Part-time jobs: working in the new normal

With COVID-19 affecting businesses and job security, alternatives such as part-time jobs are steadily becoming a more popular means of earning income. Understand the advantages and considerations before deciding if part-time employment is for you.

The COVID-19 crisis has affected various regions' economies. With lockdowns in place around the globe, the economic impact has placed various jobs on the line. Employees took pay cuts, went on no-pay leave, or were laid off as businesses grappled with the effects of the pandemic.

We understand how this can be a worrying time for you, especially when savings begin to deplete during this period. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), working hours around the world have declined by 10.5%—the equivalent of 305 million full-time jobs affected by the crisis.

That said, the situation has led to a demand for new types of work: part-time jobs. The rise of the gig economy resulted in an increase in part-time jobs even before COVID-19, as more jobseekers, particularly millennials, opt to go freelance instead.

But part-time jobs have seen reinforced demand, especially amid today's unprecedented times. JobStreet and JobDB, the leading job portals in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, have all shown several part-time job listings in their respective countries. This suggests a new standard in the "new normal" way of working.

SEEK Asia recently revealed that searches for "part time" have grown in April compared to searches made between January to March, at 58.7% for Hong Kong and at 53.4% for the Philippines.

Are you ready to explore part-time employment? We weigh the pros and cons of taking on a part-time job, especially during COVID-19.

Advantages of taking on a part-time job

Gain experience from working with multiple employers.

Working for various employers at once means gaining a wide breadth of experience. This allows you to explore different roles, capacities, and team dynamics, which builds your skillset, an advantage that will pay off in your resume later on. Engaging in part-time work also increases your cash flow as opposed to the fixed rate of a full-time position.

Work from the comforts of home.

Many part-time jobs offer a remote or work-from-home arrangement, a useful setup as we continue to practice social distancing measures. Working from home has its benefits such as higher productivity, as you no longer spend hours commuting. It also allows you to work on other projects and devote time to personal interests and activities.

Develop and hone other skills.

With a variety of part-time positions available, you can wear several hats at once. Performing these roles and multitasking build skills that could be of value to your career. The more you apply for various jobs, the more your self-marketing abilities grow -- a handy talent to possess as you come across diverse employers.

Considerations when taking on a part-time job

Varying benefits or leave entitlements compared to full-time workers

Depending on the employer and the position being offered, a part-time job may vary in entitlements such as insurance plans and leave benefits. It is best to check the employer's offer first to know what they have on the table.

You do not have a rigid schedule

Flexibility goes two ways. On one hand, some jobseekers enjoy the idea of controlling their own time. On the other hand, there are those who are hesitant about not having a fixed 9-to-5 schedule. As many freelancers and part-time employees will attest, it is ultimately about determining a routine as well as committing to it.

As various companies and job roles face uncertainty from the COVID-19 situation, a part-time job could be a great way to stabilise your household income and keep yourself productive — it may even lead to unexpected career opportunities. Check out the growing list of immediate part-time job listings and apply today!

JobStreet has launched a COVID-19 Jobs and Resource Hub to offer guidance to both businesses and individuals through this crucial time.

By connecting candidates with over 48,000 hiring employers in Singapore, Jobstreet puts into action its strong conviction: that #TogetherAhead, we rise above our challenges.