Alternative work patterns are work schedules that allow employees to select the hours and length of their workweeks. Reasons for choosing alternative work patterns include transportation considerations, participation in outside activities, ability to work better during certain hours, child care, and household commitments. Examples of alternative work patterns include: (1) flextime; (2) job sharing; (3) reduced worktime; (4) leisure sharing; (5) compressed workweek; (6) part-time employment; and (7) tapered employment. If alternative work patterns become part of the normal work pattern, education will have to address the needs of individuals in the midlife stage. Implications for companies will be in the areas of tuition aid, retraining, and career development. Recent surveys indicate that the preference of employees is to give up wages for time away from their jobs. The major reasons for choosing alternative work patterns seem to be to have additional free time to enhance the quality of life, to increase education and retraining, and to allow for better transition to retirement years. This fact sheet includes a bibliography of three resources which are available from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system. (DC)