What type of work suits me?
Figuring out what type of work suits your needs can help you feel better able to manage your mental health while working. When deciding what sort of work would suit you, you might want to think about:
- how many hours you can work – do you have other commitments that take up your time?
- when you can work them – do you need time during the day to go to appointments, or evenings free for child care?
- where you work – how long do you want to commute?
- who you work with – do you prefer to work on your own, or with other people?
“I find it useful to create spaces in the day when I can stop, reflect and address some of the difficulties in the day.”
Flexible working
With flexible working, you work a set number of hours (possibly full or part-time) but have greater control over when you work. You may have to be in work for certain ‘core hours’ (for example, 10am to 4pm) but can vary the times you start and finish work outside of these hours.
Possible advantages of flexible working | Possible disadvantages of flexible working |
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It is worth asking your employer if they are able to facilitate flexible working hours.
“[My employer] gives me the chance to [do a] more flexible working hour schedule, as long as the work is done.”
Part-time work
Part-time work is where you work fewer hours a day or fewer days a week.
Possible advantages of part-time working | Possible disadvantages of part-time working |
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Shift work
Shift work takes place on a schedule outside the traditional nine to five day. It can involve working evenings, nights, mornings and weekends.
Possible advantages of shift work | Possible disadvantages of shift work |
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Casual work
Casual work (or zero-hour contracts) is where you can choose whether to work the hours that are available to you.
Possible advantages of casual work | Possible disadvantages of casual work |
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Remote working
Remote working is where you can do some or all of your work from home or anywhere else other than the normal workplace.
Possible advantages of working from home | Possible disadvantages of working from home |
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Self-employed
Being self-employed or freelancing involves working for yourself.
Possible advantages of self-employment | Possible disadvantages of self-employment |
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