Part-Time Job Vs. Full-Time Job

Basic understanding of full-time jobs

There is no exact definition available for the term “full-time job.” But, according to the FLSA (Fair Labour Standards Act), the range of working hours for any employee should be maintained within 32-40 hrs (per week) by the employer. These are the main criteria used for differentiating jobs as full-time or part-time. But, there are various other specifications available for defining full-time jobs. These specifications vary with respect to the different government departments. 

One of the most important things to be remembered while having the respective discussion by considering the above-mentioned criteria, specifications, and definitions, is that these are not legally binding.

But, what if an employee works more than 40 hrs? This situation is referred to as “Overtime,” and the employer has to pay the employee for the extra hours accordingly.

Usually, many companies keep their working hours around 35 hours, but some high demanding jobs can raise their bar to 40 hrs.

Basic understanding of part-time jobs

It’s a no-brainer. If the employee works less than the hours demanded from a full-time employee, the employee is said to be working for a part-time job. We understand the respective definition is not a solid as concrete, but there isn’t one. The employee has to work accordingly, depending on the instructions given by the employer. The part-time workers are usually assigned with the task and deadlines and decided to depend upon the amount of work given, making it easy for them to work according to their convenience.

The differences under various factors: schedule, hours, income, job security.

Schedule of a Part-time worker

One of the most important things about a part-time worker’s schedule is its flexibility. The more flexible a schedule is the less stress on the employee. Part-time workers generally have more flexible schedules, where some days they might work for 3 hrs and on other days they might work for 8 hrs. Also, night shifts, known as rotating shifts, are very common for high production businesses.

The flexibility provides an advantage for employees who are currently studying or are working two to three jobs simultaneously, as they can handle their studies, job, and other activities properly. 

Schedule of a Full-time job 

Compared to the schedule of a part-time worker, the schedule for full-time workers is not flexible as they have to work for long and fixed hours. Generally, they have to work from Monday to Friday (5 days a week), 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Full-time jobs demand more working hours.

Working hours of a Part-time worker

The total number of working hours usually for a part-time employee is under 32 hours (per week). If necessary, employers can make them work for 32 hours a week when they have a high demand for the workforce. This is not compulsory because when there is no or less amount of work to be done, employees can easily work around 15 hours per week. The amount of working hours depends upon the demand. Part-time jobs usually have fewer working hours.

The working hour of a Full-time worker

The total number of working hours for a full-time worker is between 32 to 40 hours per week. They are supposed to work for at least 32 hours per week. The amount of manpower demanded from a full-time worker is more as compared to a part-time worker. When the demand increases, they also work overtime or on Saturdays to compensate for the extra work. Overtime is considered when the total number of working hours for a week exceeds the 40 hours limit. Full-time jobs demand your time, and you have to be available for the whole week to perform your duties properly.

Income of a Part-time worker

The income generated by a part-time worker can be less, more, or even equal to that of a full-time worker. The amount of income generated depends upon the work that you provide to the respective organization. If the value of your services is rated at a high price in the general market, you will get a decent salary. For part-time workers, the working hours or the number of days, you provided your services are considered while deciding the salary. In some cases, a lump sum amount is also paid at the end of the contract. 

Income of a Full-time employee

In general, full-time workers earn more, but exceptions are always there. Full-time workers generally get salaries at the end of each monthly cycle. These salaries are independent of the working hours put in by workers (32-40 hours per week). Also, overtime payments, bonuses, and other incentives are given to hard-working employees. 

The job security of a Part-time job 

A part-time job is not considered as secured as they usually are for a defined period of time. Mostly it is considered that a part-time worker doesn’t get benefits such as a pension, insurance, health cover, and other stuff. Still, it is not valid for all cases, and part-timer workers also get paid well and receive bonuses, incentives, and other benefits.

The job security of a Full-time worker

Full-time jobs are considered secured as they usually are permanent opportunities. There are various benefits received when workers decide to leave their job, such as a pension, lump sum money, insurance, health cover, etc. These jobs usually demand a lot of work but rewards accordingly. Also, an organization has to provide a notice period of three months if they decide to remove an employee.

But in cases of termination, when an employee is forced to leave or resign due to any unprofessional reason, the respective organization can ask the employee to leave on that very day without providing any notice period or any compensation (for both part-time as well as full-time jobs).

Taxes and Benefits.

In both cases, if you are a part-time worker or a full-time worker, you are supposed to pay income taxes and other taxes regularly. Income taxes and other taxes are a way to show gratitude to your country for providing such beautiful opportunities to you, and you should pay them with full honesty. Diving into Gray areas just to save a few bucks or hoarding black money is not worth it and has always landed people into bad places. Be careful and honest with your country.

Both part-time and full-time jobs provide benefits. For example, part-time jobs have flexibility in the schedule. As discussed above, they allow you to handle many things simultaneously. At the same time, full-time jobs provide job security and provide you with other benefits such as insurance, health cover, pension after resignation, etc.

Benefits and downsides of having a part-time employee

Employment at a Lower budget 

Part-time employees generally work for lower salaries as compared to salaries paid to full-time workers for the same job. The money saved can be used for the development of the respective organization. 

Freedom 

Hiring can be done in situations where the available working staff cannot successfully finish the work provided to them. The part-timer can come in and finish the extra work under the decided time. This allows the employer the freedom to an employee only in situations when they need the extra worker the most and ultimately save money as they don’t have to pay them once the work is completed.

Downsides of having part-time employees

Issues on commitment 

Part-time employees have to manage many things simultaneously as they also have other responsibilities such as studies, exams, other part-time jobs, etc. There are cases when a part-timer worker cannot properly commit to their work. This situation can sometimes lead to delays and unwanted losses. 

Lack of experience

Part-time employees usually are not as experienced as full-time workers. They spend fewer hours working, leaving them incapable of understanding the gravity of some situations. Extra time has to be invested in making them realize the seriousness of the work. Also, lack of experience can lead to a disability for handling intense situations without proper guidance. Constant mentoring is required for part-time workers having less experience. 

Lack of Professionalism 

Lack of experience and inability to handle tough situations can lead to inconsistent work (considered unprofessional). The employer has to be cool-headed and should have the ability to handle and deal with inconsistent work as it takes time for part-time workers to gain experience and deliver work to the best of their abilities.

Benefits and downsides of having a full-time employee

Honest and loyal

Full-time workers are honest with their work and can be trusted with important responsibilities. They are considered loyal employees as they deliver work within the time limits provided to them. Full-time workers are devoted to their work as they don’t have to spend their energy, time, concentration, and creativity on various other things.

Professionalism

They are consistent with their work and act professionally as they have the required experience and the knowledge to deal with any difficult situations without any guidance or mentoring.

Productivity 

Full-time workers realize the importance of the work and especially the importance of completing it before deadlines making them more productive as compared to a part-time worker who still has to learn to respect deadlines. Full-time workers are considered to be more productive as they are able to invest more hours without getting distracted, hence, increasing the quality of their work.

Downsides of having full-time workers

Budget

Full-time workers are provided with many expensive packages compared to their counterparts, taking a toll on the organization’s budget. They are often paid handsomely, and also, the extra bonuses, insurance, health covers, and pension plans take a huge chunk out of the budget.

Personal life

Sometimes, full-time workers get so dedicated to their work that they forget to take some time out for their families. Usually, families can understand the situation, and they act accordingly. But, if the respective condition is not handled properly, it can lead to a tense situation within the family. Also, in a situation where a full-time worker reaches a point in their career where they cannot see any more potential growth due to any reason, can lead to unwanted situations and result in the person leaving or changing their job.

Conflicts

Conflicts can occur in any management of an organization. But it is important to realize the importance of dealing with them properly. Often the full-time worker who is working for a very long time for the same organization can have conflicts with their colleagues or higher management, leading to an unhealthy workplace both for the worker and for others. The human resource department should consult such members, solve their problems, and provide them with a comfortable environment to work in.