Q+A: Should You Leave Your Job?

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Q: I was on the fence about leaving my job but I'm not sure it's a smart move. How can I figure out what will work best for me and my family?

A: You're far from alone. People are examining their work situations more than ever. "People are asking, 'Is there another way I can do this?'" says corporate consultant Kathy Kane, Freehold, NJ-based president of K2 Work/Life Solutions.

As a result, employers are quickly recognizing the importance of offering a flexible work schedule. Many of the companies that do best are the ones that incorporate flexibility into their routines. "They didn't miss a beat," says Kane. "They may have been displaced from their offices and their employees may have been scattered in different areas, but they could continue to manage effectively for two reasons -- they weren't afraid to manage people who weren't in the office, and they had the tools and procedures in place to do it."

Bottom line? "The time has never been better to ask for a change," says Kane. "Companies are going to be more accepting of people requesting flexible work schedules. They know that they need a legion of loyal employees to make them successful."