Flex Jobs: A Great Option for Working Through (or Post) Treatment
Flexible jobs are not the “special case” arrangements they once were. In fact, in a recent article in U.S. News & World Report, writer Arnie Fertig cites a 2014 study by the Families and Work Institute that claims “67% of employers allow some of their employees to work from home on an occasional basis.” That’s good news for anyone living with cancer.
Many people who ideally want to work through treatment ultimately find that putting in a full, 40-hour week on-site at their job is tough. Trying to weather side effects such as fatigue, nausea or chemo brain in an office — or, for that matter, any type of semi-public or public environment — can be challenging. The commute itself can become energy depleting in a way that it wasn’t before.
The same goes for someone who has taken time off for treatment or surgery. Transitioning back into the work world is a big shift – even if it’s something you’ve set your sights on. So it helps to take it slow, ease into the routine, and be realistic about how many hours you can put in on a daily or weekly basis.
For both scenarios, a flexible job can prove to be the ideal arrangement. And since it has become increasingly common across various sectors, it’s possible that even if your employer doesn’t lay it out as a formal option, they’d be willing to consider it.
That said, if you’re looking to find a flexible job with a new employer, you want to be careful. As Fertig points out: “This is a part of the job market that is fraught with dangerous scams that rob unsuspecting individuals of their identities, money or both.” His article offers helpful advice on what to look for — and what to avoid.
For additional information on flexible work options and job-hunting post treatment, check out the following Cancer and Careers articles: