What is a Part Time Job?
In general terms, a part-time job is any form of employment where you work less than 35 hours a week although most roles of this nature involve no more than 21 hours a week. If you work part-time, it could mean that you are part of a flexible working scheme such as half days or rotating rosters.
Although part-time work is available in ‘high end’ organizations in Trinidad and Tobago, you normally need to be an existing employee to take advantage. Most part-time work involving employment in ‘casual’ work such as barman, waiter or cleaner. However, there are an increasing number of openings in fields such as Customer Service, Sales, Administration, Medical & Healthcare and Education.
Who Is Best Suited to This Type of Employment?
First and foremost, part-time work is a good option for anyone who is currently struggling to find a job in Trinidad. As well as earning enough money to pay the bills, you could also gain valuable experience in your chosen field which increases your chances of gaining full-time employment in the future. Who knows; if you perform well enough, your existing employer might bump you up to full-time hours!
It is especially useful for students who need to boost their bank account to further their education. New parents returning after a pregnancy might also prefer part-time work as a means of dipping their toe back into the workforce waters.
Above all, you must be flexible if you want to work part-time because, in all likelihood, you won’t have a set weekly roster. You might have to work four-hour shifts with the days changing on a regular basis for example. Before taking on a part-time role, do a monthly budget to calculate your monthly expenditure and see if you can afford to work less than full-time hours.
Pros of Part Time Work
• A majority of employers willingly accept candidates with little or no experience becoming this their first job experience.
• You have more free time than full-time workers which you can use to continue your education or seek a better role.
• It is relatively easy to find part-time roles during holiday periods. For example, organizations in the retail sector are always seeking extra staff during Christmas.
• Although the hourly wage might not be high in the service industry, you can boost your income with tips.
• Part-time work gives you the opportunity to sharpen your skills. You can learn how to take the initiative, lead a team and solve problems.
• An increasing number of part-time jobs offer similar benefits to their full-time counterparts on a pro-rata basis.
• You could take on another part-time role to supplement your income.
• Depending on your rate, the gap between part-time and full-time earnings could be smaller than you think as you’ll pay a lower amount of tax when working part-time.
Cons of Part Time Work
• You obviously earn a lot less money so a part-time job might not be enough to cover your bills.
• The hours are inconsistent, you’ll have to work weekends in certain sectors, and competition is intense. You can’t plan more than a week away as your hours and days will probably change.
• The retail and service industries, in particular, involve long hours, late nights and angry customers. These jobs are exhausting during busy periods.
• Most employers offer part-time workers minimum wages only, and casual work typically doesn’t include benefits.
• You may feel as if the job doesn’t offer any clear opportunities for career progression.
• You could be forced to work in a field that is not your area of expertise.
Common Part Time Job Roles
RETAIL
It is one of the easiest industries to work in if you have no experience. In most cases, if you hand the person in charge a resume with a smile on your face during a busy time of the year in Trinidad and Tobago, the job is yours! It normally involves working in a shop or department store where you keep stock replenished and serve customers.
SERVICE INDUSTRY
This includes bar and restaurant work, and in one of these roles, you are expected to deal with members of the public in a polite and professional manner. You might have to work longer shifts with late hours and weekends part and parcel of bar work in particular. On the plus side, you might receive an income boost in the form of tips if you’re very good at your job.
ACCOUNTANT
In this role, you prepare an individual or company’s accounts to provide them with an overview of their financial status. As smaller organizations in Barbados, St. Lucia and other countries record fewer transactions, they tend to hire accountants on a part-time basis. You are especially in demand during tax season.
HAIR & BEAUTY
This could mean work as a Hairdresser, Makeup Artist, Massage Therapist or Stylist. Although it is a highly competitive industry, it is also one area where you could work on a self-employed basis. Choose your clients, hours and rate!
TEACHING
Schools in Trinidad and Tobago regularly seek substitute teachers when one of their full-time staff members is out sick or on vacation. It is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and also to discover if a career as a teacher is right for you.
AGE OF FLEXIBLE WORKING
There is no longer a stigma attached to working part-time as we now live in an age of flexible working. As well as maintaining a good work/life balance, part-time work allows you to gain skills that employers demand and prepare yourself for a long-term role with better hours and prospects. If you can afford to take a reduced salary, it is a welcome opportunity to de-stress as you can use the free time to relax or to do something productive.
