Whether you need some extra money in high school or your retirement fund could use some extra padding, you may be considering a part-time job. No matter where you are in your career, Top Applicant is here for you! Regardless of why you’re considering a part-time job, there are some important things to consider before applying.
What is a part-time job?
So how does Top Applicant define part-time jobs? The US standard for a part-time job is typically anything less than 35 hours per week. But that can lead to some ambiguity. You may consider a job with Uber or Doordash to be part-time, but we consider these to be gig work due to their work-as-you-go models.
To weigh the pros and cons of part-time jobs, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best—and the worst—aspects of part-time jobs. With decades of work experience between our hiring experts, we’ve spent our fair share of time on part-time schedules. By combining our real world experience with national industry insights, these are our pros and cons of part-time jobs.
Pros
Flexible Schedules
One of the most common reasons people choose part-time jobs is the freedom associated with them! For the ultimate flexibility, we recommend finding a remote part-time job. These can range from data entry to customer service.
Whether you have a few hours between classes or you’re just looking to clock a few more hours a week, these jobs fit well into many schedules, as long as you have the right tools to work effectively! To learn more about remote work options, check out our related blog.
Read On – Remote Work
Diverse Career Paths
A part-time job is a great option for those just starting their careers and for those who are ready for a change! It’s one of the best ways to dip your toes into a new industry, and can be a great option for people of all experience levels and abilities. Many of our favorite jobs in this segment are entry-level positions that include training at every level as you move up.
For detailed insights into upward mobility, we look to the top 100 companies from the American Opportunity Index. Some of the most popular industries at the top of this list are retail, banking, and technology. From typical considerations like Costco and Target to PNC Financial and Meta, there are many great ways to build your career without a full-time position.
Extra Money
Let’s face it, everyone could use some extra funds now and then. That’s why part-time jobs are some of the most popular positions right now. Regardless of your financial situation, a part-time job is always a great way to pad your pocketbook. From traditional industries like retail and food service to more complex positions like administrative assistants and freelance writers, there are many great part-time jobs to keep money in the bank and a smile on your face.
Cons
Limited Career Advancement
A part-time job may be a great way to learn about a career path—or it could be one of the most stagnant positions you’ve ever had. It really all depends on where you apply. Food service is one of the most notorious part-time positions people either love or despise. Good tips and steady shifts are great for the short term. But there are very few opportunities for advancement outside of taking on a full-time position.
Instability
Many seasonal part-time jobs are great for some extra cash, but if you’re looking for a steady stream of income without logging 40 hours a week, we suggest looking elsewhere. Retail and construction are some of the most notorious positions for unstable employment for part-time employees. Full-time or seasoned employees typically get their pick of hours during slow seasons, resulting in unpredictable schedules and pay.
Few/No Benefits
One of the worst aspects of part-time jobs across almost every industry is that there are very few or no benefits provided by employers. Health benefits, retirement, and PTO are typically reserved for full-time employees simply because most companies can’t afford to provide comparable packages to every employee.
Are You a Part-Timer?
Now that you know the pros and cons of part-time work, the choice is yours. Regardless of how you build your career, find your next job on Top Applicant! Build your profile and browse the best jobs near you with the modern way to get hired.
