““Whenever I walk through the door at home I am out of the office, then when I walk through the door at work I am 100% at work…This is easy as long as you are not addicted to your smartphone!””
9-2-3 are looking into just why flexibility in the workplace (and your career) is a priority for every working age & generation. #generationflex
Q - Let’s get started, it would be great to get a little around your background and your current situation Fiona.
A - Originally a physicist, I worked for 15 years in technology development. I then worked for a similar time at The Phone Co-op, a telecoms co-operative, as a Project Manager. Then a small business, my role grew with the business to Head of Products and Systems. I stepped down recently to pursue other opportunities.
In my spare time I am a volunteer scuba diver for the Seasearch project carrying out marine life surveys for conservation and a keen gardener with an allotment. In October I was elected to the Board of Midcounties Co-operative and serve as a Non-executive Director which is a part time role and keeps me involved in co-operatives, a business model I believe in.”
Q - Why it is that you're looking for flexibility in a forthcoming role?
A – I’m looking for flexibility not only so that I have more time to carry out my role as a non-executive director, but also to pursue my other interests.
Q - What kind of importance would you place on having flexibility - would it trump salary for instance?
A – I’ve worked very hard in my past roles and know the importance of a good work-life balance, not only for my own sanity and to spend time with family, but also because it can be so much more fulfilling not to focus on one pursuit. A purposeful occupation with work-life balance is more important to me than high financial reward.
Q - Are there any challenges that you're facing finding the right kind of flex in a working role?
A - I have just started my search, so I’m hopeful that I’ll find a good role! However, it will depend a lot on the flexibility of the employers. I bring plenty of experience to the table, so I can be really efficient and effective which means I don’t need to be in five days a week. I hope employers can recognise that.
Q - Do you have any tips or advice for integrating work and life (i.e. boundaries that you have put into place in the past with working roles)?
A - Whenever I walk through the door at home I am out of office, then when I walk through the door at work I am 100% at work.
This is easy - as long as you are not addicted to your smartphone! I believe it makes you more efficient, healthy and helps you gain more out of life. Of course, there are times when travel or other work events might demand more time but that can be managed. I’ve also worked regularly from home, and believe it is still possible to create these boundaries.
Q - Are there any tips which you've picked up since looking for work (i.e., additional learning to add to your CV, creating a LinkedIn profile etc).
A - As I'm just at the beginning of my search, I don't have any tips yet. However, I have put some time and thought into my LinkedIn profile, gained some recommendations and approached like-minded recruitment agencies like 923!
Q - Do you feel that flexibility is desirable, no matter the working-age/generation?
A - As long as someone doesn't sacrifice their pension arrangements which are so important, then, depending on the profession, it can be achieved at any stage in life. I do have the advantage that I can afford to work less hours and have many years of pension payments behind me.