Flexible work schedules are different than the common 9-to-5 workday that many people are accustomed to. With a flexible schedule, you have the ability to vary your hours as long as you work the required time set forth by your company. This type of working schedule has pros and cons.
Off Days
A compressed workweek is a flexible work schedule where you work long hours for several days and then take one to two days off. For example, you can work four 10-hour days and then get one day off, or you can work three 12-hour days and get two days off. This gives you the advantage of having longer weekends to do recreational activities such as traveling. The only downside to this is that your days are longer and can be tiring.
Location
Depending on how you and your boss set up your flexible schedule, you might have the opportunity to work part of your week at home. This can be convenient but also be a disadvantage. You run the risk of getting involved in other activities that can distract you and do not pertain to your job duties.
Commuting
Unless you are within walking distance from your job, you need to pay some form of commuting expense every day to get to and from work. If you do not have to go into the office as often, or if you work at home for part of the week, you can save money on gas and transportation fees. This will also help the environment by cutting down on emissions.
Child Care
Oftentimes when you work a regular schedule, you need to make arrangements for your children to be transported to or picked up from school or to be taken care of in general. When you have a flexible schedule, you can take care of these duties yourself.
Rotating Shifts
Shift work is characterized by alternating between daytime and nighttime hours. If you are a couple and have young children, this can give you the chance to always have someone watching the child. But this type of schedule can pose problems for your body's natural tendencies. For example, you can develop sleeping problems, intestinal problems, and your social life can be affected.
Stress
Getting to and from work can be a challenge, especially when you live in a big city. If you have a flexible schedule and you can come and go during nonpeak rush hours, you will have less stress.
Activities
Flexible work schedules can make it easier to partake in activities. For example, if you belong to a recreational sports team, you can adjust your schedule to accommodate the times of your games. A flexible schedule also makes it easier to take care of personal matters such as car repairs, shopping, and trips to the bank or post office.
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