FlexJobs promises to be the be-all-end-all of flexible work arrangements. As someone who works a full time job, and freelances on the side, I hoped it would be the perfect place for me to find flexible arrangements that were long lasting. This would cut out the time I spend applying for random freelance writing jobs, so I could spend more time focusing on my second book and my various blogs. So, after reading the killer reviews and seeing everyone’s great success, I decided to fork over the 30 or so dollars and sign up for FlexJobs.
What Others Say About FlexJobs
I have to let you know that it’s taken me a little bit of time to decide to actually write this post. Not because I was angry or anything with my experience, but because I wasn’t sure how I felt. I had read review after review of people saying that FlexJobs was the best thing they ever did, and I was hoping to have the same rave reviews. There are a tonne of bloggers that absolutely swear by FlexJobs for getting additional income and I totally see how they do it.
You Have to Be Patient with FlexJobs
I gave myself a three month trial of FlexJobs so I could see what the hype was about. The thing is with any job search timing is key. I have a wide skill set, but also focus (obviously) on media and communications. I wanted something part time that was long lasting. However, there were ALL types of jobs on there, and the worst part was sifting through the ones that I didn’t stand a chance for. This meant that most days I went on there and there was zero things that I wanted to apply for, but that’s how it is when you are looking for extra work!
Knowing Your Niche Skill Set is KEY on FlexJobs
When you sign up for FlexJobs, you need to know what type of position you are looking for and you don’t need to be in a traditionally freelance/flexible role either. Everyone can honestly join FlexJobs because they are looking for all sorts of people in all sorts of positions. This is one of the best things about FlexJobs, there is something for everyone!
Are the Jobs on FlexJobs Unique?
This was one of my biggest questions and albeit concerns when I decided to give FlexJobs a go! I wanted to know if I was going to find jobs on FlexJobs that weren’t available anywhere else. I was hoping for the fee I was paying that I would have a leg up on the competition. Now, maybe it was because of my niche, or maybe it was the timing again, but every single job I applied for on FlexJobs took me to the external site that just as easily could have been found through indeed or any other job board. This, honestly, was my biggest disappointment with FlexJobs.
Did I Get Any Positions Through FlexJobs?
Sadly, despite what I consider my best effort, I did not get any positions through FlexJobs. I was asked to write a single sample, but never heard back. That was from one posting. I know how difficult the freelance writing industry is, and I feel like I tried my best.
Is FlexJobs Worth the Money?
YES! I think that it is a different platform that lets you see what is out there. I definitely tell everyone to try at least 3 months because you might get lucky. The biggest lesson that I took away from my 3 months on FlexJobs, was how to search for jobs, and how to find the stuff I was looking for in different places. Though I’m still trying to nail down this part-time side business thing, I think FlexJobs was a great experience!
