Currently In Between Jobs? Advantages of Getting a Part-Time Job Today

Do you currently find yourself in between jobs? Singapore's labour market has been facing challenges as of late: despite an overall rosier economic outlook this year, the Ministry of Manpower said that unemployment rates rose in July -- ending an eight-month streak of steady improvement. The resident unemployment rate climbed to 3.7% from 3.5%, while unemployed citizens increased from 3.7% to 3.9%.

You may have been one of those whose employment has been affected by tighter restrictions implemented earlier this year. The MOM said that unemployment spiked after sectors went through a "temporary easing of manpower" during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from May 16 to June 13.

There is no shame in unemployment given the circumstances, however, being unemployed for an extended period can pose some challenges. You may inevitably burn through your savings to get by with your day-to-day expenses, draining hard-earned funds that you may have saved up for purchasing a house, getting married, graduate school, or for medical emergencies.

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If your job search has not turned as fruitful as you had initially hoped, why not apply for a part-time job in the meantime? Part-time jobs are a sound way to tide yourself over amid the pandemic and can keep your days meaningful and productive.

While you may think that part-time jobs are only for individuals with a full-time commitment (such as a day job or studies) to hustle on the side, these gigs can improve your financial situation and help with your mental health. Aside from having a role that helps pay the bills, part-time roles can offer some unexpected advantages that you think you may only get from a full-time job.

What are these benefits? Learn more about them below.

You'll earn a steady income.

A part-time job is better than not having a job at all, especially when it comes to easing your financial burden. Especially in this time of disruption, financial stability is essential in staying afloat during this precarious period. Whether you get paid by the hour or per assignment, the pay you receive from part-time jobs helps you afford your day-to-day expenses and settles the bills. You can even take advantage of the flexibility of these part-time jobs by working more than one gig, further increasing your potential income.

You'll find work life balance (finally!)

Taking on a part-time job allows you to earn while having more time for other commitments or pursuits, whether it's learning a new hobby or skill or caring for children and family members. This arrangement works well if you are recovering from burnout at your previous job. It ensures that you have time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the things that matter to you for the time being.

You may gain experience outside your current skills.

A temporary OR part-time gig may be helpful if you're looking to gain experience outside your current skill set. This can come in handy particularly if you are trying to upskill or even switch to a field that is different from your previous role. For example, working as a part-time graphic designer or a copywriter even without holding a previous professional background can help you come up with a solid portfolio.

Even if you are not looking for new work experience, each part-time job can impart invaluable soft skills that can help you later on. A part-time role in customer service or as a call centre agent, for example, can equip you with interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, crisis management, or even upselling and pitching, depending on the nature of your work. Even part-time work at a food establishment will give you a taste of the F&B industry while following processes and communicating with a team effectively under pressure.

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Your self-esteem and morale stays high

Staying unemployed for a certain period can certainly affect your disposition, on top of an already-distressing situation amidst COVID-19. Having too many aspects of your life impacted by the pandemic may lead to feelings of losing control over your life.

Keeping yourself productive while earning some income can seriously help boost your confidence in case you are ready to start searching for full-time roles soon. Aside from filling in that dreaded job gap on your resume, the feeling of achievement, compounded by the soft skills and experiences gained during this period can help you increase your chances of success in applying for new roles. Certain part-time roles also help expand your professional network, which can come in handy for you shortly.

Part-Time Jobs to Consider

While the job market for full-time roles may not be ideal, therearestill available job openings, with several part-time roles that are still ripe for the picking. Here are just some of the most common part-time jobs that you can consider.

Private Tutor

Tuition has always been a lucrative industry in Singapore, with 70% of parents spending hundreds of dollars each month on private tutors for their children even before the pandemic. In the time of home-based learning, online tuition sessions have replaced in-person learning.

As a private tutor, you typically spend two hours on each student, helping them brush up on classes such as English and maths. As a part-time tutor, you can earn between S$20 to S$30 each hour. Naturally, the higher your qualifications (such as an NIE or MOE certification), the higher your hourly wage can be.

Search for part-time tutor roles here.

Administrative Officer or Assistant

As an administrative officer or assistant, you help enterprises with their day-to-day organisation and filing of essential company documents and keep the office and operational transactions smooth and running. You may be in charge of providing general administrative support, handling invoices and payment, handling inventory and stock, and other necessary materials needed.

Search for part-time administrative roles here.

Customer Service Officer

Customer service roles can now be performed from the comforts of your home instead of a physical call centre, making this essential role a potentially lucrative side gig for you. As a customer service officer, you will be in charge of handling customer feedback, fielding user complaints, and resolving any queries and issues promptly and effectively.

Search for part-time customer service roles here.

Temperature Screener

As we move forward with the new normal, COVID-19 protocols continue to be in place, with a high demand for temperature screeners and other roles aimed at assisting visitors with health declarations and swab tests.

Search for temperature screener roles here.

Find part-time #JobsThatMatter on JobStreet today, and update your profile with the hashtag #WorkNow so employers know you can start immediately. For more expert career advice on job searching, visit the Career Resources page.