When it comes to flexibility, you have to be a bit of a pioneer. Sure, it would be great if jobs came with a menu of possible work arrangements, but flexibility is still something that you have to make happen—like it or not.

There’s no such thing as work-life balance.  The time you spend at home will never equal the time you spend at work.  You’ll never feel the same level of contentment, passion and fulfillment for both your work and home life.  The seesaw

Is your current theme song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” by the Clash?

It’s not surprising that fewer women are making the decision to stay in their jobs rather than “off ramp” for family reasons. In a difficult economy when a spouse could easily lose a job, it can be too much of a gamble to give up the second paycheck.

As working mothers continue to fill major roles in the workplace, the issue of flexibility remains at the forefront of our minds. While flexible work situations are becoming the standard in many organizations, making the leap to actually offering such solutions can be a major hurdle for employers. Consequently, asking for flexibility is both intimidating and overwhelming for many professionals.

Interviewing is daunting enough without the added burden of wanting a flexible schedule - working from home either FT or PT, etc.  When companies advertise, many do not hang a NEON sign that says "come work for us.  You can work from home".  At least not right away.

So how do you handle the job search process when you know - up front - that you need a flexible work arrangement?

Network.

Unfortunately, it happens.  Once we have children, we get labeled: WORKING MOM.  But this label comes with its own definition: someone who is juggling several balls and will leave work early, come in late or be less focused because she has kids.

Seriously?

When you return to work after staying at home to raise angels (maybe some lovely little devils but they are all angels...), to feel comfortable about working, you need to find a job you LOVE. 

I mean LOVE.

Why?

Because if you don't have a sense of purpose - a reason for leaving your kids besides money - the guilt will drown you.  You need to believe in why you are working.  Your kids need to believe it too.  

Here's How:

At work, it seems that whoever takes charge, comes up with the next great idea or is able to create consensus in a room of naysayers is the winner.

This week, we released our biggest, oldest, most well-known Working Mother Research Institute initiative – the 2012 Working Mother 100 Best Companies.