October 16, 2024

FlexJobs Review: Is FlexJobs Legit? Read Before Signing Up…

FlexJobs promises to connect remote job seekers with verified, scam-free job listings.

But is it worth paying for?

After all, there are plenty of free job boards out there that ostensibly offer the same thing. And with workplace burnout on the rise, more people than ever are looking for legit remote work opportunities.

In this article, we’ll share how FlexJobs stacks up against the job board competition and whether it’s worth the cost. 

Side Hustle Nation Approved


FlexJobs: #1 For Remote Jobs

4.7

The best place to find legit work from home jobs. Established in 2007, FlexJobs has 1000s of listings including part-time, full-time, and freelance options in tons of industries.

Is FlexJobs Legit?

Yes, FlexJobs is a legit place to find a work from home job

The company was established in 2007, and in 2024 was acquired by BOLD, a well-established career company.

According to FlexJobs, they’ve helped over 11 million job seekers connect with over 57,000 jobs from over 60,000 employers.

How FlexJobs Works

FlexJobs makes it easy to find legit, remote jobs.

Here’s how it works.

Search and Apply

FlexJobs has a user-friendly interface, and more than 50 industry categories. For example, you can find work-from-home jobs in:

accounting
admin
fashion
graphic design
project management
sales
and tons more

You can search for jobs based on factors like:

job category
desired flexibility
experience level

Each job listing tells you about the company, the required qualifications, and how to apply.

Since the jobs are screened, you can apply with confidence, knowing that there’s a real opportunity behind each listing.

What Kind of Jobs Can You Find on FlexJobs?

On FlexJobs, you can really find a wide range of job types covering just about every industry you can think of.

The common thread among all these jobs is flexibility.

Here’s a closer look at what you might find.

Remote Jobs
Freelance Opportunities
Part-Time Positions
Temporary or Contract Jobs
Alternative Schedule Jobs

To cater to different needs, FlexJobs offers various employment types, including part-time, full-time, and freelance.

Here’s a breakdown of what each type entails.

Part-Time Jobs

These are ideal if you’re looking for less than 40 hours of work per week.

They offer flexibility to balance work with other commitments like studies or family.

Part-time positions often come with flexible hours, making them attractive for those who need flexible schedules.

Full-Time Jobs

Full-time jobs provide stability for those wanting more traditional employment.

They often come with benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

These roles usually require 40 hours per week but may also offer flexible start and end times.

Freelance Opportunities

Freelance jobs are project-based and allow you to work as an independent contractor.

This type of work is highly flexible, letting you choose when and where you work.

Freelancers might juggle multiple clients or projects at once and have the freedom to build a portfolio of diverse work.

How Do They “Vet” the Remote Jobs?

FlexJobs takes the vetting of job listings seriously, which is a huge plus for anyone tired of running into scams or dead-end leads.

Here’s how they go about making sure the jobs they list are legit:

1. Human Screening

Unlike job boards that rely on automation, FlexJobs has a team of real people who manually review every job listing for the site.

This team checks out the company posting the job and makes sure the company and job are legit.

2. Research on Companies & Jobs

The vetting process includes in-depth research on each company and their job postings.

They check into the company’s history, its online presence, and reviews from employees to ensure it’s a solid, reliable place to work.

3. Ongoing Monitoring

FlexJobs doesn’t just post a job and forget about it. They continuously monitor their job listings and the companies on their site.

If they receive negative feedback about a job or employer, they will decide if that job should stay on the site.

How Much Does FlexJobs Cost?

Unlike other job boards, FlexJobs charges a nominal fee to see details about each posting and apply.

Thankfully, these plans start at just $2.95 for 14-day access.

Here’s the breakdown of their pricing:

14-Day Full Access: For $2.95, you can get full access to test out the platform.
Annual Subscription: At $71.40 for the year, this is the best deal in terms of cost per month ($5.95). 

While you can definitely find a remote job for free, these rates make it a very reasonable investment in your future earning power. 

Set Up Your Profile

Once you’re signed up, you can set up your profile.

This involves:

uploading your resume
detailing your skills
specifying types of job(s) you’re looking for

You can be as detailed as you want with the flexibility you need, such as telecommuting, alternative schedules, or freelance gigs.

Are There Any FlexJobs Discounts Available?

FlexJobs currently offers a 50% discount for military, first responders, and teachers.

Here’s a screenshot from their website:

Is FlexJobs Worth It?

If you’re committed to finding a flexible or remote job and value your time and security, FlexJobs can be worth it.

It’s especially useful if you’re looking for a niche role or you want to avoid the clutter of free job boards. Instead of scouring dozens of different sites, you can find an aggregated, curated selection of jobs in one place. 

Let’s break it down.

Curated, Scam-Free Listings

One of FlexJobs’s biggest perks is that every job listing is hand-screened for legitimacy.

This saves you the hassle and worry of sifting through potentially dubious job offers, which is common on free sites.

Variety and Quality of Jobs

FlexJobs covers many areas, from entry-level to executive positions at reputable companies like:

Walmart
Pinterest
Honeywell
Stubhub
and more

This is a big plus if you’re aiming for quality over quantity and don’t want to wade through less relevant jobs.

Resources and Support

The membership also gives you access to career coaching and resume reviews at discounted rates.

They also offer free skills tests and webinars that will help you better position yourself in the job market.

These resources are handy, especially if you’re new to the remote or flexible work scene.

Who is FlexJobs the Best Fit For?

FlexJobs has many success stories from users who have found jobs that match their needs.

Here are a few highlights from user testimonials.

1. Career Changers

Many who wanted to switch careers without losing flexibility have found FlexJobs to be a good fit.

For instance, a person moving from a teaching role to a blogger and remote writer found a perfect job through the site. This allows them to maintain a work-life balance while entering a new field.

2. Remote Work Seekers

The popularity of the remote workforce has grown.

According to this research, half of the businesses are home-based, and the number of remote workers is growing.

Folks looking for remote work have shared stories about how FlexJobs helped them find jobs that weren’t promoted on other platforms.

One user, for example, secured a full-time remote position in a competitive field within weeks of subscribing.

This changed their lives by offering flexibility and no more commuting.

3. Freelancers and Part-Time Job Seekers

FlexJobs has also been instrumental for those seeking freelance or part-time positions.

A graphic designer said the site allowed them to build a client base by connecting them with freelance gigs.

4. Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers who need jobs that fit around their schedules often find FlexJobs beneficial.

One parent shared a story about finding a part-time remote job that fit perfectly around their children. 

5. People with Health Issues

Individuals with health issues requiring flexible working arrangements have also benefited from FlexJobs.

One such user with chronic illness found a job that offered the flexibility to work from home. This improved their quality of life and ability to manage health challenges.

Does FlexJobs Have a Guarantee?

Yes, FlexJobs offers a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee, which is a great feature if you’re unsure about subscribing.

You can request a full refund if you’re not satisfied with their service within the first 30 days of your subscription.

Other Benefits of FlexJobs

FlexJobs offers several benefits that go beyond just providing job listings. These extra perks can enhance your job search and your overall career development.

Here are some of the notable benefits.

1. Vetted Listings

Every job listed on FlexJobs has been vetted by a real person. This reduces the risk of running into scams, which is a common issue on free job boards.

2. Exclusive Jobs

Some of the job listings on FlexJobs are exclusive, meaning they can’t be found on other job boards. This can give you a leg up in finding unique opportunities that are less accessible to the general public.

3. Member Discounts

FlexJobs partners with over 50 companies to offer discounts on products and services that can be beneficial to job seekers. These include savings on software, career coaching, resume services, and tech gear.

4. Career Coaching and Resume Reviews

For an additional fee, you can access personalized career coaching and resume review services.

These are offered at a discount to FlexJobs members and can provide guidance for remote job markets.

5. Skills Tests

FlexJobs provides more than 170 free skills tests that you can take to gauge your abilities and strengthen your resume.

These tests can help you prove your skills to potential employers and set you apart from other candidates.

6. Resources and Learning

The site offers various education options that can help you navigate remote work. These include tips on how to get started and strategies for advancing your career.

7. Easy Job Application

FlexJobs simplifies the process of applying for jobs. You can store your resumes and cover letters on the platform, making it quick and easy to apply for multiple positions.

There’s also a feature called “Resume Profiles,” which allows you to manage multiple resumes directly on their platform.

This tool is particularly useful if you are applying for jobs that require different skills or experiences.

8. Job Search Checklist and Tracking 

Members have access to job search checklists and tools to help organize and track job applications and follow-ups.

These resources can be incredibly helpful in keeping your job search efficient.

9. Job Alerts

Once you sign up, make sure to set up job alerts that match your skills and desired job criteria.

This feature keeps you in the loop without needing to constantly check the site for new postings.

Learning Center / Courses

FlexJobs’ Learning Center, often referred to as its educational hub, offers resources to help job seekers grow their skills.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from their Learning Center:

Webinars and Video Content

FlexJobs hosts webinars that cover a range of topics, including resume writing and interviewing skills.

These sessions often feature career coaches and industry experts and are available for free to members.

Skill-Building Courses

They offer courses for specific job-related skills and how to maximize productivity in remote work settings.

These courses can be particularly useful if you’re moving to a remote role or looking to advance in your current field.

Guides and Articles

The Learning Center includes articles on a variety of topics, including job searching and work-life balance.

These resources are designed to answer common questions and provide actionable advice.

Career Coaching Sessions

Although not free, FlexJobs offers discounted rates on career coaching sessions for its members.

These sessions can be tailored to your needs and include career exploration, job search strategies, and interview prep.

Resume Review

Also offered at a discounted rate for members, resume review services can help you refine your resume. This can help you align with the expectations of employers looking for remote employees.

Downloadable Content

FlexJobs provides checklists, templates, and other resources that can help optimize your job search.

These tools are handy for tracking applications and preparing for interviews.

Most Common FlexJobs Complaints

While FlexJobs is highly rated for its job listings and being a scam-free zone, it does receive some complaints.

Understanding the common criticisms can help you make a more informed decision about whether it’s the right service for you.

Here are some of the most common complaints about FlexJobs.

Subscription Fee

The most frequent complaint is about the subscription fee required to access job listings.

Some users feel uncomfortable paying to find work, especially when there are free job boards available.

But the fee is what allows FlexJobs to vet all postings thoroughly, ensuring they are legitimate and of high quality.

Expectations vs. Reality

Some users expect that paying for a membership will automatically lead to a job. 

It’s important to remember that FlexJobs provides the tools, but landing a job still requires effort and persistence.

Limited Jobs in Certain Industries

While FlexJobs offers a wide range of job types, the site may list fewer opportunities in some niche fields.

This can be frustrating for professionals in those areas who may not find as many relevant job options.

Overqualified Candidates

Some users report frustration with finding too many entry-level positions and not enough jobs that match their experience, especially for more senior roles.

Communication Issues

There have been complaints about customer service and their response times.

FlexJobs Alternatives

If you’re exploring alternatives to FlexJobs for finding work, consider several other platforms.

Each of these alternatives offers a different mix of features, and some may be better suited to specific types of job seekers or industries.

Here’s a rundown of some popular FlexJobs alternatives:

We Work Remotely
Remote OK
LinkedIn
Upwork 
Freelancer
FreeUp

*Want to try out Upwork?  Use these tips to optimize your profile!

Each of these platforms has its strengths and might better suit certain types of job searches or industries. 

Depending on your specific needs, one of these might be a better fit for you than FlexJobs.

And if that’s not enough, here are even more online platform options for side hustles.

FlexJobs: The Bottom Line

The service isn’t free, but it offers great benefits. 

Access to vetted job listings and valuable career resources can make it perfect for those looking for flexible work.

Whether you need a flexible job or want to escape the 9-to-5 grind, FlexJobs provides a reliable platform.

Plus, you can try it out risk-free to see if it aligns with your job search needs.

If you’re on the fence, consider the time and potential frustration saved by having a curated list of scam-free jobs at your fingertips.

In my experience, and based on many user testimonials, if you’re seeking a flexible job, FlexJobs might just be the tool you need to find that perfect match.

Serious About Making Extra Money?

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Join the free Side Hustle Nation Community. The free Facebook group is the best place to connect with other side hustlers and get your questions answered.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is FlexJobs?

FlexJobs is a job search website that specializes in remote, flexible, part-time, and freelance job opportunities. It’s known for vetting all job listings to ensure they are legitimate, which helps protect job seekers from scams.

Is FlexJobs suitable for all career levels?

Yes, FlexJobs caters to a wide range of career levels, from entry-level job seekers to executives. Whether you are starting your career, seeking mid-career opportunities, or looking for senior-level positions, you can find jobs that match your level of expertise and career goals.

How does FlexJobs ensure the legitimacy of its job listings?

FlexJobs has a team that manually screens every job listing before it is posted on the site. This includes verifying the company’s legitimacy, researching the company’s background, and ensuring that the job details are clear and genuine

Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied with FlexJobs?

Yes, FlexJobs has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with your subscription for any reason, you can request a full refund within the first 30 days of your membership.

What types of jobs can I find on FlexJobs?

FlexJobs offers a wide range of job types, including remote jobs, freelance projects, part-time work, and positions with alternative schedules. The jobs cover various industries, from tech and education to healthcare and customer service.

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Big thanks to Georgi Todorov for helping research FlexJobs! Georgi is an entrepreneur and content creator with authorship in a broad range of publications, including Entrepreneur and Forbes. He founded Create & Grow to help people create and grow their online business.

How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time

Billboards are timeless.

And they remain a successful advertising strategy even with the rise of digital technology.

With that said, you probably never imagined that a solopreneur could rake in $30,000 a month from it (part-time!).

But that’s exactly what Chris Brown from Signs of Good and wantmore.org has done for the past decade.

Chris retired early at the age of 42 and now owns approximately 30 billboards around Bentonville, Arkansas.

Tune in to Ep 608 of The Side Hustle Show to learn:

how to find billboards for sale
find places where you could put one
how to fill that ad space
how passive it is once you’re up and running

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Stumbling Upon a Billboard Side Hustle

Chris, broke after college and struggling with debt, has also just gotten married.

While only earning $8 per hour in an unstable pharmaceutical job that could lay him off anytime, Chris realized something wasn’t working with his finances and started how to build wealth and get out of debt.

After driving past the same rundown billboard every day, he sensed an opportunity.

He looked for the property owner, made an offer, and bought the neglected billboard (plus the land) for $75,000.

Maybe he got lucky because the owner was near bankruptcy, but they both benefited from it anyway.

With a prime location among neighborhoods and schools, he priced each ad face at $600, totaling $2,400 per month.

It became profitable and a true passive income stream as some advertisers stayed for over a decade.

Scaling Up: More Billboards, More Upfront Costs

With the success of the first billboard, Chris had the itch to keep growing his inventory.

Chris’ next project involved the construction of two double-stacked billboard structures on a 3-acre commercial lot he acquired.

Between the land purchase price and construction costs, the total upfront price tag was around $200,000.

However, Chris can generate over $8,000 per month in billboard rental income from the 8 ad faces available.

“That math works pretty well all day long,” Chris said about the sweet potential gains, even after considering the hefty upfront investment needed.

Why Billboards Are a Limited Commodity

While the initial costs of building or acquiring billboards can be steep, billboard owners enjoy a major advantage—there’s an extremely limited supply of these advertising assets available.

This scarcity is thanks to the Highway Beautification Act passed by Congress in 1965. The act severely restricted where new billboards could be installed along federal highway systems.

“About a hundred years ago, billboards were not banned anywhere,” Chris explained. “You could put them up anywhere you wanted, which made them worth not very much at all.”

So when you have a lot of supply, the demand goes down because there’s not much price to be discovered on that.

Of course, that same legislation made it much harder to get approved for new billboard builds nowadays. The permitting process requires clearing multiple regulatory hurdles at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels.

Attracting Advertisers and Maximizing Billboard Revenue

One of the simplest methods is simply plastering your phone number or website across any vacant billboard faces with something like a “Your Ad Here!” call-to-action.

“People will drive by those signs, see them. And by default, they’re going to call or be interested in if they have a business or they want to run it.” Chris said.

Posting temporary banners or vinyl wraps makes it easy for any interested businesses to inquire about the available inventory.

Pricing Models: Terms, Traffic, And What’s Available

For pricing, the typical billboard lease is at least 12 months to offset the upfront costs of printed vinyl wraps and installation. “Some get shorter in the 1 to 6 months just depending on the location,” Chris noted.

The most significant factors influencing monthly rates are the traffic counts and the number of ad faces already active in a particular area.

You can get higher rates on a billboard that’s the only one for miles on a highway stretch, even if the raw traffic counts are lower than in more congested areas. It’s a classic supply-and-demand game.

State highway traffic counts are publicly available data points used to estimate the potential number of impressions. Still, factors like commercial density and competing inventory affect the pricing.

Also, the industry standard is for advertisers to cover the printing and installation costs separately.

Static vs. Digital Billboards: Pros and Cons

There are also key differences between traditional static billboards and newer digital/LED screens.

Static billboards are basically large printed vinyl wraps displaying the same advertisement 24/7 until a lease expires or an advertiser makes a change. They have low ongoing maintenance costs but require reprinting expenses with any new creative ad updates.

Digital billboards rotate a rotation of different advertisements on a recurring cycle, usually every 6-8 seconds.

This allows for more ad inventory per digital face compared to static boards.

However, the upfront and operating costs for digital boards are much higher with large LED screens to power and maintain. Advertisers may be able to get away with shorter rental terms on digital displays instead of annual commitments.

“Personally, I actually like the old-fashioned static science the best. No maintenance; always up unless they get knocked down by wind,” Chris said about choosing between static or digital billboards.

The Equity Upside in Billboard Ownership

While the monthly cash flow from renting billboard advertising is attractive, the real wealth-building potential lies in the equity growth of these income producing assets.

Major national operators like Lamar Advertising and Outfront Media routinely acquire independent billboards at valuations ranging from 7-12 times the annual revenue stream.

These big players are always on the hunt to grow their networks through through mergers/acquisitions. So any time an individual or group decides to sell their billboard asset, they can demand high prices from potential purchasers.

Let’s say you own some billboards that bring in $100k per year after expenses and everything is paid off. That means your billboard business would be worth $700k to $1.2M!

Techs/Tools

You might be surprised, but Chris keeps his operations remarkably low-tech and streamlined.

No fancy proprietary software or complex systems are required.

For the most part, they use basic spreadsheets to track everything—advertiser contacts, contract dates, income statements, and all the fundamentals.

One notable tool Chris uses is LandGlide, which he uses for real estate and scouting possible new spots for billboards. This app shows you “who owns what, where it is, lot of lines, all that kind of stuff.”

It essentially maps out county parcel data and ownership records in an easily accessible mobile interface.

The location-scouting process is key since ideal billboard spots require careful evaluation of neighboring properties, road visibility, and more.

A (Mostly) Passive Day in Chris’ Life

With so much complexity in zoning, permitting, and new construction logistics, you’d think running a portfolio of billboards is a full-time operation.

According to Chris, nowadays, it’s actually relatively passive aside from some basic administrative work.

“It’s been a little boring,” Chris shared.

Most weeks, he’s only spending around 5 hours or so on basic billboard business management tasks. Answering inquiries from potential new advertisers, handling contract renewals, those sorts of things.

Mistakes or Surprises Along the Way

Chris expressed surprise that more people don’t value consistency and long-term investment approaches and instead prefer quick money-making schemes.

Everyone wants the overnight success story, but those are the extreme exceptions, not the rule.

In fact, shortcuts may lead to even further delays in your financial freedom.

Real wealth-building takes time and consistent effort, with small actions causing big difference over a decade.

What’s Next for Chris?

Chris’ goal for this year is to double the number of billboard faces in his portfolio within the next two years and launch a new coaching course called The Billboard Academy.

This will be a chance for him to pull back the curtain and give people a proven blueprint they can follow.

“I want to help others build wealth, get out of the rat race, and achieve that financial freedom.”

So stay tuned for that because it’s going to come in the next couple of months.

Interested students can get a free preview at Chris’s website. There, visitors can download a free guide introducing the passive income potential of billboard ownership.

Chris also hopes his entrepreneurial story can inspire others to take control of their lives and financial futures, just as he did coming from modest beginnings.

His non-profit organization Signs of Good ties together principles of entrepreneurship and giving back.

Chris’ #1 Tip for Side Hustle Nation

“It’s about who you’re becoming, not who you’ve been.”

Episode Links

Signs of Good
wantmore.org
Lamar Advertising
Outfront Media
LandGlide
The Billboard Academy

Download Your Free Bonus: 25 Other Unconventional Rental Ideas

25 Other Unconventional Rental Ideas

What else could you rent out for a profit? Here are some ideas!

Enter your email to download the full list now:

You’ll also receive my best side hustle tips and weekly-ish newsletter. Opt-out anytime.

Serious About Making Extra Money?

Start Your Free $500 Challenge. My free 5-day email course shows you how to add $500 to your bottom line.
Join the free Side Hustle Nation Community. The free Facebook group is the best place to connect with other side hustlers and get your questions answered.
Download The Side Hustle Show. My free podcast shares how to make extra money with actionable weekly episodes.

The award-winning Side Hustle Show is a
Top 10 Entrepreneurship podcast
with over 1,200 5-star ratings!

Listen in your favorite podcast app or directly in your browser.