Oct 30, 2008 1:28 pm US/Eastern
Professional Part-Time Work Opportunities Growing
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
It's in the news nearly every day: companies are letting workers go. Although many of those people would like to find a new, full-time position, they might have more luck if they consider something part-time. They might also be surprised how the opportunities for part-time work have evolved.
It is estimated that about six million workers would like to work full-time, but cannot find 40 hour a week positions.
"In a tough economy, some companies are more open to hiring part timers because they don't want to hire a full time person, but they have that work in front of them that needs to be done," said human resource expert John Challenger.
There are people right now who are working part-time because they don't have a choice. But for others, it's an effort to balance their lives.
Jessica Smith is new mother. "I was looking for something flexible and family friendly and it's important that I retain a professional title." She is now working 20 hours a week as an executive at a computer start up.
A growing number of agencies are now specializing in part-time work for professionals. "
10 til 2" has more than 14,000 job listings. The average placement is for 16 hours a week.
"We are finding part-time works almost across all industries, from a small home-based business to a large corporation," said Jill Alter, a founding member of "10 til 2".
John Challenger said this trend goes well beyond parents looking for time with their kids, or those workers who were recently laid off. "Part-time work allows people to explore new fields, to basically not be tied down to a single place."
Giving up hours can obviously come with consequences. For example, only 32% of part-time workers in the private sector have access to retirement benefits; only 24% have health benefits.
Jill Alter points out additional challenges. "The biggest thing is that you're not always there to answer the phone when somebody calls." She says that means you have to let co-workers and clients know your schedule ahead of time.
Several firms specialize in part-time professional placements. They include:
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