Supplement your income with a part-time job

"Should I get a part-time job?"

"How can I supplement my income?"

"What part-time job would work best for me?"

If you've asked yourself these questions over the past few months, now is the perfect time to start exploring part-time job opportunities. This guide will help you identify positions that may be a good fit for you and share some skills you'll want to develop and highlight on your resume. You can earn extra money, expand your network, and increase your skill set.

Top reasons for pursuing part-time work

Part-time work can be an intelligent solution if you're looking for extra work to boost your income or need more flexibility in your schedule. Get to know the current trends in the part-time job market and discover some of the most common part-time jobs that fit your skill set.

Popular part-time jobs

No matter your skill set, you can land a part-time job that furthers your career or pads your wallet. Take a closer look at some of the most common part-time jobs.

Retail sales associate

About one-third of retail sales associates work part-time, making this one of the more common part-time jobs in a traditional workplace. The average retail associate earns a median hourly wage of about $15.35 per hour, but those in specialized stores typically earn more. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects average job growth for this field, which means this position will continue to be a smart bet for many part-time workers.

Food service worker

About half of food service workers are employed part-time, and the job market for this industry is likely to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Serving, bartending, and hosting positions are also popular choices for part-time workers. If you're considering a job in this field, keep in mind that servers tend to earn the most, while fast-food employees typically earn the least in this field.

Writer or editor

Writers and editors with degrees in English, journalism, or communications are excellent candidates for part-time jobs, especially if they're creative and determined. Full-time writers earn a median salary of about $81,000 per year. Part-time freelance writers and editors can often work outside of standard business hours.

From the rise of the gig economy to the increase in contract work to the growth of traditional part-time jobs, the nation's workforce is evolving rapidly. Whether you're a motivated entrepreneur or you want to supplement your income, you can find or create a part-time job to help achieve your goals. Create a CareerBuilder profile today to quickly find the best part-time job for your needs.

Reasons for pursuing part-time work

Tens of millions of Americans work part-time jobs or in positions that require less than 35 hours of work per week. Their reasons for working part-time vary, but a few common themes stand out.

While high school and college students often pursue part-time jobs to pay for tuition, many retirees work part-time to supplement the cost of living expenses. At the same time, millions of entry-level and mid-level professionals work part-time to supplement their household income, especially when full-time jobs or permanent positions in their field aren't available. According to a recent study in Forbes, salary increases still aren't keeping pace with inflation. To maintain their preferred standard of living, some professionals seek part-time side jobs in addition to their full-time positions.

Some professionals approach part-time jobs as opportunities to learn new skills and gain experience in a different field. If you need to pad out your resume to land a major promotion or if you're considering a career change, a part-time job could provide just the experience you're seeking.

"Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." — Oprah Winfrey

The future of the gig economy and the part-time landscape

One of the most visible and significant ways the part-time landscape is changing is the rise of the gig economy. This new method of working requires professionals to bid for one-off jobs, temporary contracts, or short-term assignments. Those making a living in the gig economy might take on several different jobs daily, weekly, or monthly.

The gig economy first emerged via online platforms like Elance, which allows programmers, writers, and designers to bid for short-term jobs from clients around the world. Over the past several years, this emerging economy has expanded quickly.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, the gig economy could be just the sort of part-time work you've been dreaming about. In this economy, you can take on as much or as little work as you want and create your own part-time professional empire if you so desire.

Qualities and skills you'll need to excel at your part-time job

Just as the nature of part-time employment varies from position to position, so do the necessary attributes and skills required. Here are some standard skills that can help you perform better at almost any part-time job:

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Good interpersonal and customer service skills
Good adaptability
Consistent dependability
Strong motivation

As a part-time employee, do your best to add value to your organization. Part-time workers don't always feel 100% invested in their employer, but a simple change of mindset can pave the way toward going out of your way to do your best on the job and perhaps turning a part-time job into a full-time permanent position.