Flexible Work

I never thought I’d return to a W2 job unless I had to. But here I am, by choice, and it’s pretty awesome.

That’s because work has never been as flexible as it is right now. I remember a buddy of mine getting an engineering job with Lockheed Martin more than 20 years ago and how much I envied his “flex-time” schedule that allowed him to work any combination of hours as long as it added up to 40 at the end of the week. Today, I have a similar arrangement. The difference is there are no hourly requirements and we have “unlimited” paid time off (which I admit sounds like a marketing ploy to recruit employees, but is legitimately honored and exercised around here). I know many other folks are finding themselves with the same deal, at least in the web industry.

The thing is, I started independent contracting partly to gain the freedom I have now. You still have to work a lot (perhaps more than the average bear) as a freelancer. But I had the flexibility to do that work when and how I wanted. It’s funny how I have that in a “full-time” gig now, plus the guarantee of a salary. I never had that last part before and it’s a difference maker as far as security goes.

I guess my point is that I’m stoked that what I was able to enjoy for the last 10 or so years is now fairly mainstream and available to everyone else. The remote work movement has opened up new opportunities for so many people, and what people are doing with those opportunities is neat, from moving to more affordable locations, to taking up new hobbies with all the spare time they now have. And lots of stuff in between.

But just as self-employment ain’t for everyone, so too is working from home. I’ve had lots of time to acclimate and I know I’m cut out for it, and even excel at work because of it. I know others are having to adjust and it can be a bumpy transition. And in some cases, you may just realize that a traditional in-house job is what fits you best.