Step-by-Step Guide to 20 Part-Time, Weekend-Only Jobs

A part-time job is an alternative to full-time employment and requires fewer work hours per week. A lighter workload may allow for more scheduling flexibility, which is one of many potential benefits. If you are considering applying for or accepting a part-time job, it can help to think through the helpful aspects of part-time employment when making your decision. In this article, we discuss what part-time jobs are and the benefits of part-time jobs.

What is a part-time job?

A part-time job is a type of employment in which someone works fewer than the hours of a full-time employee. The requirements to be considered full-time may vary based on location and employer. For example, if full-time employment is 35-40 hours per week, part-time employees work fewer than 35 hours in a week. Employees often obtain part-time jobs directly or they may move from full-time to part-time employment because of changes in their personal scheduling needs or changes in workplace staffing.

Employers usually pay part-time employees on an hourly, not salaried basis. This hourly pay means that a part-time employee often has the option to increase their workload by agreeing to work additional shifts to cover for other employees during illness or time off. Part-time employees may work more often during busy seasons, such as the weeks leading up to a new school year or the winter holidays. Part-time employees may also work during nights, weekends or holidays.

What are the benefits of working at a part-time job?

The following are 11 potential benefits of working a part-time job:

You might have more time for family

Working at a part-time job may allow you to have more time with your family. This will depend on the workplace, as some may accommodate more flexible schedules than others. For example, you might be able to coordinate your schedule to take your children to school or be home when they get off the school bus.

Working part-time can allow you to take time off on days where an elderly parent needs to go to an appointment. If a loved one gets sick, working part-time may make your schedule more flexible so that you can stay home to take care of them.

You have more time for your education

If you have a part-time job, you may have an easier time completing your education while continuing to work than if you worked a full-time job. The flexibility of a part-time schedule may help you coordinate your work schedule with class sessions. You may also have more time to study and complete assignments.

You have more time to pursue a hobby

With a part-time job, you may have more free time during the week to build other skills. For example, you could attend music classes, craft fairs or community theater shows. Because you might have multiple entire days off of work, you might pursue hobbies that require an all-day commitment with more flexibility than if you had a full-time job.

You can develop financial management skills

Some people work in a part-time position as their first job while they complete their studies. These individuals may not yet have all the financial obligations of someone with a full-time job. For these people, a part-time job can provide a chance to earn a paycheck and learn to manage a budget before transitioning to full-time employment.

You can develop time management skills

Some people might accept a part-time job in addition to other obligations, such as students taking classes or parents and volunteers working in their free time. These people often want to balance their work requirements with their outside obligations. Therefore, they may develop or build their existing time management skills. These skills can help employees use their time effectively and complete workplace responsibilities.

You can earn an income

A part-time job includes payment for your work. One reason you may choose to work part-time is to supplement your partner’s pay or as an addition to your own from another job. You could also work part-time temporarily to save up for a specific goal, rather than relying on it as a regular addition to your monthly income. You may earn extra money by taking on extra shifts because part-time jobs earn hourly pay. During night, weekend or holiday shifts, you may also earn more.

You can network

At your part-time job, you might meet people with more connections that work in the same field. These people can direct you to further opportunities in the future or provide you with references. You may also have the chance to meet people who work for other companies or organizations and form professional networks that can help you if you seek a new job in the future.

You can gain work experience to move up in the company

Some companies hire people with less experience for a part-time position. Employers may do this because there can be less of a risk in hiring someone hourly instead of committing to a salaried contract for a full-time job. Part-time positions also often include fewer responsibilities. You can get a part-time job to gain experience in your line of work and use that experience to apply for full-time employment in the future.

You may have more energy

For some people, working fewer hours allows them more time to rest. You may also have more free time for other self-care activities like exercise and cooking at home. If you are well-rested and have time to care for yourself, you might find more energy for tasks like household chores.

You might save transportation costs

If you work fewer days per week than a full-time employee, you may save money that you would otherwise spend on transportation to and from work. For example, if you own a car you can save on gas and expenses associated with owning and operating a car. If you take public transportation, you can save on bus fare, train tickets, taxis or ride-share fees.

You may have the chance for career advancement

As a part-time employee, you may show that you can perform your job duties while getting to know your supervisors. Being successful and meeting people in higher positions might lead to promotion to a full-time position in the future. Also, suppose a company doesn’t have any full-time jobs available but still wants to offer you a position. In that case, they might create a temporary part-time position for you while they wait for a full-time job to become available.

You may be eligible for employee benefits

Depending on state and national laws, you may receive some benefits as a part-time employee. Your employer may also extend some benefits programs to all employees. Examples of benefits that your employer may offer include:

• Money for education

• Employee discounts

• Worker’s compensation

• Unemployment benefits

• Social security and disability benefits

• Health insurance

• Retirement savings

• Parental leave

• Holidays off

• Paid vacation time

Step-by-Step Guide to 20 Part-Time, Weekend-Only Jobs