Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Lifevif Team and JC Franco
Who says you need a full-time job to be happy and comfortable in life? What if having a part-time job is more fun, more rewarding, and more authentically you? Before you get sucked into thinking that life has to be all about work, work, work, give the various advantages and benefits of a part-time job some consideration. You never know; you might just be inspired to ditch the idea of a full-time job altogether.
Quit grappling with the toss-up between a full-time job and a part-time job. Perhaps now is the time to realize just how beneficial a part-time job can be. Let’s dig into the ways a part-time job may be better for you than a full-time job.
17 ways a part-time job may be better than a full-time job:
1. More time to focus on your hobbies and passions.
People who work full-time jobs and seek out careers often find themselves with little to no free time to focus on hobbies and passions. If your hobbies and pastimes are important to you, you might prefer having a part-time job instead of a full-time one that demands all of your time.
2. Time to find your true calling.
If you aren’t quite sure what your true calling is in life, there’s plenty of time to figure that out. Of course, you can still earn an income while you investigate your options. Working part-time gives you enough time to figure out what you want to do with your life.
3. Opportunity to study and hone your skills.
If you work full time and want to study, you will need to study after work hours, leaving very little free time for yourself. If you want to study and hone your expertise, work part-time and study part-time.
4. Less stress and anxiety (positive health impact).
Many people with full-time jobs and demanding careers suffer from high blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Couple that with minimal time to eat healthy and exercise…it doesn’t leave a full-time job looking very good. If you want to ensure that your job doesn’t negatively impact your health, opt for a part-time job where the demands and responsibilities are a little less.
5. You can use it for networking and getting ahead in the business world.
If you plan to have your own business in the future, you can use a part-time job to start networking and building trust with people in the industry.
6. Ability to be more involved in your children’s lives.
How much time will you have to spend with your partner and children if you have a full-time job? If you are a family-oriented person and want to actually watch your children grow and be involved in their lives, having a part-time job will make that more possible. If you have a full-time job, you might miss out on a lot of your child’s special and important moments.
7. There’s an opportunity to start your own business.
Starting your own business can be hard, but if it is what you want, you are going to have to spend a lot of time planning and saving. A part-time job can provide the perfect opportunity to earn money while planning and working at bringing your dream to life.
8. You can earn income while you study.
If you wish to further your education while still paying your bills, having a part-time job can help you to do just that. You can study during the hours that you aren’t working. It’s a perfectly balanced lifestyle.
9. You aren’t bound by a strict contract.
When working a full-time job, you are tied into a contract that can be difficult to get out of. If you aren’t sure what your plans are for the future, you might want to keep your options by obtaining a temporary or part-time job where the contract or working arrangement can be more flexible.
10. More hours to sleep and relax.
Full-time jobs demand certain hours a day. You may have to get up for work at 6 am to make it on time and only get home close to 6 pm at night due to traffic. If you want to sleep more hours and enjoy more time to relax, a part-time job can help with that as the work schedules are usually flexible or shift-related.
11. Enjoy more flexibility to do more in your day.
A part-time job could be just what you need to get more done in the day. You can drop the kids at school, head to your part-time job, and get home early enough for a workout before doing the laundry and picking up the kids. You could even find some time to read a few pages of your favorite book or watch an episode of your favorite series.
12. Working part-time can boost self-esteem.
Let’s talk about how you feel about yourself if you have “nothing” to do with your time and don’t feel needed. If you don’t have to work for an income, you might find that you can get something else out of it: self-esteem. Feeling purposed and needed can do a lot for a person’s self-image and value.
13. Gain experience in the working world.
There’s a saying that says, “a rolling stone gathers no moss”. If you want to get a full-time job, having some prior working experience is essential. It shows that you have some experience in the working world. Having a part-time job can help you to gain experience. It looks great on your resume, and it will be appreciated in future job interviews.
14. You can try your hand at different career paths to see which suits you best.
Part-time jobs are great for people who aren’t sure which career path is for them. You can get part-time jobs in various sectors and see how you feel working within them without over-committing.
15. It can be a foot in the door in your desired career path.
Getting a part-time job could help you get a foot in the door of your chosen career path. If you wish to work in a specific industry, but there are no permanent positions available, you can opt for a part-time job and keep your eyes and ears open for a full-time job within the business. A part-time job could turn into a full-time job or even end in advancement within the company.
16. Keep yourself socially connected and making friends.
Having a social life is important to most of us. If you already work from home or are studying, or don’t need to work for an income, you might miss out on the social element of working. Having a job means that you get to connect with others and actually keep making friends. Having a part-time job will keep you socially connected.
17. A no-strings-attached way of maintaining cash flow.
If you don’t want to get yourself tied into a contract but still need to have the cash flow to survive, getting a part-time job can really help you with that.
All in all
If you were wondering if there’s any real use to opting for a part-time job over a full-time one, now you have 17 benefits and advantages to consider. Getting a part-time job instead of a full-time job could provide you with the income you need to get by without tying you down to anything permanent. This allows you freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to take your time to decide what you want to do with your life.
This article was co-authored by our team of in-house and freelance writers, and reviewed by our editors, who share their experiences and knowledge about the "Seven F's of Life".
JC Franco
JC Franco is a New York-based editor for Lifevif. He mainly focuses on content about faith, spirituality, personal growth, finance, and sports. He graduated from Mercyhurst University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, majoring in Marketing. He is a certified tennis instructor who teaches in the New York City Metropolitan area. In terms of finance, he has passed the Level I exam of the CFA program.
