Chris is a dad of one who took a full year off after his son was born. His wife was eager to return to work, and Chris saw it as an opportunity to not only bond with his child but also to rethink his own relationship with work. Once a self-diagnosed "workaholic," Chris had spent years in a high-pressure corporate job where 60-hour weeks were the norm. But after experiencing the joy (and chaos) of full-time parenting, he realized he didn’t want to go back to work the way he used to.
Instead, Chris started searching for a way to work part-time or fractionally, allowing him more flexibility and control over his schedule. He wanted to be present for daycare pickups, family meals, and the everyday moments that once seemed impossible to prioritize. The challenge? He had no idea where to look for a job that fit this new vision.
Step 1: Getting Clear on What You Want
Before diving into job boards, Chris needed to define his ideal work situation. He asked himself:
- Do I want a set part-time schedule (e.g., 20 hours per week), or am I open to project-based freelance work?
- Am I looking for remote work, hybrid, or something local?
- What skills do I have that could translate into consulting, contract work, or a fractional role?
By answering these questions, Chris determined that fractional or consulting work would be the best fit—leveraging his expertise while keeping flexibility at the forefront.
Step 2: Where to Look for Part-Time & Flexible Jobs
Once Chris had clarity, he started looking for roles in the right places. Here are some of the top platforms he found:
General Job Boards (with Part-Time Filters)
Freelance & Consulting Platforms
- Upwork – Great for freelance work in writing, marketing, consulting, and tech
- Contra – A freelancer marketplace for independent workers
- Toptal – High-level freelance roles in design, finance, and tech
Fractional & Contract-Based Work
- Bolster – Fractional executive roles
- Catalant – Project-based consulting work
- Vibrant – Fractional HR and strategy roles
Industry-Specific Options
- Working Nomads – Digital nomad-friendly jobs
- MomsFirst – Flexible roles for caregivers (yes, dads too!)
- Power to Fly – Tech and leadership roles with flexibility
Chris found Contra and Bolster particularly helpful since they catered to experienced professionals looking for contract-based or fractional work without needing a traditional 9-to-5.
Step 3: Alternative Ideas for Finding Flexible Work
Chris also explored non-traditional ways of finding work:
- Networking & LinkedIn: He updated his LinkedIn to reflect that he was looking for "fractional" or "part-time" work and reached out to former colleagues.
- Consulting on the Side: Chris realized he could offer his expertise on a project basis and started reaching out to small businesses that might need his skills.
- Online Communities: He joined LinkedIn groups, Slack groups, and parenting forums where flexible work was a common topic.
Step 4: How to Position Yourself for Part-Time Work
To stand out, Chris took a few key steps:
- Updated his LinkedIn profile to highlight flexibility and part-time availability
- Used keywords like “fractional,” “contract,” “part-time,” or “consultant” in his resume and applications
- Created a one-page portfolio to showcase his skills and experience
Final Thoughts: What Chris Learned
Finding part-time work as a dad took some strategic thinking, but Chris realized that flexible work is more available than ever. By exploring freelance platforms, networking, and fractional roles, he landed a contract-based job that allowed him to work 20 hours per week on his own terms—earning a solid income while still being the engaged dad he wanted to be.
If you're in Chris' shoes, remember:
- Define what you want before diving into job searches
- Use the right platforms to find part-time, freelance, or fractional work
- Don’t be afraid to network and pitch your skills to potential clients
More dads are seeking flexible work—and companies are starting to meet them where they are. Whether you're looking for a part-time corporate role, contract work, or a new freelance career, the opportunities are out there.
Are you a dad looking for part-time or flexible work? Share your experiences in the comments or check out our [Resources Page] for more insights on flexible career paths.
