What to Consider Before Getting a Part-Time Job

Applying for a part-time job is no small thing, whether you’ve been out of the workforce, already have another job, need to quickly find employment after a layoff, or want to try your hand in a new industry. However, it can be the perfect solution for extra cash or resume-building experience. We’ve gathered some tips on how to find a part-time job that works for you and what to consider before getting a part-time job.

1. Your goal

Before you start searching, consider your reason for pursuing a part-time opportunity. Maybe you’re trying to earn more money, learn a new skill, or fill the time before you land a full-time role.

Use this goal to guide your job search and focus on the factors that matter the most – whether that’s finding the highest wage, the best learning opportunity, or part-time jobs with flexible hours. Make your search easier by using a job board that allows you to filter by employment type, skills, wage, experience level, or industry.

2. Your current job

Some employers have policies about working outside of the organization, like a non-compete clause or a requirement for written permission from your supervisor. Before you get serious about your job search, look at your contract and company handbook to make sure you won’t be violating any policies.

You should also think about how much time and energy you spend on your current job or responsibilities. Do you experience a high amount of stress at work? Are you exhausted after you come home? If that’s the case, getting a side gig will only make things harder – learning how to balance a full-time and part-time job is challenging and takes time. Consider whether you’ll have enough energy to juggle your commitments and do both jobs well.

If you’re hesitant, look for part-time jobs with flexible hours or minimal time commitments. That way, you can give it a try without the pressure of a strict schedule.

3. Your schedule

If you have a full-time role, another part-time gig, or other responsibilities like parenting, think about how a part-time job would work with your schedule. Will you be able to fully commit to it? Are you concerned about how to balance a full-time and part-time job?

A side gig may work really well for people who have structured jobs with a set number of hours per week. However, if you are often required to work late, be on call, travel, or have an otherwise unpredictable schedule, a part-time job may not be for you. It shouldn’t interfere with your other jobs or responsibilities (for example, having to request off to accommodate your other work schedule or arriving late to a shift because a meeting ran over).

The great thing about part-time jobs is that they can offer a lot of flexibility, like evening hours or remote work. If you’re wondering how to find a part-time job that works for your schedule, consider your options – there are many part-time jobs with flexible hours, work from home opportunities, evening and overnight shifts, or contract and temporary work.

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4. Your free time

This sounds like a no brainer, but it’s important to think about. When you take a part-time job, consider what that will mean for your social life, family time, and hobbies, especially if you already have another job.

If you do decide to commit to a part-time opportunity, you may find that sticking to a personal schedule helps with your mental energy and overall happiness. Allow yourself time between each job to relax, even if it’s just an hour. Attend a social event once a week. Or, make sure you take off at least one day a week so that you can recharge. Little things like that will go a long way when it comes to sustaining a part-time job among other responsibilities.

5. Your skills

When you’re thinking about how to find a part-time job that works best for you, it’s important to take your skills into consideration. This will help you narrow down your job search and potentially find an opportunity that’s more rewarding and maybe even more lucrative.

Make a list of your top talents and skills (e.g. data analysis, customer service, organization) and search for part-time jobs that match your skill set. This is beneficial for several reasons:

1) It will be easier to get the job. If you can prove that you have the skills they’re looking for, you’re more likely to land the job and command a higher wage.

2) It will be easier to do the job (and probably more enjoyable). You’ll be more efficient doing something you’re good at than something that falls outside of your skill set.

3) It will enhance your resume. Even if it’s only 5–10 hours a week, your part-time job will give you more opportunity to develop your talents, apply them to a different setting, and prove to future employers that you are more versatile and experienced than other candidates.

When you’re considering your skills, you may even find that you have a marketable talent – like graphic design, writing, or consulting – that could lead to freelancing or contract opportunities.

To find a part-time job that matches your expertise, consider using an industry-focused job site or a platform that allows you to search jobs by skill.

Now that you know what to consider before getting a part-time job and how to find a part-time job that works for you, it’s time to start looking. Make your job search easier by focusing on the factors that align with your goal. Determine what kind of part-time job works best with your schedule and skill set. And, use a job site that makes searching for part-time employment easy.

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