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When you land a new job, you understandably will be focused on negotiating the pay so that you can live comfortably.

While you may want to negotiate the pay so that your compensation is as attractive as reasonably possible, there are some other benefits associated with your job that can help you live a more comfortable life and maintain a great work life balance.

A flexible work schedule

Some jobs have a rigid nine-to-five job structure with minimum ability to take time off for a personal day or to work from home when the kids get sick. There are many reasons why you may not be able to work the full shift at work on some days, and it can stress you out when you really need to be somewhere else but are stuck at work instead. Negotiating the ability to have flexible work hours and to work from home on some days of the week can help you to achieve a better balance between your work and home life.

Continuing education

Another benefit that has financial value to you is the ability to take continuing education courses. This may include continuing education online or in person. The online training or in-person course training may help you to qualify for promotions in your field or may make it easier to qualify for a new job in the future. Because of this, while an agent representative course online or in person may have limited impact on your immediate financial situation, it may help you to increase earning power in the future.

A wardrobe stipend

If your job requires you to wear a certain type of clothing to work, it is reasonable to request a wardrobe stipend. This may be to pay for required dress pants, work shoes or something else. The stipend should be reasonable enough to keep your work wardrobe updated every few months as needed.

Paid transportation expenses

There are a few reasons why you may request a paid transportation stipend with your compensation. You may live far from your work location, and it may be cost prohibitive for you to drive back and forth to work every day. When your skills are in high demand, your employer may agree on paying a portion of your travel expenses on a regular basis. Another reason why you may ask for a transportation stipend is if you will be travelling for work. This may include off-site meetings, sales presentations, client visits, deliveries and more. The expenses that you will incur will be for petrol, vehicle maintenance and wear and tear on your car, so your employer reasonably should compensate you for business miles driven.

Your work benefits can impact your stress level on any given day as well as your personal finances and the amount of free time that you have. When you are accepting a new position at a great company, think about the benefits that you need to achieve a great work life balance. In addition, think about benefits, such as online training, which may help you to improve your skill set for future job advancements.

Negotiate the benefits that you feel are reasonable for your position and for your circumstances.

Have you successfully negotiated a more flexible workplace? Please share in the comments below.

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  • I have just recently negotiated a better work life balance with my work as my daughter has started full time school this year and i want to be able to spend a couple of afternoons with her once i collect her.

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  • My job is what it is. The hours are what they are and couldnt be changed as I work with special needs children and help get them to and from school.

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  • be worth the negotiation! know what you bring to the table and know your worth! keep your ego in check also

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  • A good article to think about negotiations which l have not before!

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  • Yes I too have found hours that suit me.

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  • I have never really negotiated for his this before.

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  • I have negotiated before and it worked but I had to leave anyway

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  • I think it all depends on the business. I’ve worked in retail for years but of all the places I’ve worked there as been very little flexibility from my employers, while my hubby’s firm was really flexible about him going back into studying and allowed him to work 2 days less a week. We lost out on the money but to have such a happier less stressful husband was a much better reward.

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  • My flexible workplace has been created with my best friend who runs her own home office/business that I contract to 3 days a week. We don’t have anything formal, just an understanding that my family/son comes first. She doesn’t question medical appointments, school meetings/activities, etc. It just works and it has been a great gig for me to have for the past 10 years.

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  • Negotiation is hard to do – especially in tough times when there are fewer jobs. Good on those who can manage it.


    • It does depend on the employer and on negotiating skills.

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  • i think employers are being more flexible as time goes on.

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  • I am lucky enough to have a flexible working arrangement but I still find work creeping into my non work days. My tip is to be clear on the arrangement with others and set boundaries and stick within them.

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  • It does depend on public or private work and the size of a business. Interesting article to contemplate.

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  • I found a job that I can work the hours that suit me

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  • Normally the only way employers will pay for transport is if they send you from one place to another with your employment. Usual system seems to be If you are using your car they will pay an allowance per km. If they are paying you less than the Taxation Dept would give a taxation deduction you could try to claim the difference. One lay I know gets an allowance the same as she would from ATO. However if your employer shows it on your Group Certificate and you have to declare it as income I would still claim back what allowance you can.

    Reply

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