DISADVANTAGES OF WORKING PART TIME

Possible exploitation by your employer. Go to your department of labour office or speak to your union if you suspect this is taking place. Insist on an employment contract and speak to your employer or HR department if you believe your workload exceeds what was agreed on in the contract.

You’re protected by the law and can turn to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) or the courts if you’re unable to resolve matters with your employer.

You’ll earn less than people doing similar full-time work.

The employment benefits can be minimal compared with full-time jobs.

You may feel excluded by a lack of involvement in the workplace.

You may feel stressed by the need to “keep up” with your full-time counterparts. Worry can be fuelled by your desire to stay competitive or thinking you have the same workload but less time to do it. It’s vital to consider the expectations of the job, its responsibilities and the amount of time allowed for it.

You’ll have to set firm boundaries when it comes to your workload.

You may be excluded from careeradvancement opportunities or perks such as trips. But you’re entitled to the same training and courses available to full-time workers.

It could be more difficult to obtain finance from banks.