In response to today's shocking ESRI unemployment predictions as outlined in all of today's media, Flexitimers would like to cheer up professionals that although this is alarming, it certainly does not mean there is no "work" out there. There has been a growing trend towards portfolio careers / project work by employers reticient to hire full time staff. However, this just means that we need to think outside the box and move the focus from full time permanent work towards generating multiple income streams. Flexitimers facilitates both professionals and companies to connect to support this potential.

We've been busy and made huge improvements to your Profile Page on Flexitimers. You can now upload a lot more information about yourself for employers to see. For example you can now

1. Upload a photo / image
2. Add a link to your website/blog
3. Upload your CV / Company Profile / Brief Portfolio.

Changes you should note:

1. Users will now login using a username. You can still log in using your email address and then create a username by clicking on 'Edit My Details' in My Account.
2. All email addresses must be verified. You will be sent a verification code.
3. Your Profile will not be matched to projects unless you have completed the 'Types of Projects' and 'Work I've done' sections.

Labels: Flexitimers, FlexiTips

Yes indeed. The market has changed so Flexitimers has moved with the market to reflect the decline in jobs and growth of portfolio and project work.

HOW?
Many of the categories have changed and some have been removed to focus on the business skills in demand namely Sales and Marketing, IT and Multimedia Design, Consultancy, Training Financial, Legal and Admin services to start-up and established businesses.

WHAT IF MY CATEGORY HAS BEEN REMOVED?
If your category has been removed, you can still be listed under other categories such as Business/Consulting Services using your 'MiniBio' to highlight your expertise. Remember, your skills are not just in your discipline.

WHEN? This weekend so log on and improve your profile and double check you're listed according to your skill set.

Labels: Flexitimers, FlexiTips

Flexitimers featured in an article in the Sunday Times yesterday about the growing trend towards portfolio careers i.e. people working on several projects at the same time rather than a full time position with just one company. And the trend is growing hence the new term 'giganomics' where 'professionals rely on series of 'gigs' to make a living'. The concept is not brand new as management guru Charles Handy wrote about this almost 20 years ago. In fact, one of his books The Elephant and the Flea, was a huge inspiration to us when setting up Flexitimers. We believe the focus will be on Income rather jobs, because realistically those full time permanent positions are in short supplya and today more than ever we need to think and work outside the box to keep a career alive, so start buidling that portfolio career as it may be the only option for the short term.

Labels: flexible work, Flexitimers, jobs, Media Coverage, part-time work, smart work, work life balance

If you've been recently made redundant well then this case study I wrote for the Irish Internet Association might cheer you up. It's a story about a fellow marketer called Karina Heavey who was made redundant in January this year but instead of sitting back waiting for the recession to go away, she got proactive and got seriously engaged in social media. Although an experienced marketer, she'd no experience or expertise in social networks but with some extra time and a lot of drive, she turned that around. The story has a happy ending too. Go on, get active, get online and create your own luck too.

Labels: IIA SMWG, jobs, Recession, Redundancy, social media, social networking

Got this really nice mail from one of our professionals tonight don't worry we asked her permission to republish.

I just wanted to say a big thank you! It's hard enough finding a non-full time, flexible position in IT in the best of times, let alone in a recession. So I was delighted that you sent me an opportunity which has now resulted in a job offer (from KRO IT in Galway). Perhaps the recession is encouraging people to think laterally, and get professional, experienced people, but not full time. Yours is a terrific resource and I will spread the word!

Well Caroline, we wish you the very best of luck and we're always happy to hear and publish Flexitimers success stories. Thanks and congratulations on the new job.

Labels: contracting, flexible work, Flexitimers, jobs, Recession

Came across a report titled 'Working 5 to 9' published by Enterprise Nation in the UK and it presents some very interesting findings for anyone feeling the pinch these days. Highlights include:
Over 5 million people are earning some form of income from home
Peak hours for accessing the web are from 5 to 11 pm
Over 1/3 of registrations a freelance sites are from 5-9ers
Home based businesses such as ebay sellers are on the serious up

The guide provides tips and anecdotes for anyone thinking of taking the leap and starting a home based business. And the really good news is that almost 3/4 of respondents are considering leaving their full-time/part-time jobs to focus on their business, that's a pretty good sign. So go on, take the leap and download the guide and see where it takes you.

Labels: flexible work, jobs, part-time work, self-employed, smart work