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Stop Chasing Ghost Jobs. This Is How Dads Are Landing Flexible Work.

Issue 4

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Landing Flexible Jobs in a Noisy Market

Inside this issue

  • How to find flex jobs now
  • What to Do First: A starter plan for your job search
  • Time to Sprint: Apply to 2 jobs
  • Your Move: Best platform
  • The Last Laugh: Bring a ladder
  • But before we get to all that, here’s what’s…

On My Mind

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If job searching seemed complicated before, the economic picture in 2025 has definitely made things tougher. Costs are rising, markets remain unpredictable, and news of layoffs in many industries feels constant. For those of us returning to work after time as a stay-at-home parent or a career gap, the need to find flexible, reliable work feels more urgent than ever. Flexibility is not just a nice-to-have. It is essential for keeping both family and finances on track. The challenge is that today’s job market can feel overwhelming with its endless platforms, new scams, and a hiring landscape that keeps shifting.

Still, challenging economies can also spark creativity and determination. You are bringing more to the table than you may realize. The skills, resilience, and creativity you gained during your gap are exactly what prepares you for this next step. In the next section, we’ll focus on practical strategies to help you filter out the noise and find flexible roles that truly fit, even when times are uncertain.

​

How to Find Flex Jobs Now

Why it Works

Flexible work is no longer rare or reserved for just a handful of companies. In 2025, flexible roles are out there (remote, hybrid, part-time, contract), but searching for them takes intention and strategy.

Five Steps to an Effective Flex Job Search

Step 1: Define “Flexible”

Decide what flexibility means for you. Is it remote, part-time, adjustable hours, or something else? The clearer you are, the faster you can filter.

Step 2: Focus on Specialized Job Sites

Use job boards dedicated to flexible or remote work to save time and avoid scams. Examples include FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and Working Nomads.

Step 3: Check Company Career Pages

If you have a dream employer, go directly to their website for listings that may not appear anywhere else.

Step 4: Use LinkedIn for Targeted Searches

Search for jobs using keywords like “remote,” “flexible,” or “hybrid.” Create job alerts so you see new roles as soon as they are posted.

Step 5: Vet Every Posting

If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Prioritize verified sources and established sites to avoid scams.

Modern Job Board List

Top sites for flex, remote, or part-time work in 2025:

  • FlexJobs — Excellent vetting, subscription-based access
  • We Work Remotely — Especially strong for tech, digital ops, and admin
  • Remote.co — Curated roles with a wide range of professions
  • Working Nomads — Great sorting options for contract or flexible work
  • LinkedIn Jobs — Use search filters for flexible and remote work
  • Direct company career pages — Examples include GitLab, Dell, and American Express for remote-first roles

What to Do First

Feeling overwhelmed? Cut through the noise with these essentials:

Set alerts sooner, not later.

Pick two trusted job boards. Set alerts for your desired roles and keywords like “remote,” “flexible,” and “hybrid.” New listings come to you.

Log your search.

Keep a quick list on your phone or in a spreadsheet. Track jobs you apply for, the date, and any follow-up. Update it as you go.

Customize your applications.

Do not send the same resume and cover letter every time. Change your summary, highlight relevant skills, or tweak one line in your cover note to match each job.

Reach out after applying.

Message a recruiter or a company connection with a quick note. Even a simple, “Just applied and excited about your team” helps you stand out.

Watch out for scams.

Legit employers never ask for your banking info up front or require you to buy equipment before you are hired. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and move on.

Schedule a weekly review.

Once a week, take ten minutes to check which applications are moving forward, which need follow-up, and where you might want to try a new approach. Consistency matters more than sending lots of applications.

Stick with these steps and you will be organized, efficient, and safer in your job search. No overwhelm required.

Time to Sprint

Why it Works

Action moves you forward. Bookmarking jobs is helpful, but applying is what opens doors.

What to Do Right Now

  • Minutes 0–10: Pick two jobs from the job board list that genuinely match your needs.
  • Minutes 10–20: Apply. Use your Gap Story or Gap Pitch from previous issues in your intro or cover note.
  • Bonus (next 5 minutes): If using LinkedIn, send a quick message or make a post to share that you are actively searching.

Your Move

What is the best platform you have actually used to find a job or a freelance gig? Hit reply and let me know. I read every response.

The Last Laugh

Why did the dad bring a ladder to the job interview?

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Because he heard the position was up for grabs.

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Gap to Gig

Build the life you’re working for. Gap to Gig is the podcast for dads who want to crush it at work and still show up at home. Each week, host Michael Jacobs talks with dads, founders, career experts, and creators about what it really takes to balance meaningful work and active fatherhood. From navigating career transitions and side hustles to staying present for hockey games and bedtime stories, Gap to Gig helps you create a life that feels steady, fulfilling, and built to last. Whether you’re a stay-at-home dad reentering the workforce, a working dad craving more purpose, or a creator building your own path, you’ll find stories and systems to help you move forward with confidence. If you’ve ever felt pulled between your career ambitions and your kids’ soccer schedules, you’re not alone. Each episode offers ideas you can apply right away, whether that’s a way to structure your week, handle burnout, or rethink what success really means for you and your family. The show blends personal storytelling, expert insights, and actionable takeaways from guests who are building careers, companies, and creative projects that fit their lives, not the other way around.

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