Working Part-Time Jobs

One of the most common alternatives to working full-time is holding a part-time job. This type of employment is ideal for students, parents, seniors and anyone with a busy schedule. Part-time jobs are usually divided into shifts. The pay is hourly and employees typically work less than 30 hours each week. A part-time job tends to be contracted, meaning employees are not relieved of their positions after a season ends. To learn more about part-time jobs, continue reading the topics presented below.

Pros & Cons of Working Part-Time Jobs

After deciding you’re ready to enter the workforce, it’s time to find the right type of employment. If your schedule prohibits you from working 40 or more hours per week, perhaps a part-time job is a great fit. Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of holding a part-time job.

Pros

• Flexible schedules. Typically, you work shifts that work best for you. If you attend school in the morning, you might find a job working nights.
• Shorter shifts. Rather than working a full day, you still have time for other obligations while working short shifts.
• Steady income. Unlike temporary or seasonal positions, part-time jobs provide you with a weekly paycheck for longer than just a few months.
• Opportunity for growth. Many part-time positions act as a gateway to other full-time jobs.

Cons

• Lack of benefits. As a part-time worker, you likely don’t have access to insurance, sick pay, paid time off or vacation days.
• More likely to be laid off. When the economy is rough, part-time workers tend to be the first to get laid off.
• Harder to get promoted. Many part-time jobs have little room for growth as opposed to full-time jobs.
• Reduced hours. In the months after a peak season, most employers reduce the hours of part-time workers.

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How to Find Part-Time Jobs

There are several different ways to find part-time jobs, some of which yield better results than others. Here are a few of the best ways to find a part-time job.

Tip #1: Look Online

The most popular job search method among job seekers browsing the internet. Online job boards like Indeed, Monster and CareerBuilder contain thousands of relevant job listings in all corners of the world. Use the filter options to narrow your results to part-time positions for the best results. Or, if you already have an idea of where you’d like to work, navigate the company’s website. Most have designated career pages where you can search for open positions in your area.

Tip #2: Ask Around

If you have friends or family members working in a position in which you’re interested, ask if they know of any jobs available. Oftentimes, employees are the first to know when a position opens up. Be one of the first to apply by being in the know.

Tip #3: Attend a Job Fair

Community centers, town halls, schools and conference centers have frequent job fairs free to the public. Find dozens of part-time opportunities by attending as many of these as possible. Be sure to bring a resume and dress to impress!

Reasons to Work Part-Time Jobs

More and more employers are cutting full-time positions in favor of part-time ones as a means of saving money. There are many reasons to work part-time. Consider the following ones listed below.

• Time- Working a part-time job allows you to earn a steady income while still having time for other commitments. For example, most college students who hold a job work in part-time positions to give themselves time for other activities. Likewise, many parents prefer working part-time so that they can align their schedules with their children’s.
• Commitment- Unlike a full-time job, there is less of a commitment to part-time work. If you’re unsure of what you want to do for the rest of your life, holding a few part-time jobs gives you the experience to narrow your preferences. After a few months of working, you might choose to leave and pursue a new job.
• Senior benefits- Many older Americans retire from full-time positions and opt to work part-time jobs for some extra income. Part-time work tends to be less demanding, making it a great choice for seniors looking to work a few hours each week.
• Resume building- If you have your career goals all figured out, working a part-time job is a great way to build toward them. Part-time jobs give you the tools necessary for gaining experience, acquiring new skills and expanding your network.

Top 10 Best Part-Time Jobs

Trying to decide which job to take? Here’s a list of the top 10 best part-time jobs:

1.     Waiter/Server

Waiters and servers are some of the top-paid part-time workers in the country. Their wages may be minimal, but they keep the tips they make, pushing them into top earners.

2.     Bartender

Like waiters and servers, bartenders keep the tips they make. Working in an upscale bar, restaurant, lounge or club usually provides the best earnings.

3.     Sales Associate

Working in retail can be hectic, especially around the holidays. Yet, for the most part, you have a set of expected job duties to complete daily in a calm environment.

4.     Transport Driver

Whether you’re driving for a taxi company, Uber or Lyft, working part-time as a transport driver provides you with steady wages and a flexible schedule. Work when it’s convenient for you.

5.     Bank Teller

If counting money, speaking with customers and handling transactions sounds interesting to you, consider becoming a bank teller. This position is a popular part-time gig.

6.     Security Guard

This is an entry-level position into the broader field of law enforcement. Many aspiring police officers start their careers as security guards.

7.     Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) helps care for medical patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). This is a great part-time job for anyone interested in the field of health care.

8.     Tutor

Put your brainpower to work as a part-time tutor. Help students of all ages in various academic subjects while still having time for yourself.

9.     Cook

If you’ve got some skills in the kitchen, why not work as a line cook? Prepare meals and orders in a fast-paced environment to gain important culinary skills.

10.  Barista

Coffee lovers, rejoice! Learn how to whip up the best caffeinated drinks by working part-time as a barista. Coffee shops and diners are everywhere. Squeeze in a quick shift before class or after taking care of the kids.

How to Turn a Part-Time Job into a Full-Time Position

Ready for a new career challenge? Here are a few tips to keep in mind to turn that part-time gig into a full-time job.

Tip #1: Speak Up

If you’re trying to move into a full-time position, your boss needs to know you can bring fresh ideas to the table. During meetings or conferences, don’t be afraid to suggest new ideas. Discuss some of the problems you see and recommend solutions. Your supervisors may be impressed by your go-getter mentality.

Tip #2: Go Above and Beyond

Don’t just do the bare minimum – go beyond! You must separate yourself from your colleagues if you want a chance to move into a full-time position. Don’t worry about coming off as a “teacher’s pet.” Instead, show your supervisors that you mean business and care about your job more than others do.

Tip #3: Be a Spokesperson

No matter who you work for or what your job is, be a spokesperson for your brand. Talk positively about your company online and in person. The more you believe in and support your company, the more they are going to do the same for you. Show your bosses that you’re more than just an employee – you’re a proud member of the team.

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