[nabentre] Flex-Time & Contract Work Are Very Accommodating

[William Burley]

Flex-Time & Contract Work Are Very Accommodating



By Guest Blogger Paula Reuben Vieillet, President and Founder, Employment Options, Inc.

Not every person with a disability or health issue can be accommodated in the traditional workplace or handle regular or consistent hours.  For these individuals, “flex-time” work or “contract work” might be the best option.

What does flex-time mean?  There are certain industries that have seasonal or contract work, meaning their staff needs ebb and flow.  Flex time enables people to work in patches rather than year round.  This approach enables people to schedule surgeries, make appointments and take care of other needs during the off-season.

Below are some examples of industries that offer this kind of work:

Accounting (or) income tax firms often need increased personnel during tax preparation times.  Many of these firms even offer paid training.

Health care industries, such as hospitals, drugstore clinics and doctor’s offices, can be especially busy during flu season, camp/school physical time and tourist season.

School employees have summers off and regular holidays during the school year, giving them more flexibility for personal appointments. 

Retail businesses and carpet cleaners are busier before holidays and often hire extra personnel to cover hectic times of the year.

Employment and human resource agencies are often busier at the beginning of the year.

Delivery companies are typically busier during holidays and often need extra help at that time.

Call Centers almost always hire extra people for major holidays, including Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. Ramping up for the holiday shopping season, there is also an increased demand for people in August and September.

Another approach to working when you have a disability or other challenge is to do contract jobs that must be performed by a certain time, but are not limited by preset schedules.  You choose when to work by accepting assignments from companies.

Consider these examples:

Mystery Shoppers – A typical assignment you might receive would be to eat out at a restaurant and then, document specific information that the employer would like to know. For example, how long did it take to be greeted? How was the quality of service and food?

Food Demonstrators – Grocery stores often hire extra people during the holidays and weekends to market specific food items to shoppers through taste tests.

Sporting Arenas, Fairgrounds, Special Events – These venues often hire extra help during events. Some jobs include ticket takers, security, concessions and parking lot attendants.

Survey Takers – Media and marketing firms will hire people to gather information about their products or services.

Inventory Specialists – Large merchants will hire or subcontract to companies who come in and physically count all the items in the stores.

Whether you work in a seasonal industry or do contract work, flex-time is a good way to create income and still take care of your medical and personal needs. It is also a good way to test your stamina in the workforce, experience different kinds of jobs and discover what work really suits you. This can be invaluable both personally and professionally!

Paula Reuben Vieillet is the president and founder of Employment Options, Inc., a certified Social Security Administration (SSA) Employment Network in the Ticket to Work Program. She is a frequent consultant to SSA on the Ticket to Work Program and is on the Board of Directors of the National Employment Network Association. Her company assists Ticket to Work Program participants in 48 states and has a loyal following of employers who consistently put aside job openings for her clients because they have been well screened for each job description. This article contains excerpts from Employment Options: The Ultimate Resource for Job Seekers with Disabilities and Other Challenges, which is a culmination of her 20 years of experience as a licensed rehabilitation counselor.

If you have questions about the company or their resources, visit the Employment Options Facebook page or email Lori Adler at ladler at myemploymentoptions.com.

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Will Burley
Burley-Wilson & Associates
Main: 888-494-0031
Direct: 832-529-3243
Web:www.burley-wilson.com

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