexibility but may have different schedule or location requirements.
These are the most common types of flexible jobs:
1. Flexible Remote Jobs
While a flexible remote job is any position that can be done remotely, there are different levels of remote work:
- Remote – Any Level
- 100% Remote
- Hybrid / Partial Remote Work
- Option for Remote Work
Depending on your specific situation and needs, you may be looking for a flexible work-from-home job that lets you work from home full-time or a hybrid remote job where you also travel or work from the office on certain days.
2. Flexible Part-Time Jobs
Jobs that offer part-time work schedules—generally defined as 30-34 hours per week or less—can also be considered flexible because they enable people to balance work with other jobs or outside responsibilities. Many companies hire for part-time, remote jobs, giving job seekers a double dose of flexibility.
3. Flexible Schedule Jobs
Flexible schedule jobs involve a type of work schedule that allows workers to set their own hours. Whether that means varying your stop and start times, working a split shift, or spreading your hours out throughout the day to work around other commitments, a flex schedule is a much sought-after flexible work option.
4. Alternative Schedule Jobs
If you’re working an alternative schedule, your work hours are outside of normal business hours (working in the early morning, or working from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., for example). Working an alternative schedule on nights and weekends gives you the flexibility to care for your children, work around other jobs, or go to school during your non-work time.
5. Freelance Jobs
Freelance jobs working for one or more clients as a self-employed contractor usually combine several of the above flexible work options. Because you’re working for yourself, you get to choose when, where, and how you work. Now, that’s flexibility! Because they benefit employers too, remote freelance job opportunities are on the rise.
6. Temporary Jobs
Temporary or seasonal jobs are positions that are generally short-term and have a definitive end date. Many people enjoy temporary work because it gives them the flexibility to earn supplemental income, test out new careers, and bridge the gap between jobs—all without having to commit to a long-term position.
The Demand for Jobs with Flexible Hours
Year after year, thousands of respondents to FlexJobs’ annual work flexibility surveys say they seek flexible work to improve work-life balance, spend more time with family, and eliminate commuting stress.
In a 2022 Career Pulse Survey, 63% of 4,000 professionals polled shared that they would choose flexible work options and work-life balance over a higher salary. Additionally, 87% of respondents stated that hybrid and remote jobs would improve or have already improved their work-life balance.
Using FlexJobs to Find Flexible Jobs
Although it may look different from person to person, a flexible job, by definition, gives people the flexibility and space they need to find a harmonious balance between their work and home lives.
