Working partly
THE ADVENT of liberalisation and the legions of MNCs that are making inroads into the economy have transformed the manner, which the Indian job market works. Part time jobs are no longer sneered at. With the `home office' concept becoming a happy buzzword, multi-skilled, lateral thinking, self-starting and self-disciplined individuals working on two or more jobs have become more common. Thirty years of experience in a single field or function no longer guarantees success. Today, talented people want to be where the action is. Working on two or more jobs is a sure way to enrich your knowledge and widen the scope of your experience, cutting across a spectrum of functions.
Today, we have students, housewives, retired people and young executives opting for part time jobs. People may opt for such jobs for many reasons including gaining experience, spending time with family, personal interests and hobbies, flexible timing and of course, for extra cash. Whatever the reason, the following tips should help you get the best out of a part time job.
Find a job you enjoy or learn to enjoy the job you find
Generally, part time jobs are monetarily less rewarding than full time jobs. Job satisfaction and emotional gratification often play an important role for people who voluntarily opt for such jobs. There is more flexibility, and if money is only the icing on the cake, you are free to choose a job that you really enjoy. So go ahead, find out what you really enjoy and then find someone who pays you for doing just that!
If money tops the list of your priorities, you may often find the job less satisfying. That being the case, try to whip up some enthusiasm for the job. Appreciate the enjoyable part while doing the entire job responsibly and with sincerity. Concentrating on the enjoyable parts puts the whole job in better light.
Choose different jobs
If working on more than one job, make sure the second job is different from the first to avoid monotony. One of my friends works as a software programmer four days a week. The other three days, she volunteers as an aerobic instructor at the local club. The two jobs are as different as they can be, but they offer her an opportunity for mental and physical workouts. The complimentary nature of her part time jobs helps her maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Develop the ability to compartmentalise, whether you work on a part time or a full time job. Never ever carry the tensions and problems of one job to the next, or you will end up losing both.
The power of flexibility
Unlike full time jobs, part time jobs offer you the advantage of flexible timings, leaving you free to pursue other interests and hobbies. Use the time gainfully to further your knowledge in the area of your interest and expertise.
Be aggressive
Since you are interacting with colleagues and clients for less time than the average employee, you need to be more dynamic. Assert yourself and demonstrate your value. Part time employees are at a definite disadvantage when it comes to performance appraisals for promotions and pay raises. However, it does not absolve you of responsibility or commitment to organisational goals and objectives.
Less time at work does not necessarily mean less quality. Reinvent yourself and focus on building expertise in practice areas. These factors will help you when you are looking for a new job. Your employers may even be willing to upgrade you fulltime, when the opportunity arises.
Forge strong personal relationships
Part time workers often have less time to interact with co-workers. You may be treated as an outsider or looked upon differently because of this factor. Learn to be a team player and make a conscious attempt to interact.
Be focused and integrated
Working part time definitely slows down your career. You may be taking a break while you recuperate from an illness or you may be tied down with family considerations. If you intend returning to your career full time, it is necessary to be focused to your goals and integrate the current job into your overall scheme of things as regards the manner in which you would like your career to progress.
Part time jobs are an integral part of the job market today. The notion of work as we knew it has undergone a sea change in the last decade. Today, apart from the typical 9-5 workforce, we have people working at odd hours from their home offices and from different parts of the globe. Part time jobs have thus emerged as a viable means of working, in addition to providing benefits such as an improved morale and a way to supplement your income in these hard times of small workforces and smaller organisational life spans.
BINDU SRIDHAR
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