A temporary and part-time job may sound similar, but the concepts around them are quite different.
In addition to their employment contract length, these two types of jobs differ in their organizational roles.
Wondering what the difference between temporary and part-time jobs is? This article answers your questions and reviews both job types.
What is a temporary job?
A temporary job is one in which an employer requires someone to fill a specific role for a limited time.
This form of employment is mostly utilized to temporarily fill in for a full-time employee who cannot currently be at work due to valid reasons.
Some of these reasons include being on a 3-6 month sabbatical, on 3-month parental leave for new mothers, or undergoing health rehabilitation for employees who suffered accidents.
What is a part-time job?
A part-time job is a type of work that has fewer weekly hours than a full-time position.
Part-time jobs are usually done in shifts that rotate. If workers regularly clock in under 30 hours a week, they are considered part-time.
There are several reasons to work part-time, including personal desire or time limits set by the company. It is also possible to work part-time due to the lack of full-time employment.
Less than 30-35 hours a week are often needed for part-time work; however, this can vary greatly depending on the business. It can also vary based on the position and the employer-employee agreement.
Finding part-time work that fits your schedule might be challenging due to the many options available.
Is a temporary job the same as a part-time job?
No, a temporary job is not the same as a part-time job as it can also involve working full-time hours.
Temporary jobs differ from part-time jobs because they are contract-based and the terms of how long you will be working are in the agreement.
For part-time employment, you continue working until you willfully resign or have your employment terminated.
Temporary vs. part-time job: What are their differences?
The same rules that would apply to full-time employees also apply to part-time employees. They are regarded as employees of that business and are eligible for employee benefits.
However, temporary workers are frequently hired by companies that allocate them to temporary jobs.
Temporary employees typically receive fewer benefits than part-time employees such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings.
Sometimes, part-time jobs offer the chance of full-time employment to high-performing employees.
In contrast, temporary employees have a set period of employment and are unlikely to become full-time employees.
A part-time employee may be hired on a temporary or permanent basis. If permanent, they have a set schedule and are employed permanently.
A temporary employee, in contrast, doesn’t have a set schedule and is only employed for a certain period.
What are the advantages of temporary jobs?
1. Provides full-time employment opportunities
Doing a good job as a temporary worker can lead to bigger and better opportunities for you and even a full-time job.
This is why you should never adopt a “just passing through” mentality when working a temporary job.
2. Offers flexible hiring requirements
Some firms looking to hire temporary workers are eager to fill the position immediately.
This frequently results in some tolerance in the hiring criteria, thereby improving your chances of finding employment faster.
3. Makes you money
Even if it is only for a short time, having temporary employment ensures you are paid.
In this manner, you can continue to support yourself financially and maintain your independence while looking for a more long-term solution.
4. Connects you with other professionals
In the world of business, networking is crucial. The importance of networking in your pursuit of success cannot be overstated. Offering temporary assistance can help you grow your network of dependable connections and referrals.
5. Enhances your resume
While seeking a permanent job, you can fill in the time gaps on your CV by taking on temporary positions.
Your professional history section on your CV will be more comprehensive when you eventually apply for a full-time position.
6. Helps you gain experience
You can develop your technical skills by working as a temp.
Additionally, you can apply for a temporary position in your field of expertise to hone the talents you already have. You can also choose a different field to learn new skills.
7. May offer flexible work schedules
Since many temp jobs are just part-time, there will be extra time for other pursuits. This time can be used to focus on your search for a long-term job, develop your skills by taking an online course, or launch a side business.
What are the disadvantages of temporary jobs?
1. A lack of job security
If you have a temporary contract, you cannot access job security or benefits. A temporary job could last anywhere from a couple of days to a month, occasionally much longer.
You will also be asked to leave if your contract expires and you are no longer needed there. This means you can be abruptly left without a job and a means of financial support.
Once your present temporary employment ends, you might be able to locate another one, but there’s a low chance that one will quickly come along that requires an immediate start.
2. Pay grade lower than average
Temporary jobs may result in you working the same hours at a lower pay grade than the other permanent team members.
Also, people employed by the company on a long-term basis may have the opportunity to advance in pay grade.
3. Career progress is unlikely
Because you won’t be there long enough, your chances of moving up the career ladder while working a temporary job are quite slim.
Additionally, since you are not a permanent employee, you most likely won’t be given the chance to advance.
This might be demoralizing since you might exert the same effort and commitment—if not more—yet remain unacknowledged.
4. Feeling out of place in the team
You can have difficulty integrating with your new team because you’ve only been a member for a brief period and won’t be there for long.
Not all workplaces do this, and the behavior of permanent employees may be welcoming to you.
Being left out of staff meetings during the day may also be a difficulty you encounter while working as a temp.
Much important business information that is off-limits to anyone not on the team will be discussed during these meetings.
When such meetings hold, you may be required to complete a task to divert your presence from the meeting.
FAQs
How many hours are you required to work in a temporary job?
Normal working hours for temporary employees may get to 48 hours per week.
You also have access to rest periods that last at least 11 hours each day after closing business and at least 24 hours after a week of work.
Can you work two temporary jobs?
Yes, you can work two jobs as a temporary worker, depending on their schedule. A temporary job is no different from part-time or full-time employment.
What site can you get temporary jobs on?
You can find temporary jobs on numerous online platforms like Talent.com, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.
Conclusion
There’s a strong possibility that you’ve considered working temporarily, whether you’re just starting your career or are a seasoned employee.
It’s important to recognize the distinction between part-time and temporary employment when working in this capacity.
While it’s certainly true that the two are similar, there are still some basic differences between them.
For example, while you can work a temporary job using the same hours as a part-time or full-time job, they do not offer full employment benefits.
Additionally, temporary jobs are contract-based and limited to a short duration, while part-time jobs have no end date.
In fact, you have a better chance of being a full-time employee from a part-time job than from a temporary job. Are you a temporary or part-time worker and would like to know if you can work more than two jobs?
Here’s all you need to know about adding another job to your part-time job and how to cope with the stress.
I hope you found this article helpful.
Thanks for reading.
