Working part-time

As more and more people look for flexibility in the workplace and a better work life balance, the availability of part-time work may increase. One of the important things to consider is the difference between the various options.

• Regular part-time work - generally means you work for one organisation and have reasonably predictable hours. While working less than full-time employees, you may enjoy similar entitlements and earn (on a pro rata basis) comparable pay to people doing the same tasks.
• Casual employment - generally offers less security as each period you work, even if for the same company, is seen as a separate period of service. You will not usually be entitled to things such as sick leave, annual leave or long service leave but you may be paid a little more to off-set these entitlements.
• As a contractor – you’re effectively running your own small business (usually as a sole trader). Depending on how much you earn, you may have to register for GST.
• Job sharing - usually means one full-time role is shared between two employees. In most cases you can enjoy the same rights as a regular part-time employee.

You can find more information about your rights at work at:

The Australian Human Rights Commission website or call 
1300 656 419.

The ACTU website Your rights at work.

The right part-time job may be the one you’re in! If you’re interested in working part-time, you don't want to wind up doing the same work for less pay but your boss may also not want to lose you.

You may want to first float the idea before formally discussing it. The best way to negotiate with someone can be to put yourself in their position. What does your employer/manager want? How can you help them achieve it by working part-time?

If you’re looking for a part-time job and can't negotiate this change with your current employer then, along with the usual methods, there are some organisations that specialise in finding part-time work.

Part Time Online specialises in areas such as job sharing, and runs a service to help match you with a potential job share partner. Day work specialises in part-time work, short term contract work and temporary employment for mums.

Never underestimate the value of personal networking. The fact is, many jobs may never be advertised. You may wish to ask your friends and family if they know anyone in the industries that interest you.

Other sources of job prospects include the following:

• Job Search is the Federal Government's online search engine of available jobs.

Private job search sites include:

• Career one
• My Career
• Now Hiring
• Seek
• JobServe
• Part-time Online
• Day work

State and territory assistance
The following links are for portals that provide access to the relevant employment information for your state or territory:

• Victoria online
• NSW
• ACT
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Western Australia

If you’ve found a part-time job you enjoy, then it’s important to make the most of it. Working part-time either in the office or from home does bring with it some special challenges.

Tips for working part time

• Establish the ground rules concerning your hours and expected level of productivity and get them in writing.
• Ensure your circumstances have been adequately communicated to your colleagues. You don't want other workers being resentful when you leave 'early'.
• You may need to network, but make sure you don't spend your working hours 'catching up' on the office gossip. You may only do this as often as your colleagues, but combined with your flexible hours this may lead to the wrong perception of your performance.
• Seek regular feedback and performance appraisals.
• Where possible, make sure you don't miss important staff meetings.
• Make sure you don't do the same work as a full-time employee for half the salary.

Tips for working from home

• Establish the ground rules concerning your hours and expected level of productivity and get them in writing.
• Make sure you’re available during the hours when your key colleagues/suppliers and customers would expect you to be.
• Structure your day and be disciplined, make sure a quick cuppa doesn't end up being the midday movie.
• Avoid being isolated. Communicate with your colleagues regularly (without annoying them) and attend work and industry events.
• Ensure there is separation between your work and home life.

Moving into work part-time will be an adjustment and there’ll be financial considerations as well.

For some people this may be part of a Transition to Retirement Strategy. Read more about planning retirement.

Others may be just starting back in the workforce or cutting down for other reasons. Either way some tips to consider include:

Have a plan – one of the best ways to make the most of your new salary is to have a plan. For more information see your money.

Build your assets - whether you’re accumulating capital through a superannuation plan, savings plan or other investment vehicle, the sooner you start and the longer you can invest the better.