The Benefits of Part-time vs. Full-time Work

In today's fast-paced world, the traditional 9-to-5 job isn’t the only employment option anymore. With the rise of the gig economy and flexible work arrangements, more and more people are considering part-time work as a viable option. But is part-time work any better than full-time work?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of part-time work and full-time work to help you decide which option is best for you. You’ll learn the potential advantages of both, with consideration of factors like the number of hours worked, employment options, work-life balance, and income and benefits.

Time Commitment of Part-time vs. Full-time  

One of the main differences between part-time and full-time work is the number of hours worked. According to the IRS, a full-time employee is, for a calendar month, an employee employed on average at least 30 hours of service per week, or 130 hours of service per month. Part-time employees, of course, work less than that.

This often translates to full-time employees having a higher workload and the expectation they’ll be available for work during regular business hours. Part-time employees, on the other hand, may have a more flexible schedule and can sometimes choose to work fewer hours or at different times (depending on the job).

The number of hours you work can significantly impact your lifestyle and personal commitments. Working full-time hours may require more of a time commitment, but it can also result in a more stable income. Part-time work requires less of a time commitment and may provide more flexibility, but can often result in a less stable income.

Variety of Employment Options in Part-time vs. Full-time Work

Another factor to consider when comparing part-time and full-time work is the employment options available for each type of work. Yes, both part-time and full-time work offer a variety of roles and industries to choose from. But the nature of these roles and the opportunities they provide can differ quite a bit.

Advantages of Part-time Employment Options

Part-time work offers a truly wide range of employment options. If you’re looking for part-time work, you can find jobs in a multitude of industries, from retail and hospitality to professional services and healthcare. The nature of part-time work may allow you to explore different career paths and gain experience in different fields. Part-time work can also be a great option if you’re looking for temporary or seasonal work, like a holiday gig.

With the various options part-time work can provide, there’s an opportunity to gain experience in a new field or industry. If you're considering a career change or want to explore a new industry, part-time work could be a great option if it’s available. It can provide a less risky and more flexible way to gain relevant experience and skills. What’s more, it might also be a stepping stone to full-time employment in your desired field.

Advantages of Full-time Employment Options

Full-time work offers a variety of employment options, too, but they may be more limiting compared to part-time work given the time commitment. However, full-time employment often provides more opportunities for professional development and career progression than part-time employment. 

Many companies that hire full-time employees invest in training and development programs for those employees, providing them with the skills and knowledge to advance in their careers. If you’re looking for career progression, full-time work may prove to be more rewarding.

Does Part-time Work or Full-time Work Offer More Work-life Balance?

Work-life balance is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing between part-time and full-time work. If you’re not familiar, work-life balance refers to the balance between work and personal life, and how much time and energy you can dedicate to each aspect. Achieving a healthy work-life balance can contribute to improved mental and physical health, among other benefits. But the question remains — does part-time work or full-time work offer more of that desired balance? Let’s take a look.

Advantages of Part-time Work-life Balance

Working part-time hours offers a number of advantages. One of the more widely appreciated? A better work-life balance, which is something many folks are looking for these days. Part-time work can mean a more flexible schedule. Some employers allow employees to schedule work hours around their personal commitments, like family responsibilities or pursuing further education.

Working fewer hours can also provide you more time to pursue hobbies and other interests outside of work. This sort of flexibility can lead to reduced stress and a better overall quality of life. 

Advantages of Full-time Work-life Balance

It’s true — full-time work can also offer a good work-life balance! It really depends on the job and company culture, though. More and more companies are taking employee satisfaction seriously, and they strive to provide the work-life balance their employees seek. 

By offering things like wellness programs, family-friendly policies, and flexible work arrangements (think remote work or compressed workweeks), employers can help employees balance their work and personal life. To add to this, full-time employees are more likely to receive paid time off, which can enable them to take breaks and recharge when they need to.

On the flip side, full-time employment can provide a structured routine, which some people actually prefer. Having a regular work schedule can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can help manage stress and improve work-life balance.

Income and Benefits Packages

Income and benefits are important factors to look at when considering any job, including part-time and full-time work. It's important to consider not only the base salary but also the additional benefits and perks that come with each type of employment. Part-time and full-time employees may have different salary and benefits packages, which can impact their financial stability and overall job satisfaction.

Advantages of Part-time Income and Benefits

Simply based on hours worked, part-time employees might have a lower income compared to full-time employees. Part-time employees are often ineligible for employee benefits, like health insurance and retirement plans. 

On the flipside, one benefit of working part time is the ability to supplement your income. If you already have a source of income, a part-time job can make it easier to generate additional income. This can be particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs, freelancers, or those pursuing creative endeavors that require a significant time investment.

Advantages of Full-time Income and Benefits

One of the biggest advantages to working full-time hours? A bigger paycheck. Full-time employees typically have a more stable income compared to part-time employees. Why? Because full-time employees are typically guaranteed a certain number of hours or a fixed salary. This sort of stability can be beneficial if you have financial commitments like mortgages or loans.

In addition to a stable income, full-time employment often comes with additional perks and benefits. These can range from access to health insurance and paid time off to stock options and professional development opportunities. These kinds of perks and benefits can significantly increase job satisfaction and overall compensation, making full-time employment an attractive option for many people. Another perk to consider? Full-time employment can provide more of a sense of belonging and commitment to a company, which can be rewarding in its own right.

How To Choose Between Part-time and Full-time Work

The decision between part-time and full-time work is not a one-size-fits-all solution. As you can see, both part-time and full-time work have their own unique benefits and advantages. Part-time work offers more flexibility and work-life balance, while full-time work offers stability and opportunities for career growth.

It's also important to consider the long-term implications of your decision. While part-time work may offer more flexibility in the short term, full-time work may provide more stability and career advancement opportunities in the long run. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your individual circumstances and what you value most in a job. Whether you choose part-time or full-time work, the most important thing is to find a job that aligns with your priorities, career goals, and lifestyle.

Manage Your Part-time and Full-time Workers with Justworks PEO

Do you employ part-time workers? What about full-time workers? Either way, Justworks has what you need to manage your team. With Justworks PEO solution, you can onboard part-time and full-time employees — and even contractors!

Plus, administering benefits has never been easier with Justworks’ user-friendly platform. You’ll even get compliance support and HR tools that will save you time you can then spend growing your business. And with 24/7 customer support, you and your team of part-time (or full-time) workers always have help right at your fingertips. Get started with Justworks today!