Full Time Vs. Part Time Employment

With so many people seeking employment due to massive layoffs and the changing economy, many begin to question whether finding a good-paying full-time job is possible. Many companies wanting to cut costs eliminate full-time positions and hire part-time employees. Some people claim that two part-time jobs are just as good as one full-time position. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of full-time and part-time employment.

Definitions

The difference in a job being full-time and part-time can be a matter of hours. The exact definition is not always clear. According the the U.S. Department of Labor, The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not define full-time employment or part-time employment. This is a matter generally to be determined by the employer. Whether an employee is considered full-time or part-time does not change the application of the FLSA. This means that the employer can set his own definition for what part-time means. A job that is 38 hours a week could be part-time and a job that is 39 hours a week could be full-time. Traditionally, the 40-hour mark is set for a full-time position.

Benefits

There are many workers who have given up on finding full-time employment and have resigned themselves to part-time work. These workers do not figure in unemployment statistics. They are often without benefits and working for minimum wage or a reduced wage in comparison to their full-time coworkers. In fear of being unemployed, they tolerate these inequalities and wait for a better opportunity.

Other part-time workers are there for their own reasons. Some prefer the flexibility and are working part-time while pursuing other interests. Some are working mothers or fathers who want more time home with young children. Many have other entrepreneurial interests that take up their time and energy. They aspire to own their own business and need the stability of a part-time job while their own business gains viability.

Effects

Many feel like the psychological impact of unemployment is more devastating that underemployment.
Having a part-time job can give one a mental boost and confidence in pursuing full-time employment.
A person who is employed part-time can present themselves with greater enthusiasm in a job interview by talking about how they contribute to the success of their current company. They can gain important references for future jobs. An unemployed person may not have those contacts and find it harder to network.

Skills

A part-time worker may use the experience to gain valuable skills. Many workers are able to try out various roles and positions within a company and discover new interests and abilities in their part-time position. Workers can transfer these abilities to new careers and add those experiences to their resumes. The new skills and work habits formed in a part-time job make the experience better than unemployment but not as rewarding as a full-time job.

Security

Full-time jobs often are viewed as having more job security. Those jobs that are unionized are viewed as highly secure. In today's economy with major industries filing for bankruptcy and downsizing, job security is not always a guarantee. Having a skill set that is transferable and having a variety of practical and marketable skills are the best means of avoiding unemployment. Using a part-time position to achieve your own personal or business goals is a very smart move. If you are waiting for a full-time job, it is a great way to stay connected and motivated for your next full-time position.

References

• Compensation in Part-time versus Full-time jobs
• United States Department of Labor FAQ