In the past, jobs where everyone came into an office every weekday from 9 to 5 were the norm. That expectation changed slowly at first, then a lot more quickly during the pandemic, when many employers discovered that employees could be more effective and productive when they managed their own schedules.
Today, a flexible work schedule is one of the key ways companies are attracting and retaining top employees who prioritize work-life balance. What is a flexible work schedule? It’s more than breaking free from the 9-to-5 routine. It’s the flexibility to choose your own priorities, design your own schedule and control your own income.
Here, we cover four questions to ask yourself as you think about how much flexibility in the workplace you need. Be honest with yourself as you work through this list. There are no right or wrong answers. Some people need or want more flexibility, while others thrive in a workplace setting with more structure. If you’re unsure, talk to a trusted friend, colleague or mentor who knows you well.
1. How Much Structure Do You Need?
Some people thrive on doing the same tasks every day — or at least knowing exactly how their day is going to pan out. For them, there’s comfort in predictability. Others find such routine stifling. Tackling unexpected challenges and chasing new opportunities energizes them.
Consider where you fall on this spectrum. Most Farm Bureau agents say that no two days are the same on the job — and that’s one of the things they like the most. One day they might be examining a policy for gaps in coverage, the next they’re comforting a client when the unexpected happens, and that same evening they might be building community connections as they coach a youth baseball team.
2. Are You a Self-Starter?
Do you find it easier to attack daily tasks when surrounded by colleagues doing the same? Do you prefer having a supervisor who provides a clear set of to-dos that you can work through over the course of the day? Some people work better with these types of external expectations.
Others feel limited working for a boss. They look at that list of tasks and question why some are included and others are overlooked. They see opportunities for growth and improvement, and they wish they had the authority to act on them.
Farm Bureau agents motivate themselves and thrive when they’re working independently. They have entrepreneurial spirits. As owners of their own businesses, they love setting big goals for themselves and outlining the steps they need to achieve them.
3. How Does Your Job Fit With Your Lifestyle?
For some people, the 9-to-5 lifestyle is a good match. They like having full workdays with evenings and weekends free for their other activities.
But depending on your lifestyle, family obligations, personal commitments and other factors, having a job where you make your own schedule could make your day-to-day life easier. For example, let’s say you have kids who need to be dropped off and picked up from school. Having the freedom to take care of that during the day means you won’t have to find alternate childcare arrangements.
It’s not just parents who might work best in flexible jobs. Maybe you’re a marathoner or triathlete and you want to block out time for long training sessions. Maybe you need flexibility to volunteer for a cause that’s close to your heart. Maybe you live in a congested area and driving in rush-hour traffic adds unproductive hours to your week.
Farm Bureau agents have the power to set their own schedules, which means they have the flexibility to balance their work, family and life commitments in the ways that work best for them.
4. Do You Find a Fixed Salary Comforting or Constricting?
A lot of people find it reassuring to know exactly how much money is coming in every month. They can plan their expenses and budget around that amount, and work toward raises or promotions that can increase it over time.
Others prefer the challenge and opportunity that comes with being in charge of their own earnings. They are willing to face a little uncertainty in exchange for unlimited income potential. They trust their own abilities to build their business.
Flexibility and Support
Do your answers point toward a more flexible job? If so, reach out to us to learn more about becoming a Farm Bureau insurance agent, where you’ll have the flexibility you crave — and the support you need to be successful.