What Is Flexible Work?

What is flexible work? From remote jobs to contracts, the way we work is changing fast. Flexible work is rising in popularity and the opportunities to set your own schedule are growing fast.

Flexible work is any paid employment that doesn’t have fixed hours. Flexible work is often called a gig or gig job.

This type of employment can be temporary, seasonal or long-lasting. In other words, with flexible jobs you work when you want and make a schedule that's convenient for you.

Flexible work can be contract or gig work, including delivery services like UberEats and driving services like Lyft. But opportunities are available in many fields, including landscaping, bars and restaurants, plumbing, healthcare, graphic design, family and senior services, and caregiving.

For example, companion caregivers for Papa are gig workers who choose when and how often they work. Companion caregivers with Papa enjoy setting their own schedules, as well as the opportunity to do meaningful work that gives back to their community. 

Flexible work has many benefits, starting with the ability to choose when and how often you work. It’s a great option for anyone who is balancing other commitments. For instance, parents might look for jobs between 9 am and 3 pm so they can work while the kids are in school. Likewise, retired and semi-retired people might work on specific days so they don’t miss out on other activities. Lastly, the ability to boost your income — and do it quickly — is what draws many people to gig work.

Besides flexibility and earning extra income, gig jobs offer a lot of variety. Companion caregivers with Papa, called Papa Pals, enjoy meeting new people, making real human connections, and doing something different every day.

Some gig jobs can also help you get work experience. For example, working as a companion caregiver helps you to learn skills that could lead to working in healthcare, community nonprofits, and senior and family services.

It might surprise you to learn that many gigs are in even greater demand in smaller towns and rural areas. For example, Papa Pal companion caregivers are in demand in communities large and small, from Arizona to Arkansas and from Washington to Wisconsin. Click here to see if Papa is hiring in your area.

While gig jobs can be found in almost every corner of the country, not all gigs are in all towns. For example, driving services aren’t yet available in some areas. The same goes for other gigs including TaskRabbit (personal services) and DoorDash (food delivery).

Chances are, some gig jobs won't be available in your area. But things change fast and many companies are expanding. Be sure to check if the gig of your choice is coming to your neighborhood.

You know the type of work you like most, so start looking for opportunities that you will really enjoy. Then, decide if you want a job that gets you out into your community. If connecting with others is important to you, look for opportunities to make real human connections.

Next, check to see if the hours are convenient for your lifestyle. For example, some gig jobs are weekends-only, which won’t work for parents who want to work while the kids are in school.

Then, think about how a gig job can help you learn new skills. For instance, by working as a companion caregiver you can gain valuable experience in several fields, including health care.

If companionship caregiving sounds like the right flexible job for you, get started today and complete an application online. You can apply to be a Papa Pal in your community and start working in your community in about 1 to 2 weeks.

Click here to learn more and apply to be a Papa Pal.

Today, the opportunity to get a rewarding flexible job has never been greater. It's a great time to search for a job that offers the flexible scheduling you need, as well as opportunities to gain new skills while boosting your income.