We’re seeing a rise in part-time jobs these days. A lot of people, especially those starting out or juggling studies, are looking for flexible schedules. However, before you jump in, it is important to weigh the pros, cons, and part-time hours carefully. Continue reading to make an informed decision!

How Many Hours A Week Is Part-Time?

The average part-time hours are fewer than 35 hours per week. However, there is no rule or law regarding the minimum or maximum limits of part-time work. The standards may vary depending on the company, location, and labor needs at each time. For example, I’ve seen some part-time supermarket staff work more than 35 hours per week during holidays.

Some businesses consider anything under 30 hours a week to be part-time, while others might call it part-time if you work 15 or 20 hours. It is best to discuss with the employer to understand their specific standards and what benefits come with the part-time role you’re interested in.

What Are Typical Job Titles For Part-Time?

Healthcare Educator

This position does not require a fixed schedule at the office. Health educators may work remotely for nonprofit organizations, hospitals, or healthcare facilities. Their responsibility is to develop programs or seminars to raise community awareness about health and disease.

According to my research, this position is ideal for individuals who aspire to inspire others even without an academic background in the medical field. Business students can enhance their knowledge in the healthcare field by pursuing relevant certificates, internships, or a master’s degree.

PR Specialists

It is a great side job for those with experience in the media field. You can leverage your expertise to manage personal branding for individual clients, write press releases, and coordinate communications plans for small- and medium-sized businesses.

This position promises a lucrative paycheck. The BLS stated that the average salary of a public relations specialist is approximately $37.76/hour, with the highest being $61.75 per hour. If a stable income is your priority, software publishing, advertising, or computer manufacturing opportunities are worth considering.

Statistician

While teamwork may occasionally be required, statisticians primarily work independently to develop statistical models. Hence, proficiency in technology and numerical analysis is essential for utilizing computer programs in their work.

The total income may vary depending on experience and other factors. However, the average wage is estimated to be around $46.29/hour. You can expect even higher numbers in the coming years as the industry grows at 33% until 2031.

Grant Writer

As the name implies, writers use their storytelling and creative skills to produce sponsored content. They also employ negotiation and communication abilities to work with clients on each project.

Grant writers’ earnings vary depending on their abilities and content category. According to Upwork, their hourly rates range from $35 to $125, depending on the specific contract.

Management Consultant

If you have extensive experience in business management, becoming a project consultant or coordinator can be a good career path. This position requires the person in charge of managing budget, cost, schedule, and other related aspects and optimizing business operations.

Management consultants, as we mentioned, cover a lot of ground. But the good news is, you can often work with your employer to tailor your responsibilities to your specific skills. Insurance and finance are two fertile sectors that promise high incomes, and the average wage is $45.43/hour.

Graphic Designer

Those who master graphic design can seek opportunities in outsourcing projects from agencies. Clients often ask for marketing materials for their promotional campaigns, such as banners, postcards, or animated teasers.

You may also work with individual clients to develop logos, landing pages, or email templates. The hourly wage of a graphic designer is $21.83, and rates increase based on the size of the project and your qualifications.

Web Developer

Many businesses look for part-time programmers to assist in large projects or share the workload of full-time jobs. Proficiency in programming languages is required to optimize user experience and maintain applications’ backends.

To land this job, a bachelor’s degree in programming or computer science is crucial for building a strong personal brand and earning a high salary. With high demand in the field, you can set high expectations for a generous paycheck soon.

Are Part-Time Jobs Good First-Time Jobs?

Pros

In addition to the titles listed above, you can find many more job opportunities in the labor market. Each position comes with different benefits, but here are some common advantages:

Flexibility

The number of people working part-time has increased in recent years. In my experience, most of them pursue a flexible work schedule to achieve a better work-life balance or handle personal matters. Others take advantage of part-time work to juggle studies or other passions. Even better, some positions do not set a working hour requirement, given that you complete all your duties.

Financial control

Some believe that a part-time job offers financial independence and diversifies their sources of income. Part-time employees can earn a significant amount of money by working with multiple clients at once without committing to working hours.

Meanwhile, some folks pick up part-time gigs to bring in some extra cash on the side. This can be a great way to make ends meet during tough times or while you’re seeking a new job.

Develop skills and relationships

Working part-time exposes you to various environments with a flexible schedule. Diverse experiences help you enhance your job skills to navigate different fields. Plus, working with multiple clients expands your relationship network, further facilitating your career development. All these perks might come in handy when you look for full-time employment.

Cons

All of the above benefits can become a double-edged sword for part-time workers. For example, you often receive fewer or no employee benefits. Consider a retirement plan, insurance, or paid day off, even if you are satisfied with your current income.

A flexible schedule is an advantage, but it requires great financial management to cover the ever-increasing living costs. In industries where recruitment needs are seasonal or sporadic, there is a higher risk of downtime and financial struggles.

Some individuals may find it challenging to develop strong professional relationships and fully fit into the company culture when working part-time. Additionally, limited time availability can hinder opportunities for networking and career advancement.

Do Part-Time Employees Get Benefits?

It depends on your employer. The Fair Labor Standards Act does not mandate required benefits packages for part-time employees. Typically, you can only receive little to no benefits compared to full-time workers.

One of the biggest shortcomings is the lack of paid time off (PTO). Part-time workers typically do not receive paid vacation or sick leave. If they do not work, they do not get paid. Thus, consider the cost of purchasing your own package when negotiating a labor contract.

FAQs

When Does A Part-Time Worker Get A Full-Time Opportunity?

You are considered a full-time employee when your workdays last between 32 and 40 hours per week, equivalent to 130 hours per month.

Are Part-Time Workers Happier?

Part-time workers may find it easier to achieve work-life balance, but how each individual defines their happiness is different.

Why Do People Work Part-Time?

Some prefer a flexible work schedule to accommodate their pregnancy, education, family or physical health issues, or personal interests. Others are just finding a side gig to earn extra money.

What Is The Work Schedule Of A Part-Time Employment?

Part-time workers can choose between different schedules, including:

Freelance schedule: You can arrange your working time as long as you complete tasks by the deadline.

Shared schedule: You cooperate with another person to collectively fulfill the responsibilities of a full-time worker.
Alternate schedule: It involves adjusting working hours or days to accommodate the employee’s specific circumstances, such as pregnancy, family obligations, or health issues.
Flexible schedule: The worker must spend some time on-site, and they can work remotely for the rest of the time.

Seasonal schedule: Employers hire part-time staff for busy seasons due to the increased demand for their products or services.

Conclusion

The exact part-time hours and their benefits might vary among businesses, but in general, you need to work less than 35 hours each week. The advantages of a part-time job are undeniable, but the disadvantages are also worth careful consideration. Strong time management skills and discipline are necessary to complete tasks well and maintain monthly income. Good luck with your career!