What Is a Part-Time Job?

Everyone has likely worked a part-time job at some point in their career.

They can be an easy source of income when you are still in school or post-secondary education, and they can be a great source of extra income in times of need.

Part-time jobs offer fewer hours but more flexibility than full-time ones.

Many only require you to work weekends and so do not usually conflict with education or other week-day responsibilities you might have.

If you are considering a part-time job, know that there are many benefits to working a part time, as well as several things to consider.

What Is a Part-Time Job?

A part-time job is defined as one that does not reach full-time job hours.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not provide a definition of full or part-time work, leaving it up to the employer.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines full-time work as an average of 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month; however, this is specifically in relation to certain things, such as benefits or tax.

Therefore, there is no set minimum or exact maximum hours to a part-time job, so you could be looking at five hours a week or even 30 hours in a role that is normally full time at 40 hours.

Employers must distinguish between part-time and full-time employees for tax, vacation and benefit reasons, but must also make sure they are abiding by state and federal laws.

Part-time employees may be exempt from certain full-time employee benefits such as paid time off, healthcare or retirement plans.

Employers can set a number of hours a week that must be met to receive any of these, as long as it is legal.

Why Might You Consider Working Part Time?

Part-time work is attractive to many different groups of people, such as:

• Students who need income
• Retired workers wanting to get out of the house
• Those who have other demands on their time, such as young children or relatives to care for
• Those starting their own business or preparing for a career change
• Job hunters hoping that it will turn into a full-time job if they prove themselves
• Those in need of extra money/saving for a special occassion

Generally, part-time work attracts those who want to avoid the commitment of a full-time job.

Working/Studying

If you are in school, a part-time job can work around your class schedule better than a full-time one. It allows you to have the flexibility to continue your studies and make some money.

If you are a minor, you require a work permit, which can be given out by your school and requires you to maintain attendance and grades. There are also federal laws that restrict the amount you can work during term time.

You may even be able to find a part-time job related to your studies, which has the further benefit of gaining experience before you graduate.

For those changing careers or starting their own business, working a part-time job can be a way to still have a bit of income while getting your new career/business going.

Other Interests and Commitments

For those with children or other relatives to care for, part-time work can be a great way to spend time with family while having an income.

If you have other interests that you want to pursue, a part-time job can provide an income while you do this.

Maybe you want time to work on a new skill or do some volunteer hours in a favored field and you do not feel a full-time job would allow for this.

Supplement Your Income

You may simply be in the position that you need more income than your full-time job can provide.

Many people work a part-time job in addition to their main job to help with this. Make sure you check your employment contract to make sure this is allowed.

Also, working multiple part-time jobs to bring in the equivalent of a full-time income can help you gain experience in many different areas, building a portfolio career.

No matter the reason, a part-time job can offer freedom and flexibility while bringing in an income.

Cons of Working Part-Time

There are, however, several downsides to working a part-time job. A full-time job can offer more security and possibly better pay.

You need to consider the factors below before deciding whether part time is right for you.

Benefits

Some benefits, such as medical and dental insurance, vision care, or paid leave are not applicable unless an employee works a certain number of hours.

This may not matter if you are generally healthy and have no dependants, but those with children or medical issues may want to check their employer’s policies carefully.

By working part time, you can also miss out on benefits like vacation days, bonuses and workplace retirement plans. You may also be exempt from certain overtime payments.

Possibility of Less or Inconsistent Income

Part-time job hours are often not set-in-stone. Some weeks you could be working a lot and others not so much.

If you depend on a certain level of income to live on, then a part-time job with variable hours may not be for you.

If you are working a part-time job as an additional job, then sometimes it can push you into a higher tax bracket and you may end up owing more.

Fewer Promotion Opportunities

Part-time jobs do not usually offer as many promotion opportunities as full time ones.

Many are in the service industry or retail sector, where there is not a lot of room for advancement.

If you provide work for a business as a contractor, you likely would not be in line for the same promotions that those working full time in the company would be.

Top Five Part-Time Jobs/Careers

If you have decided that part-time work is for you, there are multiple areas in which you can work.

Here are five of the top employers for part-time work.

Salary information is from Payscale, Salary and Indeed(https://www.indeed.com/).

1. Web Designer/Graphic Designer

Average salary: $28–35/hour

While web designers create and manage websites, graphic designers work on logos, websites, advertisements, emails and book layouts, just to name a few.

While many companies do employ people on a full-time basis, there is always a lot of freelance work available for someone looking for some work on the side and who enjoys working independently.

Requirements: A degree in web design or graphic design is a good start. You also need to have creativity, a high level of computer literacy, attention to detail and good time management skills.

Also, you need a good, fast running computer system.

2. Hair and Beauty Service Provider

Average salary: Beauticians can earn $12.40/hour and registered massage therapists $23/hour.

There are many roles in the hair and beauty industry for part-time work.

These can include massage therapists, hair stylists, facialists, eyebrow shaping, nail work, waxing and makeup application.

Many of these jobs can even be done as home businesses where you decide your hours.

Requirements: You need training in your specific area, including certification in some cases. You also need great people skills to deal with the public all day. You should be neat and well-groomed, to advertise what your skills can do.

3. Accountant

Average salary: $20.50/hour

Accountants take care of the financial details of a business. They analyze financial records, keep track of invoices and even prepare taxes.

While most businesses employ an accountant to work in the business taking care of day-to-day workings, many also outsource their work to part time or freelance staff, particularly at tax time when they need more hands available.

Requirements: A degree or diploma in accounting or finance is essential. This is usually gained through postgraduate study. Good knowledge of computers and, more specifically, accountancy programs are needed as well.

4. Editor/Proofreader/Copywriter

Average salary: Proofreaders can earn around $18/hour, copywriters $25/hour and editors $34/hour. These jobs can also charge by the word, so the salary per hour can vary depending on your speed and the material being worked on.

Many positions within the writing and publishing industry can be done as part-time work (as well as full-time). Usually, working part time in these roles means you are working freelance.

Proofreaders carefully look over already written work. They check for spelling and grammar mistakes and may offer suggestions to reword for clarity.

Copywriters write the work itself, often articles for online or traditional publication, or perhaps for advertisements. They work from a brief given by the client.

Being an editor can cover many things. For magazines, newspapers and websites, editors often plan what will be commissioned from copywriters and agree on when a piece is ready to be published. For books, editors can be involved from the first draft, offering substantial structural changes to the story, or be brought in later on to work as line editors, improving sentence structure and flow.

Requirements: A good understanding of the language being worked with is a must. Often those advertising to contract one of these positions will request a native/bilingual speaker of the language to ensure they have a proper understanding of it. All three positions must have an excellent knowledge of spelling and grammar.

Certification can also be gained in editing, often offered by universities or by ACES (the society for editing). Editing and proofreading courses are of benefit, as is a good knowledge of desktop publishing and writing programs.

5. Real Estate Agent/Realtor

Average salary: $85,000/year, dependent on the market and hours worked.

Real estate agents/realtors facilitate the buying, selling and renting of homes and office space.

Almost all an agent’s time is spent out of the office dealing with clients.

A real estate agent role may be considered a flexitime role rather than a traditional part-time job, but they can almost make their own hours, depending on what they have for sale or what clients they have.

Requirements: To be called a realtor, you must be part of the National Association of Realtors, which is an organization that requires certain standards to be followed, such as a code of ethics.

Regardless of being a realtor or real estate agent, you likely need a real estate license, but this depends on the state you live in. There is no national real estate license, so research the state you live in. You can use the real estate regulator Arello’s resource guide to find your local regulatory agency.

You also need to have an outgoing personality and great people skills. Signing clients is a big part of your job, so you need to be personable and able to sell.

Further, a good knowledge of the area you are selling in is a must.

You need to be trustworthy. People want an agent they can trust, who will tell them the true value of what they are buying.

Finally, you cannot get lost or be late – you need a reliable vehicle and navigation system.

Final Thoughts

Part-time jobs have a lot to offer, but there is also a lot to consider before going down this route.

There are many benefits, and they can suit someone with the right lifestyle. They offer a lot more flexibility and work-life balance than full-time jobs.

However, make sure you also consider the lack of workplace benefits, the variability of income and the possibility of fewer promotions.

If you need the flexibility but also a full time, steady income, it is worth looking into flexible hour jobs as a potential route.

No matter what you choose, there is always the option of looking for something new and different if you change your mind.