Is a Part-Time Job Right for You? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

In today's dynamic work environment, many people are considering whether a non-traditional role can help them advance their career. Whether you've been let go, want to balance childcare and work, or are curious about picking up a freelance job, pursuing a part-time role in the nonprofit sector may be the way to go.

Here are some helpful questions to think about when considering a part-time job:

1. Does this work for my schedule?

For many people, a part-time job—whether as an employee or an independent contractor—is attractive because of the flexibility. After all, if you have to look after children or take college classes online, a full-time position may leave you stretched thin. But there are still a few things you should ask yourself:

• Does this job have a fixed schedule every day? If you have an unchanging weekly schedule, this type of job would be perfect for you. However, if you take classes a few mornings a week, it might not work out to have a part-time job that could overlap with coursework.
• Will you need to have a quiet workspace available at all times? If you have kids at home or if your live-in partner is working remotely, your home may be chaotic at times. Although some employers are more empathetic to working parents and people living in cramped spaces, a job that’s heavy on phone or video communications can be challenging.
• Is the commute okay? If the part-time role is far away or requires you to take the bus, consider whether it's worth it for you to commute to this job a few times a week.

2. Can I manage without a full-time salary and benefits?

Obviously, if you’re considering a part-time role then you are aware that you will likely (but not necessarily) be taking home less money than you did before. The potential lack of benefits can be the toughest part in making a decision about part-time work. 

• Take a hard look at your budget and see how long you can manage on a part-time paycheck. If you currently work full time and are considering dropping down to part time (as many women have had to do, for instance), this is of course a greater consideration for you.  
• Consider your healthcare options. Some employers do offer health insurance to part-timers who work less than 30 hours per week, but many do not. And in the case of independent contractors, you’re on your own. In that case, you will have to buy your own health insurance unless you qualify for Medicaid. Before making any decisions, look into what it will cost you to not have coverage through work. 
• Will you be able to manage without certain benefits? In addition to health insurance, there are other full-time benefits (like retirement plans) that you will not see with a part-time job. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them so you understand what you may be missing. 

3. Could this lead to a full-time role? (And does that matter?)

One final consideration when deciding on a part-time role is whether you would be interested in it becoming full time. For some people, the reduced salary or lack of benefits may be temporarily worth it if you see it becoming a full-time career. But if there’s no guarantee that it could lead to something full time, would you still be interested? For others it may not matter, and the continued paycheck and flexibility may be enough to make part-time work an attractive option. 

In uncertain times, any job can seem welcome, but it’s always good to do your homework and consider the pros and cons of part-time work and whether it will be the right fit for your situation.