Part-time jobs offer flexibility, extra income, and the chance to advance in a new career. They’re not right for everyone’s career path, though. Learn who benefits from part-time jobs, and decide whether this is the right choice for you.
Students
Whether you’re pursuing a two-year degree, a four-year degree, or a graduate degree, focusing on school is important. Part-time jobs take away from the time you could be studying, but they offer a range of benefits that often outweigh the negatives. Whether you take a job as a retail sales associate or a bartender, part-time work helps you learn skills such as budgeting and time management. You’ll also gain experience that can help you get a head start on your career.
Parents
From school drop-offs and extracurricular activities to sports tournaments and sick days, the demands of being a parent can make keeping a full-time job truly challenging. Many part-time jobs offer flexible schedules that help you achieve a healthy work-life balance while still supporting your family. If you’re planning to look for a full-time job again once the kids get older, a part-time job can help you maintain important contacts in your industry.
Location-Bound Workers
It isn’t always possible to find your dream job in a specific location, especially if you live in a small town or a remote area. In some cases, you may have to choose between working a part-time job in your area or taking a full-time job that requires a substantial commute. Since time is money and commutes can be expensive, taking a part-time job in your area could benefit your bank account and your resume.
Creatives
When you have a creative personality, you excel at thinking outside of the box and doing things differently. Those qualities can help you get ahead, but they can also make full-time jobs seem stifling. Whether you’re a writer, a web designer, a marketer, or an entrepreneur, working one or more part-time jobs enables you to stay creative without slowing down your energy.
Career Changers
Leaving a less-than-ideal job behind and starting a new career isn’t easy. It’s especially tough if you only have limited experience in your new industry. Landing a part-time job can give you the ideal opportunity to get your foot in the door. Taking on an exciting new side gig also enables you to pursue your passions and do something you love while making money at the same time.
Retirees
If you’ve been working hard for decades, retirement gives you the chance to take a much-deserved break. Making the transition from a long, successful career to a relaxing retirement has its own set of challenges, though. Whether you miss the regular interaction with coworkers or the sense of accomplishment after doing a job well, taking a part-time position can help you regain those feelings. If retirement is causing a serious strain on your bank account, part-time work can give you some much-needed spending money, too.
Part-time work might not be the right decision for those approaching the peak of their careers, but it might be a smart choice for you. If you’re a student, a busy parent, or a millennial with a new career in mind, taking a part-time job makes a lot of sense.
