Insurance Professional More “Relaxed and Happy” with Remote Job

Sometimes, employers can be slow to warm up to work flexibility, or completely resistant to it. Our FlexJobs success story this week highlights an insurance professional who took matters into her own hands after a former employer said no to her request to work virtually.

Angela L. from Lakeland, Florida, had concluded that virtual work would be a great way to allow her to continue her career in the insurance industry—and facilitate her husband’s career prospects too. When it became clear that working from home was a no-go with her previous employer, Angela pressed ahead. She joined FlexJobs and found a full-time, remote job in insurance claims.

Angela’s flexible employer is Kemper, a leading national insurer whose family of companies includes Alliance United, where Angela works as a remote claims adjuster.

Knowing When to Move On

Responding to a brief questionnaire we send to successful FlexJobs members, Angela told us she brought many years of experience in the insurance industry to her job search. “I had been employed with a leading major automobile insurance company for approximately 21 years,” she wrote. “I really wanted to be able to work from home to help facilitate my husband getting a job anywhere in the United States.”

In some instances, employees seeking work flexibility are able negotiate flexible work options with managers that are open to the idea. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for Angela. “The company that I worked for did not have this capability nor did they have the desire to start,” Angela said. That was her cue that it was time to move on and find the flexibility she wanted.

Relaxed and Happy Working Remotely

Now that she’s working remotely, Angela told us there’s lots to like about working from home. “I think that it helps with the company in regards to less calling in sick etc.,” she wrote. “If I wake up and don’t feel well, I can still muddle through here at home and still do my job.”

Angela is fortunate enough to enjoy great benefits at Kemper/Alliance United. “The company I work has paid time off and it’s much easier and less stress,” she said. The upshot? “I am more relaxed and happy,” she wrote. Her contentment is consistent with studies showing that, often, people who choose flexwork are happier than workers in traditional jobs.

Inspiring Words and Tips for Other Job Seekers

When it comes to nut-sand-bolts job search strategies, Angela offered a few takeaways from her FlexJobs experience. “I think that keeping your resume simple and including a cover letter to each specific company you are applying helps,” she wrote. “Researching the companies you are applying to is helpful for you when comparing benefit packages, layoffs, etc.”

“I am so glad I chose FlexJobs to facilitate my job change,” Angela continued. “I tell all my friends to check it out. They won’t regret it.” For job seekers who may be still undecided about the benefits of a FlexJobs membership, Angela advises, “Do it. Don’t be afraid of change and just do it. You won’t regret it. I wish I had done it sooner.”

Angela’s looking ahead to many more years of flexible work.  “I have approximately 15 years to retirement,” she said. “I hope to spend it doing exactly what I am doing now.”