There are a lot of individuals who would love to work part-time, if they had the opportunity, particularly as it would mean they could spend more quality time with their family.
It may be that you’d like to work just four days every week and then have that other day left to spend time with one of your children who is not attending any form of education yet.
Or alternatively, you may want to just work morning shifts, so you can still collect your children from school and nursery in the afternoon.
According to Capability Jane, a recruitment agency, there are an endless array of possibilities open to you when you work part-time.
However, before you make the leap, if it’s possible, you need to think carefully about the pros and cons of part-time employment.
The downsides may look worrying, like having a lower income. However, when you consider the fact that because you will be there more for your children, you will actually save money that you would have otherwise spent on childcare, meaning that the change balances out financially.
To help you, if you are contemplating the switch from full-time hours to part-time, we have put together a list of the pros and cons of each.
Pros
Working part-time means you can earn money and still have free time to follow other pursuits and interests that could make you more money. Part-time workers often spend their free time establishing their own business or something similar.
It gives you more free time to spend pursuing a hobby or interest. Or you can just use the time to carry out work around the house or relax.
Part-time work can often be less of a strain emotionally and mentally as you often have fewer responsibilities and you are less likely to be taking your work home with you.
You may qualify for specific financial benefits that self-employed or freelance workers aren’t
You may be able to save money on childcare as you will be able to be home with your kids when they finish nursery or school.
You have the chance to structure your daily schedule better so you have more time to spend with your family and friends because you are setting your own working hours or only have to work a specific number of days a week.
Cons
You could feel uncomfortable refusing to tasks and could feel like you are not giving as much as full-time employees are to the business
You may actually find that the job is more stressful as you are being given more boring and less taxing tasks. It could also feel as if there is no room to improve or reach out for further responsibilities as you are only part-time and that the full-time, but less experienced and qualified members of the team are given opportunities and promotions ahead of you.
You could feel you are missing out on training opportunities because your employers are reluctant to invest in you as you are only part-time.
It may be that you are able to qualify for benefits that full-time employment could give you
You will earn less money
As with everything, there is a ying and a yang. Working flexible hours is no different, but for most people, the pros far outweigh the cons for their circumstances. Ultimately, it’s for you to decide.
Nicola Holder 