Part-time work is something most of us undertake at some point in our lifetimes, whether it’s while studying, working in other roles, saving up to travel or while on the road. It’s often done out of pure necessity, rather than for enjoyment. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
A part-time job can bridge the gap between school and a full-time role, providing the flexibility to help you work out exactly what you want to do. But it can also be engaging, stimulating and relevant to your career long-term.
There are many ways to figure out how to get a part-time job you actually like, rather than one that simply pays the bills. For some expert tips, we asked Frontline Hospitality Agency’s Jeff Bailey.
- Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Before you apply for a role, it’s important to first take a moment and think about what kind of person you are. Do you like to keep to yourself, or are you more of a people-person? “If you’re good at talking with people and find yourself to be social and extroverted, perhaps a customer-facing role will be ideal for you. But if, on the other hand, you’re more introverted and prefer to stay out of the spotlight, you’ll be best to target behind-the-scenes jobs,” Bailey says. By assessing your own strengths and weaknesses, you can identify part-time roles that best match your personality and your interests.
- Consider the conditions you want to work in. Once you’ve thought about your personality type and what you enjoy doing, it’s important to consider the circumstances you can realistically work in. Thinking about the kind of commitment you want to make and are able to make to working will help you ensure you end up in a role you enjoy and that fits your lifestyle. Ask yourself the following questions when considering which part-time role is suitable for you:
– How many hours per week do I want to work?
– When will I want to work?
– Will I be happy to work nights or weekends, or only weekdays?
– Will I want set hours, or would I prefer more flexible shift work?
“Many part-time jobs are based in the retail or hospitality industries,” says Bailey. “In the long run, picking a business that operates into the evenings will have a direct impact on the shift you get. If you’re happy to work nights, it’s also important to consider whether you will have transport options to and from work.”
- Target jobs based on your interests. Once you’ve considered the serious things like commitment and conditions, it’s time to think about the fun part – what you really want to do! Take time to reflect on what you really like and enjoy doing in your downtime, as that will help you find a part-time job that you actually enjoy doing. “If you love sports, apply at sporting retailers. If you love reading, target the book stores. The best thing to do is to spend time thinking about your direction before taking the job, as this may shape your future career direction,” Bailey concludes.
The best thing to do is to spend time thinking about your direction before taking the job, as this may shape your future career direction,” Bailey concludes.
