Different ways of working
There are lots of different ways in which we can work today; we may choose a type of job because it allows us to work in a way which suits our lifestyle or commitments. Sometimes it's worth being open-minded - a temporary or short-term contract may give you the experience you need to get a foot on the ladder to your dream job.
Different ways of working
- Flexible working - not working to set hours every day such as 9-5.
- Hybrid working - where you may be working partly from an office and partly from home.
- Temporary or fixed-term contracts - often used by employers as a way of filling short-term job openings
- Zero or low hours contracts - sometimes employers need flexibility from employees. A zero hours contract might mean you don't know how many hours you will work from week to week.
- 'Gig' or platform work - instead of a regular wage you get paid for the "gigs" you do, such as a food delivery or a car journey (for companies such as Deliveroo and Uber). You can fit the work around other commitments and priorities but there is no guarantee of work when you need or want it.
- Freelance and consultancy work - specialists are brought in to a business only when they're needed.
- Shift work - people who work in factories, hospitals or hotels often work shifts as they're needed through the night or early in the morning.
- Part-time work - some people choose to only work part of a week, for example if they're also studying, but some jobs aren't available as full-time posts.
- Remote working - new technologies mean you don't have to go to your workplace to do your work - you can work from practically anywhere these days!
- Portfolio career - some people have more than one interest or set of skills. Rather than having one full-time job, they do several different part-time jobs at the same time which might include freelancing.
- Running your own business - nearly two thirds of young people like the idea of running their own business. You can work for yourself in lots of careers, for example, construction, hair and beauty, finance, hotels and catering. Or you might just have a brilliant idea you want to sell!
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Remote working
Technology isn't just changing the types of jobs on offer - it's changing the ways in which we work too. More people are working from home or away from the office now than before the Covid-19 pandemic thanks to platforms, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, which allow us to collaborate more easily and cheaply.
Which types of jobs?
Working remotely is more likely to be an option if you’re in an office-based role or if part of your work is done on a computer. Jobs which involve face-to-face, production or outdoor work are less likely to involve remote working. Working from home can have its advantages,but there can be downsides too. Some people miss the company of work colleagues, others prefer their work and home lives to be more separate; it can also take a little longer to get used to a new job or team.
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Self-employment
Did you know around 60,000 people in Norfolk are self-employed?
Sectors such as construction and the creative industries have high levels of self-employment, with experienced people running their own businesses and doing freelance work; people who work as consultants or project managers can also work for themselves.
Those with an entrepreneurial streak may choose to set up their own business, especially with digital platforms and social media making this easier. It can be a steep learning curve, but there's lots of support out there.
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