Charlotte Grainger 
Thinking of going part time? Check out our pros and cons before taking the plunge
The pure joy of downing tools on a Wednesday, knowing you won't be back until the following Monday, never gets old. As does wearing a rather smug grin as you leave work, trilling, “See you in five days time!” – is this a dream, or a reality for you? The advantages of part-time employment may seem glaringly obvious, but what about its disadvantages? Let's take a look at both sides of the story.
What is part-time employment?
With full time employment being seen as working roughly 35 hours a week, part-time employment is anything below that, i.e. between one and 34 hours a week. However, working part time is not the same as flexi-time, working a 4-day week, or adopting the 9/80 work schedule.
It's also worth noting that part-time workers should receive the same rights as full-time employees with regard to pay (which is pro-rata – i.e. your wages are proportionate to the amount of hours worked versus a full time position), holiday and pension entitlements, training, and career development.
Part-time vs fractional work
Additionally, there's a new kid in town – fractional employment.
While part-time work is with one company, fractional work is similar to being freelance or undertaking contract work. It allows someone to work for numerous employers, selling their time or skills to the right buyer.
The advantages of part-time employment
So why should you only work part-time? If you're thinking about cutting down your hours, it's worth considering the benefits of part-time work. Let's take a look at some of them below:
Better work-life balance
Since the pandemic, a more fluid way of working has emerged. Many workers left the workplace altogether, especially those in the 50-65 age bracket.
Of the 58% of them considering a return to work, 32% said the most important factor was landing a job that offered flexible working hours. Working part time does just that, giving you that freedom to earn some money, while also leaving you with enough hours in the week to enjoy other adventures.
Lower stress levels
We all know that work can be stressful at times. Knowing that you only have to work, say, two or three days a week, means you have the other days to chill out and recuperate. It doesn't end there. Research suggests that part-time workers benefit from an overall lower stress level.
Gentle easing back into work
If you've been out of work for a while, starting out again in a part-time role is a great way of easing yourself back in. Among the benefits of working part time is being able to take the time out to pursue your hobbies and interests, while still getting a better sense of where you want to take your career without too much pressure.
The disadvantages of part-time employment
It's not all rainbows and unicorns though. When you decide to become a part-time worker, there are some clear disadvantages. Let's take a look at the main ones below:
Drop in wages
We all know that the fewer hours you work, the less you'll get paid, so one major disadvantage of part-time employment is accepting a lower salary. This is just a fact of life, and it's worth ensuring your finances can cope with this if you do take the leap into part-time employment.
Time management discrepancies
Another one of the disadvantages of part-time employment is managing your time wisely, and not trying to cram five days worth of work into, say, three days. This is especially true if you've gone part time in a role you previously did full time.
Potential stalling of your career
Want to advance in your career? The brutal truth and unwritten rule is that part-time employment can hurt your professional image, as you're likely to be seen as being less committed than those employees who work full time.
This obviously isn't fair. Employers should treat all employees the same, but that simply doesn't happen in the real world, so be aware.
Work the hours that work for you
Now you've got the lowdown on the advantages and disadvantages of part-time employment, and insight into other flexible working patterns, you're ready to decide which style of working suits you best. Stride forth into a new role that has the work-life balance you deserve!
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This article was originally written by Elizabeth Openshaw and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.