If you’re looking for work, you might be wondering whether to accept a part-time job. Our society has conditioned us to think that working full-time is best, but this isn’t always true. Here are a few pros and cons to think about when considering a part-time job.
Pros
There are several advantages to working part-time. These include, but are not necessarily limited to:
Flexibility. There’s a reason that most struggling actors work a part-time job. They need time off for auditions and performances, which could be impossible to get in a full-time role. Whether you are caring for aging parents, pursuing a passion project, or going to school, working part-time lets you maintain a stronger work-life balance.
Networking. It can be tough to land your dream full-time position without a referral. Working part-time in a related area could give you the connections you need to take the next steps in your career.
Building skills. If you’re changing industries, you may lack some of the required skillset for the role you truly want. A part-time job could be a stepping stone, allowing you to gain the skills you need while earning a paycheck and learning more about the field.
Cons
Of course, a part-time job also has its downside. Factors to be aware of include:
Lack of benefits. Few part-time jobs come with a strong benefits package. You may not get any benefits at all, or you might receive pro-rated benefits based on how many hours you work.
Job creep. It’s not unusual for workers at any level to end up doing things that weren’t in the job description. But when you work part-time, you might feel more pressure to take on additional duties. Some people end up feeling like they have to pack full-time work into part-time hours to be taken seriously.
Difficulty advancing. Part-time workers aren’t always around when big decisions are being made. They can also suffer from stigma, as if they aren’t as valuable to the company as full-time employees. These factors can make it more difficult to move up from a part-time role.
Whether to take a part-time job is a highly personal decision. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether the advantages outweigh the difficulties for you.
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