If you’re considering a part-time job, it’s important to know about the hours and benefits involved, as well as the types of jobs that are available.
What Is a Part-Time Job?
Determining whether a job is considered part-time depends on the company’s policy and practice of defining employees and the hours required to be considered full-time. For example, an employer might classify a worker as part-time if they work less than 35 hours per week. There are no legal guidelines that determine whether or not an employee is a part-time or full-time employee. The Fair Labor Standards Act, which sets legal requirements in the U.S. for wages, hours, and overtime, doesn’t specify how many hours per week is considered full-time employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regards workers who work 35 hours a week as full-time, but that definition is for statistical purposes only.
How Does a Part-Time Job Work?
Part-time employees typically include students, moms and dads, retirees, and other workers who don’t want or need the time commitment of a full-time position. Some workers may also hold two or more part-time jobs instead of working full-time at one organization. Part-time positions can sometimes work their way into full-time work, depending on the structure of the company. If you are looking for full-time employment, sometimes taking a part-time position is a good way to get your foot in the door. It can be a way to gain the experience necessary for full-time employment, and also a way to show an employer your commitment in the workplace.
Part-Time Employees
Part-time employees typically include students, moms and dads, retirees, and other workers who don’t want or need the time commitment of a full-time position. Some workers may also hold two or more part-time jobs instead of working full-time at one organization.
Types of Part-Time Jobs
Part-time jobs are available in a variety of industry and career fields. Part-time retail and hospitality positions are common, but most industries use some part-time workers to supplement their full-time staff. Some part-time jobs can be low-paying, high-stress occupations like those in the foodservice industry. Others pay enough to live comfortably while pursuing other things. Some people prefer to work part-time for a variety of reasons, including having more time to attend to parenting responsibilities, working on their own business ventures, or complete schooling. Working less can also help reduce stress and offer a better work-life balance. In a lagging economy, part-time jobs may be filled by workers who would prefer full-time employment, but can’t find a full-time job. The BLS refers to these employees as “involuntary part-time workers.”
