6 Benefits of Working Part-Time Instead of Full Time

According to the job posting site Indeed, part-time opportunities increased between 2022-2024, while full-time job listings remained stable during the same period. This suggests employers may be pivoting toward more part-time positions and increased flexibility for employees.

Beyond the obvious income ramifications, there are advantages candidates should consider when determining if part-time employment works for them.

Pursue Other Interests

Working part-time increases free time with which to pursue extracurricular activities. For those lacking the requisite academic credentials for their dream job, a part-time position may serve as a stepping stone that affords the flexibility to obtain the certification needed to find roles in their desired profession.

Others may use part-time jobs to climb the ladder within an existing field. For example, an individual with a social work degree can obtain part-time entry-level work that lets them simultaneously earn the graduate degree needed to land a more lucrative job.

Part-time jobs also appeal to those nurturing special projects, such as writing, civic outreach, and artistic endeavors.

Explore New Job Opportunities

When there are no full-time positions available within a given company, workers may accept part-time employment to position themselves as the obvious candidate when a coveted full-time slot becomes available. A part-time job can also help individuals gain experience and training in fields unfamiliar to them.

After all, an employer who may be reluctant to hire an inexperienced person on a full-time basis may be inclined to hire an eager candidate on a part-time basis if they express an enthusiastic desire to learn the trade.

Strategize To Earn More

Although it may sound counterintuitive, working part-time can sometimes enable an individual to make more money, especially if they are capable of balancing more than one job. For example, a person who pairs a 30-hour-per-week gig with another 20-hour-per-week gig may pull in a greater combined income than a single full-time position.

Furthermore, given that many full-time salaried positions demand 50- to 60-hour workweeks, this individual may still end up working fewer total hours.

Reduced Stress and Improved Health

Job burnout is defined as stress linked to work, commonly affecting individuals in full-time, demanding positions. Individuals experience physical and emotional distress and often feel a lack of control over their schedule, assignments, or workload.

Part-time workers have more time to exercise, regulate their time, and get a better night’s sleep. Part-time employment also allows for more efficient management of daily tasks like grocery shopping, laundry, and completing other household chores.

Those capable of adjusting to a slightly lower standard of living may discover that working fewer hours is favorable to the demands of working full time.

Family Balance

Working part-time is ideal for family-oriented individuals, especially those who value the opportunity to pick up their children from school or stay at home a few days to care for an infant.

Part-timers may save on day care expenses, which may exceed the extra money earned by working full-time. As of 2025, the average family spends up to 22% of their income on child care.

Transportation Savings

An individual who finds part-time work near their home may save more on transportation expenses than those who commute an hour or more daily to a full-time job. Not only can part-timers save on gas and car maintenance costs, but they may also shave dollars from their monthly auto insurance premiums, which are often mileage-dependent.

The Bottom Line

Working part-time is not an option for everyone. However, those who can afford to reduce their working hours may enjoy a better life-work balance and the opportunity to pursue other interests and spend more time with family.