Is It Time to Consider Part-Time Work?

Today's workers, whether employed or not, are facing a tough situation.

If you're unemployed, you're looking for a job in what is still an extremely tough market. And if you've kept your job, you are likely feeling overworked and underappreciated, convinced that your employer has exploited the economic situation, as indicated in this survey conducted by the Human Capital Institute and Monster Worldwide.

 

If you're feeling like you're running out of options, have you considered part-time work?

 

According to this AP article, part-time hiring is not the harbinger of a good job market that it once was, but employers are hiring for temp and part-time jobs. As John Silvia, chief economist at Wells Fargo says in the article, "Companies aren't testing the waters by turning to temporary firms. They just want part-time workers."

 

Part-time work can offer a number of benefits you may not have considered:

 

Flexibility: Part-time jobs offer the flexibility that a full-time job does not. Perhaps a part-time job and the more open -- or nontraditional -- schedule it affords might allow you to bring in cash while devoting time to further education. Or, you can use that available time to save money by cutting down some of your childcare or eldercare expenses.

 

Ease Back into the Workforce: This recession has seen its share of retirees, stay-at-home moms and others trying to reenter the workforce. Roles have shifted, and getting back to 40 hours a week may seem daunting. Reentering in a part-time role can allow you to ease your way back in.

 

Test Drive Your Options: Taking on a new job in a part-time capacity allows you to check out the employer and position as much as you are being tested. You might be able -- and willing -- to take some chances in something that is less permanent. It could ultimately drive your career forward.

 

Piece Together Your Perfect Career: Who says it has to be one person/one job? Look to a number of part-time jobs to piece together a career that works for you. This is especially enticing if you have varied interests and abilities.

 

So what do you think? Could part-time work be for you, or have you already been using it as a lifeline during this downturn?

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