Is Working Part Time the Right Choice For You?

More people are working part time than ever before, and a large chunk of part time workers are mums who want to keep on their career path, while still being able to shuttle their kids to ballet lessons and football practice.

A part time work arrangement may seem packed with perks, but there are some downsides to consider too.

• ​When you are working fewer hours, you will, of course, make less money. Draw up a budget based on 3 months or so of your actual living expenses - including costs such as childcare and commuting - and make sure you can still balance your budget. Also remember the impact on your future pension and your ability to save if you work part time rather than full time.

• You may not be eligible for certain benefits that a full time job would give you. Check your entitlements before signing on the dotted line. 

• A significant proportion of mothers gladly choose to ‘trade down’ their careers while their children are young. There is certainly no shame in choosing to downshift - it’s what’s right for you and your family that matters. You do need to go into it with your eyes open, though. Once you’ve downshifted, it can be tricky to climb back up several years later. If advancing in your career is important to you, take the time to explore your employer’s track record on career progression for part time workers.

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• It might be hard to disengage when you leave the office - either out of guilt or plain old conscientiousness. Make sure you set clear boundaries on your time, and don’t end up working on your days off simply because you are worried about dropping the ball or letting people down.

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• You might find some colleagues are resentful. No matter how many hours you are on the job, there is still a perception that part-timers don't work as hard and are not as committed to their careers as people who work full time. 

 
If you are thinking about working part-time, look at both the pros and the cons before deciding if it is the right choice for you. 

​Another option you might consider is working full time, but asking for some flexibility. This might be the flexibility to work from home for one or two days a week, the flexibility to start late and finish late, or the flexibility to take unpaid leave to cope with emergencies. Flexibility might not be enough for you, as you may definitely need part time hours, but it will be a lot easier to negotiate - especially in very senior roles.

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong - it’s a matter of choosing a work arrangement that will work best for you and your family.




Melanie Fieseler is Director at Work Happy Mums, the go-to resource for return-to-work professional women and career advancers. We're building a better future for working mothers and the organisations they work for. Join our community and help both our families and businesses thrive. 

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