There are a variety of reasons why you would only want to work part-time as opposed to a full-time gig. Perhaps you’re a new mom looking to get back into the workforce, someone who has been out of work for a long time or maybe you have a reasonable amount of savings but just want something to do rather than stare at the walls all day!
Whatever the reason, don’t be fooled into thinking it is easier to find part-time jobs in Trinidad and Tobago than full-time work. Sure, there are plenty of companies offering reduced hours, but competition for these roles is arguably fiercer than full-time openings. As there are plenty of benefits, specially for students. If you want to go as a part time employee, you must be sharp and focused to get a part-time job and here is a quick guide to help you on your way.
Where to Find Part-Time Jobs?
Given the demand for part-time work, there are a variety of websites dedicated to showcasing part-time job openings. caribbeanjobs.com is the right place to find the part time job that suits your needs.
Research recruitment agencies in your area should help to find you a job. As Trinidad & Tobago has a vibrant tourism industry, part-time jobs are plentiful during vacation season.
What is Job sharing?
Job sharing is a unique form of part-time work that is gaining traction amongst industries. In essence, one full-time position is shared by two employees. There are numerous ways to work out the schedule. For example, you could do evenings, and your colleague can do mornings for example or else you could work on specific days. This could allow you to try on having 2 jobs , and gain experience in different industries.
When job sharing is used correctly, it is a win-win situation for the employees and employer. From your point of view, you benefit from flexible working, and you may have some of the protections afforded to full-time staff including vacation days, etc. (more on that below). From the employer’s perspective, they fill a role with two motivated individuals who offer a greater level of combined productivity than a solo operative could provide.
What Type of Part-Time Jobs Are Available?
In an economy that is geared towards flexible working, you could find part-time work in practically every field. Major industries such as finance and healthcare are seeking more part-time employees as it suits their bottom line better than hiring a slew of unmotivated full-time operatives only interested in their weekly paycheck.
Nonetheless, some industries are more slanted towards part-time work than others including:
RETAIL
Working in the retail sector could mean anything from operating the checkout at your local supermarket to helping customers find items in a clothing store. It is one of the easiest part-time jobs to find in Trinidad and Tobago because few companies require staff with experience. They recognize that retail is an industry with high staff turnover and organizations are always hiring around vacation season. You will face severe competition, and most companies expect you to work weekends, but it is a way to get your foot in the door.
BAR WORK
Trinidad and Tobago is known for its party atmosphere, so there is no shortage of bars looking for talented recruits. Again, experience is not a pre-requisite as you’ll learn on the job and duties include serving drinks, dreaming up awesome cocktails and cleaning up after revelers. One downside is the likelihood of late nights at work.
SERVICE INDUSTRY
This is another sector with high staff turnover, but this only means there is the potential for promotion if you stick around long enough. You will work as a waiter/waitress at entry level but can work your way up to management level within a couple of years.
However, as we mentioned above, the list of industries seeking part-time employees has grown significantly in the last few years. Other potential reduced hours roles include:
• Child minding
• Accounting
• IT
• Digital Media & Ecommerce
• Health & Fitness (Personal Trainer)
• Speech & Language Therapy
• Marketing & PR
What Kind of Rights Do I Have as a Part-Time Employee?
The days of part-time staff being treated like indentured servants are long gone. We urge you not to accept any role where your rights are minimal because you are entitled to a lot more. Those who are new to part-time work should pay attention to their statutory employment rights:
• You should receive the same rights of pay as full-time employees.
• You are entitled to the same training as full-time workers.
• You should receive your vacation entitlement ‘pro rata’ compared to full-time staff. For example, if you work 3 full days a week instead of 5, you should receive 60% of a full-time colleague’s vacation hours.
• Your employer should make rights such as contractual and parental leave and career break schemes available to part-time staff.
• If your company needs to make employees redundant, part-time staff should be treated in the same way as their full-time counterparts. In other words, you shouldn’t be made redundant just because you are a part-time worker.
Step up to get your part time job!
While the number of part-time jobs available in Trinidad and Tobago is increasing, so is the level of competition. You can’t expect work to come to your doorstep; you have to be proactive and find opportunities that match your career path. If you are new to the workforce, perhaps you should get your start in the retail or service sectors. However, if you are fully qualified in a sector such as finance or healthcare, you can find plenty of jobs available on www.caribbeanjobs.com.
