Flexible work schedule arrangement: asking works!
     
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Home > Where Are You? > I'm Afraid to Ask
 
How to Build Your Confidence to ASK

Do you know why most people don't get the flexible work schedule they want? Right—they don't ask.

What holds them back? They're afraid. Or at least nervous.

Is that you, too? Maybe you're stalling because you're nervous about asking your manager for a flexible work arrangement. Well, that's natural and expected—like asking for a raise. Who wouldn't be nervous?

But please don't let it paralyze you. You have to ask because nothing will come of your desire for a more balanced life until you do. The good news? Asking works! Even with tough-sell bosses.

I regularly hear from career professionals who say they do well on the job, but when it comes to making the flexible work request, their confidence wanes.

So it's common—and it's conquerable! Confidence comes with preparation. So be prepared (see below), then move beyond the fear. You'll be thrilled to discover that asking does work!

There's a right way to ask

If asking is the door that leads to getting the time and flexibility you want, then the Flex Success Proposal Template is the PREPARATION KEY that opens the door with confidence. I've seen it happen over and over and over.

Here's how other nervous-to-ask people got a flexible work arrangement (excerpts from my files)

I did a search in my Eudora email program of archived Flex Success testimonials that contained the words nervous, courage, confident and confidence.

The result was a very l-o-n-g list of entries. Here are just eight examples from my gave-permission-to-post folder.

I work in a very large company and reduced work weeks are not part of our world. I was so nervous, but I knew that with the support and backup I got from your [Flex Success] template, I was completely prepared for whatever they would ask me. And I was. They were so impressed; I received several compliments on the proposal.

I am now [working] three days a week and I am loving it. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You gave me the tools I needed, the
confidence to present it, and now I have a balanced personal and professional life. Tina Hinzman, Senior Work Process Tools Trainer, Ellicott City, MD
 


I received many positive comments and compliments [from my managers] on the thoroughness and overall organization of my written proposal...Using the [Flex Success] blueprint as a guide...gave me confidence and peace of mind that I would not have had otherwise. Mary Beth McCarthy, Head of Corporate Communications, Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, Inc., Champaign and Chicago, Illinois

I am walking on air and still can't believe my dream has come true! I truly couldn't have made a better impression without the help of Flex Success. [It] gave me the tools I needed to pursue this alternative work arrangement with confidence. Thank you...Shannon Bryant, Healthcare Analyst, Chesterfield, MO

Note: You can read Shannon's success story as featured in the The Wall Street Journal (new browser window opens).
 

   


I am starting a part-time business on the side, but wanted to keep my day job (and the salary that goes with it). My proposal to cut my hours from 9-5 to 11-4 was a great success! The Part-time Flex Success proposal template provided me with everything I needed to create a great proposal, one my bosses couldn't refuse! I really feel it was the best $30 I've spent in the last year. Your proposal gave me the confidence to ask for a lot AND the ammunition to get it. Thank you. Jill Giese, Account Executive (marketing/communications), Boise, ID

...a lot of the women I work with are happy to see the flexibility my company allows and I am so glad I was brave enough to be the first one to ask for it. I know I would never have had the courage if I had not had your [Flex Success] template to encourage me! The best money I have ever spent! Rebecca Jami, Production Manager,  (graphics and printing for lobbying firm), Alexandria VA
 

  

 

My proposal...was completely accepted and approved within two weeks...The [Flex Success] proposal was so professional, detailed, and well-written that no one even asked any questions!  I could never have put together such a comprehensive and polished proposal without [it].
 
My only regret is that I did not ask for more!  But now that I have the proper tool, I would feel confident if I needed to further restructure my position.  I thank you and so do my husband and my 3 children. Sanity has been restored to our lives!
 
Feel free to post any of my comments on your website. Your [Flex Success] program deserves rave reviews!  And thank you again for enabling us all to take control of our lives and careers. Caren Helms, Engineer, Standards Department, Underwriters Laboratories, Raleigh, NC

I have been commuting from Hamilton, Ontario to Toronto for a year and a half, which takes two hours each way—a total of 4 hours per day! Now that I can work from home three days a week, I'm saving 12 hours of commuting time a week, plus I cut my commuting expenses in half.  I feel like I have my life back. Flex Success gave me the confidence to ask my boss to work from home and I think the professional appearance of the proposal went a long way in getting it approved. Thank you! Andrea Pond, Electronic Copy Editor, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada


Now I'm asking: for less than the cost of this month's cell phone bill, don't you want to enjoy similar results? Order Flex Success today so you can have your proposal done by tomorrow.

Will YOUR manager say “yes”? Take the quiz...

 

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